Aug 98

A BD-GP-ED-G

Basic Design
Gas Plants
Engineering Design
Guide
Table of Contents
Scope......................................................
References.............................................
Guidance................................................
1. PROCESS...................................................
1.1 Glycol Dehydration................................
1.2 Sweetening............................................
1.3 Desalting................................................
1.4 Carbon Dioxide Freezing.......................
1.5 Pipeline Design......................................
1.6 Distillation Design (Reference GPSA)...
1.7 Vessel Sizing.........................................
2. MECHANICAL.............................................
2.1 Recommended Design Pressure Drop. .
2.2 Exchanger Sizing...................................
2.3 Fired Heaters.........................................
2.4 Preliminary Material Selection Guide for Temperature.
3. WATER TREATING.....................................
3.1 Horizontal Separators or FWKO............
3.2 Water Degasser Vessels........................
3.3 Flotation - Induced Gas (Impeller Type)
3.4 Hydrocyclones.......................................
3.5 Disposal Piles - Platform Skim Piles.....
3.6 Tanks......................................................
3.7 Media Filters..........................................
3.8 DE Filters (Diatomaceous Earth)...........
3.9 Typical Injection Specifications..............
3.10 Soluble Oil Range (Produced Water). .
3.11 Deaeration-Gas Stripping.....................
3.12 Deaeration-Vacuum (Each Stage Reducing Vacuum Pressure)
3.13 Oxygen Scavenging.............................
3.14 Potable Water Treating (Disinfection). .
4. ROTATING EQUIPMENT............................
4.1 Compressor Selection............................
4.2 Pump and Compressor Efficiencies at Design
4.3 Gas Turbine Drivers (Approximate Ratings)
4.4 Gas Engines (Approximate Ratings)......

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Scope
This guide contains general engineering design guidelines. It provides design criteria that
represent good practice for ''conceptual or preliminary'' design work. The information is not
recommended for detailed work. For detailed engineering, consult detailed design references,
contact WE&C Process Engineering - E&P group, or suppliers for design information.
This document is based on Amoco engineering and operating experience, evaluation of
previous engineering design criteria, review of previous specifications, and a collection of
design criteria from several of Amoco's most commonly used design references.

References
The most recent edition, except as otherwise specified, of the following standards, codes, and
specifications are cited in this document.
Amoco Corporation (A)
A FE-VE-DV1-E Fabricated Equipment—Vessels—Division 1—Engineering
Specification
A MM-GEN-00-E Metallic Materials—General—Engineering Specification
American Petroleum Institute (API)
API SPEC 12J Specification for Oil and Gas Separators
API RP 521 Guide for Pressure-Relieving and Depressurizing Systems
Gas Processors Suppliers Association (GPSA)
GPSA Engineering Data Book, Volume 1 and 2
Other Documents
For additional details on engineering design, refer to the following documents:
Perry, Robert H. and Green, Don W., Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook, Seventh
Edition, McGraw-Hill, 1997
Process Engineering, Amoco Exploration and Production, Production Training Center, 501
Westlake Park Blvd., Houston, TX 77253
Sour Gas Handling, Amoco Exploration and Production, Production Training Center, 501
Westlake Park Blvd., Houston, TX 77253
Piping Design and Specification, Amoco Exploration and Production, Production Training
Center, 501 Westlake Park Blvd., Houston, TX 77253
Compressors, Amoco Exploration and Production, Production Training Center, 501
Westlake Park Blvd., Houston, TX 77253
Pumps, Amoco Exploration and Production, Production Training Center, 501 Westlake
Park Blvd., Houston, TX 77253
Process Vessel Specification and Design, Amoco Exploration and Production, Production
Training Center, 501 Westlake Park Blvd., Houston, TX 77253
Heat Transfer Equipment, Amoco Exploration and Production, Production Training
Center, 501 Westlake Park Blvd., Houston, TX 77253

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Guidance

1PROCESS
1.1Glycol Dehydration
Triethylene glycol (TEG) is generally used for dehydration of gas and ethylene glycol (EG) is
used for hydrate suppression or dehydration in an injection-type dew point control plant. TEG
can be considered for hydrate suppression.
1.1.1TEG Systems
• Design Circulation Rate 3.5 gallons/lb water removed
• Maximum Reconcentration Temp. 400°F
• Typical Lean Glycol 98.5 weight % (conventional unit) (1)
• Typical Number of Contactor Trays 8 - 12 (actual)
• Typical Number of Regenerator Trays 2-3 (theoretical)
(including reboiler)
(1) For higher weight % lean glycol, stripping gas is required. Also, Coldfinger®, and/or
Drizo processes are available. For dew point depression greater than 115°F use Coldfinger,
Drizo or Mole Sieves.
1.1.2EG Inhibition
• Maximum Reconcentrator Temp. 280°F
• Approach to Hydrate Temp. (min.) 10°F (below process temp.)
1.2Sweetening
Monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), and methyldiethanol amine (MDEA) are
usually used in Amoco plants.
1.2.1MEA (or other primary amine)
• Net Loading (max.) 0.35 moles acid gas/mole amine
• Gross Loading (max.) 0.5 mole acid gas/mole amine
• Maximum Concentration 15 - 20 weight %
• Regeneration 1200 Btu required/gallon amine
1.2.2DEA (or other secondary amine)
• Net Loading (max.) 0.5 moles acid gas/mole amine
• Gross Loading (max.) 0.55 mole acid gas/mole amine (1)
• Maximum Concentration 25 - 35 weight % (1)
• Regeneration 1000 Btu required/gallon amine
1.2.3MDEA (or other tertiary amine)
• Net Loading (max.) 0.5 moles acid gas/mole amine
• Maximum Concentration 25 - 50 weight % (2)
• Provide Multiple Contactor Feed Points

