NGL Column Reconfiguration for Flexible Ethane Recovery and Rejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional natural gas processing systems are inefficient when operating outside their design parameters, particularly in selectively recovering or rejecting ethane, and are limited in processing natural gas with variable composition and throughput rates.
Innovation Solution
A natural gas liquids processing system configured with a heat exchanger and a single column having multiple isolated portions, allowing for selective ethane recovery or rejection configurations, where the system can cool and heat streams to control ethane distribution between different portions of the column, optimizing ethane recovery and rejection based on configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional natural gas processing systems operate outside their design parameters to selectively reject ethane, then ethane rejection capability is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration of the separation column between ethane recovery and ethane rejection modes through valve manipulation. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to switch operational configurations in response to varying feed gas compositions and market conditions, resolving the contradiction between versatility and efficiency by enabling optimal performance across different operating scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including temperature, pressure, and flow rates to optimize performance for either ethane recovery or rejection. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system maintains high operational efficiency while adapting to different ethane handling requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional natural gas processing systems process natural gas with variable composition, then processing flexibility is improved, but system limitations are exceeded causing inefficiency or impossibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational configuration based on feed gas composition variations. Through real-time monitoring and reconfiguration of the separation column, the system maintains reliable operation across varying natural gas compositions from conventional and unconventional sources, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both lean natural gas (conventional) and rich natural gas (unconventional) compositions. The separation column can operate in multiple modes (ethane recovery and rejection) making it universally applicable to different feed gas types, thus resolving the contradiction between processing flexibility and system reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional natural gas processing systems operate at variable throughput rates, then throughput flexibility is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts flow rates and operational parameters to maintain efficiency across varying throughput conditions. By manipulating valves and adjusting the separation column operation in real-time, the system achieves both throughput flexibility and maintained operational efficiency, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves high propane recovery (90-99%) during ethane rejection and 40-70% ethane recovery while maintaining flexibility across varying gas compositions and throughput rates, enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
cooling a feed stream comprising methane, ethane, and propane in a heat exchanger to a temperature below a dew point of the feed gas to yield a chilled feed stream
Implementation Method 2
heating a first portion bottom stream in the heat exchanger to yield a heated first portion bottom stream
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a natural gas liquids processing (NGL) system, the system being selectively configured in either an ethane rejection configuration or an ethane recovery configuration, the method comprising, when the NGL system is in the ethane rejection configuration, collecting a reboiler bottom stream that, in the ethane rejection configuration, includes ethane in an amount of less than 5% by volume, and when the NGL system is in the ethane recovery configuration, collecting a reboiler bottom stream that, in the ethane recovery configuration, includes ethane in an amount of at least about 30% by volume.