Analysis for the implementation of a system for natural gas liquids removal and recovery at the gas processing plant El Centro in Santander, Colombia

摘要

The present work carried out the analysis of seven natural gas liquids removal and recovery technologies, evaluating ten decision criteria to identify the technology with the highest technical and economic potential to be implemented at the gas plant "El Centro", Colombia. The technical criteria evaluated took into account: the chemical composition of the natural gas processed; the flow, pressure and temperature of the system; the efficiency in the removal of natural gas liquids and the technology adaptability against fluctuations that may occur in the operating conditions. On the other hand, the economic criteria evaluated included the purchase of high-cost supplies and equipment, as well as space and maintenance requirements for their implementation. Based on the analysis, the triethylene glycol improved absorption process was established as the technology with the greatest potential to be implemented at the gas plant "El Centro", Colombia, so it was evaluated in a pilot test where a reduction of 30 °F on the cricondentherm point was observed, associated to the removal of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from the natural gas stream.