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1.2.4General Sweetening Systems

• Contactor 20 - 24 trays (actual) (3)
• Regenerator 20 trays (actual)
• Rich/Lean/Exchanger 200°F (rich outlet temp.)
• Filtration 10 - 20% of lean amine
on systems >100 gpm
100% of lean amine
on systems < 100 gpm
• Design Factor (pumps, exchangers) 120%
• Lean Temperature (min.) 10°F above gas (or above gas dew
point)
• Heat Medium Temperature (max.) 310 - 320°F (MEA, DEA, DGA)
350°F (MDEA)
(1) Inhibited DGA system (e.g. supplier product like amine guard) can achieve up to 0.7 mol
acid gas/mol amine at > 35 wt% because it contains corrosion inhibitor.
(2) For selective H2S removal application, MDEA concentrations are usually between
25-40%. For bulk CO2 removal application, MDEA can run at 50% with rich loadings up to
0.7 mol/mol.
(3) Unactivated MDEA requires 35 - 45 trays for CO2 removal.
1.3Desalting
Generally accomplished using a one, two, or sometimes three stage electrostatic treating
process.
• Mixing Valve Pressure Drop 15 psi
• Mixing Efficiency 1st stage 70 - 85% (for greater than 0.5% BS&W)
1st stage 50 - 70% (for less than 0.5% BS&W)
2nd stage 25 - 50%
• Dilution Water Rate (minimum) 3 - 5% of crude oil rate
• Viscosity for Desalting (rule of thumb) 10 - 11 cs (Max) at process temperature
7 cs (typical)
1.4Carbon Dioxide Freezing
Design above freezing temperature (minimum) 10°F
Available from process simulations using CO2 freeze option, also see GPSA.

1.5Pipeline Design
Overall Heat Transfer Coeff. U (Btu/hr ft2 °F) (1)
Subsea - Buried 0.5 - 2.0
- Weight Coated (Unburied) 1.5 - 2.5
- Bare Pipe (Coated) 5 - 40 (higher for high currents)
- Risers (Subsea) 10 - 20
In Air 2-5
Buried Onshore 1-3

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(1) Line size, ambient fluid velocity, and process fluid properties affect the value of U.
Subsea unburied pipe U will also vary with speed of bottom sea currents. Maximum pipeline
temperature is 185°F - 200°F based on available protective coatings.
1.6Distillation Design (Reference GPSA)
1.6.1System Factors (for foaming)
System factors are based on 24 inch tray spacing. System factors derate (increase) tower area
for foaming.
System System Factor (Foaming) Maximum % of Flood (1) (2)
Amine Regenerator 0.75 - 0.85 70
Amine Contactor 0.75 (3) 70
Condensate Stabilizer (wet) 0.75 - 0.85 80 - 85
Demethanizer/Deethanizer (top) 0.70 - 0.80 80 - 85
Demethanizer/Deethanizer (bottom) 0.80 - 0.90 80 - 85
Depropanizer 0.80 top / 0.90 bottom 80 - 85
Debutanizer 0.90 top / 1.0 bottom
Glycol Contactor 0.65 - 0.75 70
Glycol Regenerator 0.70 - 0.85 70
Nitrogen/Methane Column (HP) 0.70 80 - 85
(1) Typically this is at 120% of Design Flow
(2) A FE-VE-DV1-E recommends 85% of flood for design. However this cannot be applied
to amine and glycol systems.
(3) MDEA contactor requires 0.6 - 0.7% system factor (foaming).
1.6.2Tray Efficiency
The tray efficiency shown is the ratio of theoretical trays to actual trays as a percent. These
values are used for valve trays.
System Tray Efficiency Typical Trays
Amine Regenerator 60% 20
Amine Contactor 33% (1) valve trays 20 - 24
25% bubble caps 20 - 24
Carbon Dioxide/NGL 40 - 70% 45 - 70
Condensate Stabilizer (wet) 50 - 65% 20 - 26
Cyrogenic Demethanizer 50 - 70% 20 - 40
Cyrogenic Deethanizer 50 - 70% 24 - 26
Deethanizer 50 - 70% 30
Depropanizer 80 - 90% 30 - 36
Debutanizer 80 - 95% 30
Glycol Contactor 25 - 40% 8 - 10
Nitrogen/Methane Column (HP) 70 - 85% 40

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(1) Unactivated MDEA efficiency is 8 - 10% for bulk CO2 removal.

1.6.3Tray Spacing
Location Inches
Above Top Tray 48
Between Trays 24 (1)
Above Reboiler Vapor Return 24
(below bottom tray)
Bottom Liquid Sump Refer to Section 1.7.2
Side Heater Draw Off 72
(1) If the system is known to be foamy, tray spacing may have to be increased to 36 inches.
1.7Vessel Sizing
For a general reference, consult GPSA Engineering Data Handbook, Volume 1, Section 7
(referred to as the GPSA in the following criteria).
1.7.1Vertical Vessel
1.Use the critical velocity equation(Eq 7-7 of the GPSA) with K-factors from Figure 7-9 of the
GPSA. In the equation Vt is the critical (vertical) velocity in feet/second, rl and rg are the
liquid and gas densities (lb/cuft) respectively and K is a constant (ft/sec). K-factor is a
function of pressure as follows:
· K = 0.36 ­ 0.0001 *(Pressure in psig) or K = C/3600 for C factor methods.
2.Derate the K-factor as shown in Figure 7-9 of the GPSA, notes 2 and 4 for amine, glycol,
and compressor/expander services.
3.Vessel heights in accordance with Figure 1; round up to a multiple or summation of typical
plate widths of 8, 10, or 12 feet.
1.7.2Horizontal Vessel
• Typical L:D ratio between 4:1 and 5:1
• Liquid droplet (minimum) removed from gas 100 - 150 micron (1)
• Water droplet (minimum) removed from hydrocarbon 500 micron
• Oil droplet (minimum) removed from water 100 micron
• Use drag coefficient approach for determining settling velocity from micron size. For
scoping estimates where vessel is half-full, use equation 7–5 in GPSA (liquid–liquid) or
7–12 (gas–liquid) with the drag coefficient chart (Figure 7–3).
• For a numerical calculation of drag coefficient, the equations presented in Perry's
Chemical Engineers’ Handbook, Pg. 5 - 63 (Note: the Sixth Edition contains formulas
which fit the drag coefficient curve better than previous editions of Perry’s or the GPSA):
Stokes Law Eqn. 5 - 251
Intermediate Law Eqn. 5 - 254
Newtons Law C = 0.445 (C = drag coefficient)
Large Particles Eqn. 5 - 256
• Maximum liquid load (gas - liquid) 10 gpm/ft2 interface
• Maximum liquid load (liquid - liquid) 1.4 gpm/ft2 interface
• For vessel heights, see Figure 1.

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(1) Depends on downstream equipment.

1.7.3Mist Pads
Use the same equations (Eq. 7-7 of GSPA) as for vertical separators, with a K = 0.35.
1.7.4Vessel Liquid Residence Time
Residence times for typical services are given below:
Fluid System Residence Time (minutes)
LP - Gas - Oil - Water
> 100°F 5 - 10
80°F 15 - 20
< 60°F 25 - 30
HP - Gas - Oil - Water 3-5
Cold Glycol Separators
> 60°F 20
< 60°F 30
Heavy Oil Degassing (> 80°F) 25 - 30
LP Pump Suction Drum 3-5
Multistage Pump Feed Drum 10
Horizontal Free Water Knock Out 10 - 30 (see other criteria in 3.1)
Drain (FWKO)
1.7.5Vessel Surge Time
Service Surge Time (minutes)
Reflux Accumulator 4 - 6 (of reflux flow)
Distillation Column Feed Tank 8 - 30

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Refrigerant Surge Tank 4 - 10

Absorption Oil/Amine Surge Tank 10 - 15
Slug Catcher Calculate slug size with multiphase
pipeline simulator
Instrument Air Receivers 3 (1)
(1)Three minutes between last compressor start pressure and facility low air pressure
shutdown.
1.7.6Flare Knockouts
1.Use liquid droplet size of 300 - 600 microns in settling calculations (reference API RP 521).
2.Design for NLL set for adequate surge time from NLL to HLSD or LAH.
1.7.7High Performance Separators
1.Special high capacity separators are sometimes required to minimize space and weight
offshore. These often use vane type mist eliminators, centrifugal filters, or other high
capacity internals. These separators are commonly used for removing small amounts of
liquids from gas, and should ”not”' be used where slugging or surging is anticipated. They
provide minimal vessel volume for liquid surge.
2.These type of separators are usually designed by the suppliers, and therefore the supplier
should be consulted due to use of proprietary design methods.
3.For preliminary (approximate) sizing of a vane type vertical separator use a K factor of
0.500 (or C@1800) in the maximum gas velocity equation in section 1.7. An alternate
method is presented in equation 7-13 of the GPSA. Refer to Figure 2 for a typical vertical
vane type separator. Centrifugal separators are used where a very small footprint is
required. For design of centrifugal type separators consult the suppliers. Centrifugal
separators should not be used where greater than 2 to 1 turndown is required. For
preliminary sizing of filter separators a K of 1.3 is suggested (paragraph 7-11 of the
GPSA) for calculation of horizontal velocity. For further discussion on this subject refer
to Chapter 7 of the GPSA.

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2MECHANICAL
2.1Recommended Design Pressure Drop
2.1.1Exchangers

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Exchanger/Application D P (psi)
Shell & Tube, Air Cooled & Double Pipe
Gases & Vapors (1 - 2% of operating pressure) 3 - 10
Gases & Vapors, Atmospheric or Vacuum <1
Liquids (water - aqueous solutions) 10
(Hydrocarbons) 10 - 15
Low Pressure Condensers (< 35 psia) 1
Intermediate (> 35 psi < 150 psia) 3
High Pressure (> 150 psia) 5
Plate Fin
Gases & Vapors 1-3
Liquids 3-8
Plate & Frame
Design limitations 300 psig 300°F (Max). 5 - 10
Design pressure can be less (240 psi) for large plates
(6 ft. by 2.5 ft.)
Fired Heaters
2 - 5% of Operating Pressure 10 - 25

2.1.2Vessels
Where possible designs should be limited to 13 ft. diameter to avoid over land permit or
escorted loads.

Vessels/Application D P (psi)
Typical Interstage Compressor Piping & Scrubbers See Figure 3
(not including exchangers)
Miscellaneous Vessels (Including Piping) 1-5
Compressor Suction Pulsation Dampener X% of Suction
X = 1.67 (Ratio - 1.00) / Ratio Pressure
Compressor Discharge Pulsation Dampener X% of Suction
X = 1.67 (Ratio - 1.00) / Ratio Pressure
Charcoal Filters 10
Hay and Diatomaceous Filters 10
Sock Filters 10
Filter Separators 5
Static Mixers (Gas/Liquid) 3-5
Venturies (Eductors) 2

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2.1.3Control Valves & Meters

Applications D P (psi)
Orifice Meters (Beta ratio of 0.4 to 0.65) 2-4
Control Valves (in fully open position)
Low Pressure Drop (e.g. Butterfly) 1
High Pressure Drop (e.g. Plug) 6-8
Process Control Valves
Typical for control purposes design (Rule of Thumb) 25% of total
For Process Control - Approximate System Loss

2.1.4Piping
Vmax in piping should be limited by the lesser of the following:

• Vmax < 100/(rm) 0.5 - maximum erosional velocity (ft/sec).

• Vmax < the velocity which develops a DP/100 ft. of pipe of 2 psi
Long runs of piping or pipelines shall be treated as special cases depending on the available
pressure drop, however maximum erosional velocity should not be exceeded.
2.1.5Pipelines
Vmax < 140/(rm) 0.5 - clean fluids.

With sand or solids - Vmax < 0.70 [140/(rm) 0.5].

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2.2Exchanger Sizing

Exchanger Type Min Approach Temp °F Apprx. Size Calc.

Air Cooler 10 Multi Pass (2) Per Section 2.2.1
Des Amb 95% ASHRAE 25 Single Pass (2) Per Section 2.2.1
Shell & Tube 10 Per Section 2.2.2 w/
Uo from Table 2.2.2.2III
Plate & Frame 5 Per Section 2.2.2
Plate Fin 2 No Calc Offered
Chillers (Kettle) 5 Per Section 2.2.2
Cooling Towers Summer Wet Bulb +5 Economic Analysis
Based On Vendor Sizing
Reboilers (Kettle) 10 - 15 Per Section 2.2.2
Reboilers (Thermosiphon) 10 - 15 Per Section 2.2.2

2.2.1Air Cooler Sizing

Symbols
t1 = Air Inlet Temp, °F P.A. = Plot Area, ft2
= 95% ASHRAE Summer Ambient (1) Wa = Air Flow Rate, lbs/hr
t2 = Air Outlet Temp, °F Wv = Air Flow Rate, scfm
T1 = Process Inlet Temp, °F S.G. = Specific Gravity of Air
T2 = Process Outlet Temp, °F = 1.0 at 14.7 psia and 60 °F
Q = Exchanger Duty, Btu/hr
(1) 95% Summer Ambient is that temperature which will only be exceeded 5% of the time.
(2) For Air Cooler approach temperature = T 2 - t1.

Calculations
Assume t2 = T2 + 25°F (t1 + 40°F max.)
Calc LMTD = [ (T1 - t2) - (T2 - t1) ] / Loge [(T1 - t2) / (T2 - t1)]
P.A. = Q/ (LMTD * Uo * 100) (Uo from Table 2.2.1.2) (1)
Wa = P.A. * 2,052 * S.G.
Wv = P.A. * 450
acfm = Actual ft3/min = Wv /S.G.
Required hp = acfm * 1.46 *10 -4
Dt(2-1) = Q/(Wa * 0.24)
(t2) rev = t1 + Dt (2-1)

If (t2) rev – t2 > ±5°F recalculate new plot area with new t2 = (t2) rev. This method is for
preliminary design or for estimating purposes only.

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Table 2.2.1.2

Typical Overall Heat Transfer Coefficients

Service Uo (2)
Condensing Steam 6.0 - 6.5
Water 5.6 - 6.0
Condensing Hydrocarbons 3.2 - 4.5
Water - Glycol (50% EG - Water) 4.8 - 5.2
Liquid Single Phase Hydrocarbons 2.5 - 3.2
Gas Cooling < 400 psia 2.0 - 2.5
Gas Cooling 400 to 1,000 psia 2.5 - 3.0
Gas Cooling > 1,000 psia 3.5 - 4.5
Lube Oil (With Turbulators) 1.5 - 2.5
Lube Oil (No Turbulators) 0.2 - 0.9

(1) APSF assumed to be 100.

(2) Uo Based on extended surface area with the following configuration: 10 fins/inch,
2.5 inch Fin O.D., and 1.0 inch Dia tubes, Btu/hr ft2 °F.
2.2.2Shell & Tube and Plate & Frame Exchanger Sizing
Symbols
t1 = Tube Side Inlet Temp, °F (1) A = Exchanger Area, ft2
t2 = Tube Side Outlet Temp, °F (1) T.L. = Exchanger Tube Length, ft
T1 = Shell Side Inlet Temp, °F (1) D = Exchanger Diameter, in
T2 = Shell Side Outlet Temp, °F (1) LMTD = Log Mean Temperature Difference
Q = Exchanger Duty, Btu/hr
(1) For plate and frame exchangers the '“tube side”' temperatures can be either fluid. The
“'shell side”' temperatures will be the other fluid.
Calculations
1.To calculate the approximate size of a shell and tube or plate and frame exchanger obtain T 1,
T2, t1, t2, and Q from a process design computer run or preliminary process design.
Calc LMTD = [ (T1 - t2) - (T2 - t1) ] / Loge [(T1 - t2) / (T2 - t1)]
A = Q / (LMTD * Uo (Uo from Table 2.2.2.2III)
D = [ (A *k/T.L.) 0.5 + 2.0] (Shell & Tube only, k from Table 2.2.2.2I)
2.Number of plates required (plate & frame only) is A/2 divided by the effective plate surface
from Table 2.2.2.2II. This method is for preliminary design or for estimating purposes
only.

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Table 2.2.2.2I
k for Various Diameter Tubes and Pitches

5/8” 3/4” 1.0”

Pitch k Pitch k Pitch k
0.7812 Tri 4.111 15/16 Tri 4.932 1.25 Tri 6.58
0.7812 Sqr 4.747 15/16 Sqr 5.69 1.25 Sqr 7.60
0.8125 Tri 4.446 1.0 Tri 5.617 1.375 Tri 7.964
0.8125 Sqr 5.134 1.0 Sqr 6.48 1.374 Sqr 9.195

Table 2.2.2.2II
Plate Geometry & Limitations

Eff. Plate Area Nozzle Size Maximum Flow Max No of

ft2 in gpm Plates/Frame
24.2 18 19,000 700
17.3 12 9,000 600
9.58 8 4,000 600
8.07 6 2,200 600
4.63 4 980 600
2.58 4 980 410
1.29 2 245 180
0.35 1 60 110

Table 2.2.2.2III
Typical Heat Transfer Coefficients: Uo in Btu/hr ft2

Exchanger Uo Shell & Tube Uo Plate & Frame

Nat Gas (100 psig) Gas (500 psig) 40 - 55 N.A.

Nat Gas (300 psig) Gas (300 psig) 45 - 60 N.A.
Nat Gas (1000 psig) Gas (1,000 psig) 70 - 90 N.A.
Lean Amine Rich Amine 105 - 115 300 - 450
Water Water 150 - 250 800- 1,000
C3 Liquid C3 Liquid 100 - 130 300 - 500
Lean DEG Rich DEG 50 - 80 200 - 350
Lean Oil Rich Oil 60 - 80 200 - 350
HC Liquid Glycol 80 - 100 300 - 450
Lean DEA Rich DEA 65 - 100 200 - 400
DEA Hot Oil 60 - 90 200 - 350
MEA Rich MEA 120 - 130 400 - 550
MDEA Rich MDEA 50 - 70 200 - 300
MDEA Hot Oil 60 - 80 200 - 350

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DEG Rich DEG 40 - 50 150 - 200

Caustic Caustic 95 - 105 300 - 450
CO2 TEG 5 - 20 N.A.
CO2, HC Vapor Glycol 5 - 20 N.A.
Selexol Rich Selexol 40 - 55 150 - 240
Selexol Hot Oil 45 - 80 150 - 350
Glycol Rich Oil 25 - 45 100 - 200
Glycol Rich Glycol 30 - 40 125 - 200
Exchangers (Water Cooled) Uo Shell & Tube Uo Plate & Frame
Gas (100 psig) 40 - 55 N.A.
Gas (300 psig) 50 - 60 N.A.
Gas (700 psig) 60 - 70 N.A.
Gas (1000 psig) 80 - 100 N.A.
C3 Gas (100 psig) 60 - 80 N.A.
Air (27 psig) 10 - 15 N.A.
Air (105 psig) 15 - 20 N.A.
Air (320 psig) 20 - 25 N.A.
Glycol 50 - 90 250 - 400
Butane 90 - 100 N.A.
DEG 50 - 100 250 - 400
Amine 100 - 125 400 - 600
MEA 130 - 150 450 - 650
Caustic 90 - 105 350 - 450
Jacket Water 190 - 200 850 - 1000
Kerosene 80 - 90 300 - 400
Lean Oil 65 - 80 200 - 300

Condensers (Water Cooled) Uo Shell & Tube Uo Plate & Frame

Stabilizer Overhead 75 - 85 N.A.
Deethanizer Overhead 90 - 110 N.A.
Depropanizer Overhead 110 - 120 N.A.
Debutanizer Overhead 110 - 115 N.A.
Steam 400 - 600 N.A.
Propane 100 - 120 N.A.
Amine Regeneration 120 - 130 N.A.
DEA Regeneration 90 - 100 N.A.

Reboiler (Heat Medium Steam) Uo Shell & Tube Uo Plate & Frame
Demethanizer/Deethanizer 120 - 140 N.A.
Depropanizer 120 - 140 N.A.
Debutanizer 100 - 130 N.A.
Stabilizer 100 - 120 N.A.
DEG 65 - 75 N.A.
Caustic Solution 160 - 175 N.A.
Glycol 50 - 70 N. A.

Reboiler (Heat Medium Hot Oil) Uo Shell & Tube Uo Plate&Frame

Stabilizer 34 - 45 N.A.
Deethanizer 70 - 90 N.A.
Depropanizer 70 - 85 N.A.
Debutanizer 65 - 80 N.A.

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Deethanizer bottoms 75 - 85 N.A.

Debutanizer bottoms 75 - 95 N.A.
CO2 Stripper 20 - 30 N.A.
Selexol 50 - 60 N.A.

Chillers (Cooling Medium Propane) Uo Shell & Tube Uo Plate & Frame
Demethanizer Feed 100 - 122 N.A.
Deethanizer Overhead 100 - 120 N.A.
Propane Reboiler 110 - 120 N.A.
Natural Gas 80 - 105 N.A.
Ammonia (Below 10°F) 120 - 135 N.A.
Ammonia (Above 10°F) 100 - 120 N.A.
2.3Fired Heaters

Service Max Heat Flux Max Fire Tube Temp

Btu/hr ft2 °F
Glycol Regen 8,000 400
Glycol/Water 12,000 400
Amine Regen 7,000 300
Salt Bath Heaters 12,000 600
Crude Oil Heaters 10,000 600
Heat Medium Heaters 10,000 650

Fired Heater Thermal Efficiency:

• Cabin or Vertical Cylindrical Heaters 82% to 88%
• Salt Bath Heaters 70%
Surface: A = Area, ft2
Q = Design heat load, MMBtu/hr
A = Q * 106/max heat flux
This method is for preliminary design or for estimating purposes only.
2.4Preliminary Material Selection Guide for Temperature.
The following table is a brief summary of commonly used materials and their applicable
temperature ranges for preliminary design or cost estimating purposes. Refer to
A MM-GEN-00-E and the applicable industry codes for actual material selection and rating.
If high nickel steel (i.e. 3.5% Ni is not available, 304 SS is often used below –50°F. 304 SS is
an austenitic 18-20% chrome stainless, UNS S30400.
Design Temperature Material Commonly Commonly Used Materials for:
°F Referred to as: Pipe Vessel Plate
650 to -20 Carbon Steel SA106 Gr. B SA516 Gr. 70
–20 to -50 Charpy-Tested SA333 Gr. 1, 6 SA516 Gr. 70
Carbon Steel
–50 to -150 High Nickel SA333 Gr. 3, 4 SA203 Gr. D, E
–150 to -425 Stainless Steel SA312 TP-304 SA240 TP-304

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(304SS) (304SS)

3WATER TREATING
3.1Horizontal Separators or FWKO
1.10 - 25 minute retention time.
2.100 - 150 micron liquid droplet from gas.
3.100 micron oil drop removal from water phase.
4.500 micron water drop removal from oil phase.
5.Max 3 ft/sec horizontal liquid velocity.
6.Outlet - 200 to 400 ppm Oil at 25 minute residence times.
3.2Water Degasser Vessels
6 - 8 minute retention time.
3.3Flotation - Induced Gas (Impeller Type)
1.50% efficiency per cell.
2.90% overall efficiency (4 cell unit).
3.One minute, minimum, retention time per cell.
4.Liquid Loading - 2.5 to 5.6 gpm/ft2.
5.Gas Consumption - 0.1 to 2.5 ft3/bbl.
6.Chemical Use - 5 - 10 ppm polyelectrolyte.
3.4Hydrocyclones
DP = 70 to 200 psi (per stage) (most economical range).
25 to 35 micron oil drop removal.
Typical efficiency: 92% - Single stage
96% - Two stage
Typical oil reject rate: 1 - 2% (Higher rates possible)
3.5Disposal Piles - Platform Skim Piles
100 - 150 micron oil drop removal.
3.6Tanks
3.6.1Settling Tanks (Vortex)
30 minute residence time at 33% efficiency.
Inlet: 200 ppm oil
Outlet: 50 ppm oil
10 ppm solids

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3.6.2Baffled Skim Tanks

30 - 40 minute residence time at 60% efficiency.
Inlet: 200 - 250 ppm
Outlet: 30 - 50 ppm
10 ppm solids
Adjustable weirs or curtain.
3.7Media Filters
3.7.1Conventional Downflow Filters
Capacity: 1 - 8 gpm/ft2
Solids loading: 0.5 - 1.5 lbs/ft2
3.7.2High Rate Downflow Filters
Capacity: 4 - 20 gpm/ft2
Solids loading: 1.5 - 4.0 lbs/ft2
7 - 10 micron size removal, 1 - 2 micron with chemical
100 ppm max oil inlet concentration (at minimum capacity)
3.7.3Upflow Filters
Capacity 4 - 10 gpm/ft2
Solids Loading 4.0 - 10 lbs/ft2
Backwash: 3 gpm/ft2 for 2 minutes
4 gpm/ft2 for 5 minutes
10 - 15 gpm/ft2 for 5 minutes
Oil inlet concentration: 300 ppm maximum (at minimum capacity)
5 - 10 micron size removal
1 - 2 micron size removal with chemical
3.8DE Filters (Diatomaceous Earth)
Capacity 1 - 2 gpm/ft2
0.5 - 1.0 micron particle removal
DE body feed 2 - 5 ppm DE/ppm suspended solids
DE precoat 10 - 20 lbs/ft2 30 - 60% water, 1 - 2 gpm/ft2
3.9Typical Injection Specifications
Amoco Std. Ultraclean (Not economical)
40 - 50 ppm oil 10 ppm oil
10 ppm solids 10 ppm solids
2 micron max size 0.5 micron max size
3.10Soluble Oil Range (Produced Water)
0 - 30 mg/liter range
7 - 10 mg/liter typical
Note: Not removed by mechanical treating processes.

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3.11Deaeration-Gas Stripping
2.5 - 3.0 theoretical trays
25% tray efficiency
10 - 12 actual trays
0.05 - 0.10 ppm outlet oxygen
Stripping Gas = 3 scf/Bbl water
3.12Deaeration-Vacuum (Each Stage Reducing Vacuum Pressure)
Type Dissolved Oxygen Content, ppm
Single Stage 0.1 - 0.2
Multi-Stage 0.01 - 0.10
Column 2 - 3 Stages of packed sections each 8 - 12 ft. high
3.13Oxygen Scavenging
Reaction Basis Scavenger Requirement
Wt Pct
Scavengers Name Lbs Scavenger/Lb O2 (1) Chemical

Na2SO3 Sodium Sulfite 8.47 12.0

NaHSO3 Sodium Bisulfite 7.00 33.0
NH4HSO3 Ammonium Bisulfite 6.85 60.0
SO2 Sulfur Dioxide 4.30 Gas
(1) Does not include scavenger for chlorine content of the water. Includes 7.5% excess
scavenger for complete reaction.
3.14Potable Water Treating (Disinfection)
Basis % Cl2 Chemical Name Lbs Chemical per
100 Gal Water (1)
100 Cl2 Chlorine 0.00042
12.5 NaHOCl Sodium Hypochlorite 0.0030
65.0 CaHOCl Calcium Hypochlorite 0.0006
(1) Based on maintaining a 0.5 ppm chorine residual (excess) for kill of bacteria.
Potable water or drinking water requires process to assure proper filtration, charcoal filtration
to remove impurities that affect taste, and sometimes water softening (zeolyte treating) to
remove dissolved minerals from the water. If sea water is to be used to produce potable water
a reverse osmosis system is typically used. This is common offshore or in locations with high
salinity feed water. The table above summarizes chemical disinfection requirements.

4ROTATING EQUIPMENT
4.1Compressor Selection
1.Figure 4 shows the range of flow vs. discharge pressure applicable to centrifugal,
reciprocating, and screw compressors. This figure is taken from the GPSA Engineering
Data Book and is simplified and somewhat modified to reflect current practices. The
upper boundary for centrifugal compressors represents the upper limit and requires special
consideration for seals, bearings, case design, etc. This is a preliminary selection chart and
should be used only for conceptual design and not for detailed evaluation.

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2.In addition to the ranges shown, there are several other constraints which must be considered
when deciding which type of compressor to use in any specific case. The major constraints
include:
a.Centrifugal Compressors
· Maximum discharge temperature - 350°F.
· Minimum discharge volume - 100 acfm.
· Maximum flow turndown to recycle (Surge) - 30%.
b.Reciprocating Compressors
· Maximum discharge temperature - 300°F.
· Maximum power per unit:
(1) 2000 hp (Offshore, High Speed)
(2) 8000 hp (Onshore, Low Speed)
c.Screw Compressors
· Maximum discharge pressure - 350 psig. (1)
· The above information and attached Figure 4 provides “'preliminary”' compressor
application guidelines only. Before final compressor selection is made, actual
supplier experience should be carefully reviewed to verify experience at a given set
of conditions. The Worldwide Engineering & Construction (WE&C) Rotating
Equipment Group should be involved in any decision (preliminary or otherwise)
regarding the type of compressor or driver to be used on a job when discussion or
review goes outside the Construction Department.
(1) Some smaller screw compressors have been operated at pressures above 500 psig.
Application at these pressures is very limited and is not generally recommended.
d.Instrument Air Compressor Sizing Guide
· Minimum compressor capacity = Total instrument air requirement SCFM x 1.20.
· Provide two compressors each having this minimum capacity.
· Compressors are sized such that one compressor runs about half the time and the
second compressor is a full spare. Total instrument air requirement is based on
1.0 scf/min per instrument (rule of thumb only). For conceptual work the total
number of instruments should include a 25% allowance for spares.

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4.2Pump and Compressor Efficiencies at Design

Centrifugal Compressor Adiabatic Efficiency 65 - 75% (1)
Expander Adiabatic Efficiency 77 - 83% (1)
Plant Air Blower Efficiency (12 psig - Roots) 70 - 78% (1)
Screw Compressor Efficiency 70 - 82%
Reciprocating Compressor Efficiency 78 - 88%
Centrifugal Pump Efficiency 65 - 80% (1)
(1) Efficiencies lower at turndown condition.
4.3Gas Turbine Drivers (Approximate Ratings)

Power (1) Fuel Rate LHV

ISO Ratings (hp) Btu/hp-hr

1,000 - 1,250 11,000

4,000 - 5,500 10,000
8,000 - 8,500 8,500
12,000 - 14,000 8,200
20,000 - 22,000 9,000
29,000 - 35,000 7,400
(1) Horsepower ranges shown are typical for available commercial gas turbines. Gaps
between these ranges may indicate no commercially available gas turbines exist. ISO ratings
are turbine horsepower at 60°F and sea level. Gas turbines must be derated for elevation
above sea level, temperatures above 60°F, and for inlet air and exhaust gas pressure losses.

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For derating factors, refer to vendor performance curves or consult with the WE&C Rotating
Equipment Group.
4.4Gas Engines (Approximate Ratings)
4.4.1Naturally Aspirated Engines (No Turbocharging)
Fuel Rate LHV
Horsepower (hp) Btu/hp-hr

100 - 185 9,150

200 - 300 9,000
350 - 450 8,500
550 - 825 8,100
4.4.2Turbo - Charged Engines (1)
Fuel Rate LHV
Horsepower (hp) Btu/hp-hr

450 - 700 8,100

290 - 1,150 7,900
1,400 - 2,250 7,250
4.4.3Clean/Lean Burn Engines (2)
Fuel Rate LHV
Horsepower (hp) Btu/hp-hr

450 - 700 7,500

700 - 1,150 7,400
1,400 - 2,250 7,200
(1) Turbo-charged engines are preferred if fuel gas heating value is less than 1150 Btu/scf
(LHV).
(2) Clean/lean burn engines are usually required for emission sensitive applications.
The engine horsepowers are estimated available power for typical ranges of engine sizes.
However, these are for operation at sea level, and must be derated for elevation.
For more detailed or accurate engine ratings, refer to supplier performance tables or consult
the WE&C Rotating Equipment Group.

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