STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT
TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE
This manual is one of a series for your
use in learning more about equipment that
you work with in the petroleum industry. Its
purpose is to assist in developing your knowl-
edge and skills to the point that you can per-
form your work in a more professional man-
ner.
The manual was prepared so that you
can learn its contents on your own time, with-
out the assistance of an instructor or class-
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by self-study as Programmed Learning. It
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means of training employees to do their job
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You can demonstrate your desire to be a
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others that are applicable to your job.
The author of this manual has years of
experience in operating petroleum equipment.
He also has the technical knowledge of how
and why petroleum equipment functions. The
text was written for use by personnel with little
or no previous experience with petroleum
equipment. Consequently, some of the mate-
rial may be familiar to you if you have experi-
ence with oilfield equipment. From such ex-
perience, you have observed the effect of
making operating changes. The manual will
help explain why the changes occurred that
you observed. It will also teach you how and
why equipment functions.
© 2003 Petroleum Learning Programs Ltd. No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form. Its use as a
reference in training courses is specifically reserved for Petroleum Learning Programs Ltd. All translation rights are
likewise reserved.
STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT
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 INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THIS MANUAL
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If you are working in English units, you
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STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT
 ABBREVIATIONS USED UNITS OF MEASUREMENT
IN THIS MANUAL
SI UNITS OF MEASUREMENT
SI UNIT ABBREVIATIONS
Most of the SI units of measurement used in the
oilfield are traditional metric units. The exceptions we
s, min second, minute, time
are concerned with are pressure and heat units. The
h, d hours, day time
SI pressure unit is kilopascal; the heat units are joule
mm millimeter length and watt. A watt equals 1 joule per second. Coversions
cm centimeter length from traditional metric units to SI units are as follows:
m meter length
m2 square meter area METRIC SI
CONVERSION
m3 cubic meter volume UNIT UNIT
m3/d cubic meters per day volume rate Pressure bar kilopascal, kPa kPa = bar x 100
l liter volume joule, J or J = cal x 4.2
Heat calorie
g, kg gram, kilogram weight watt, W W = J ÷ time, sec.
Pa, kPa pascal, kilopascal pressure
kPa(a) kilopascal absolute pressure
MPa megapascal pressure
bar bar (1 bar = 100 kPa) pressure
STANDARD CONDITIONS
J, kJ joule, kilojoule heat, work FOR GAS
MJ megajoule (J x 106) heat, work
W,kW watt, kilowatt power Measurement units for gas volume are cubic meters
per day (m3) or thousands of cubic feet per day (Mcf/
ENGLISH UNIT ABBREVIATIONS d). The letters st or s are sometimes used with the
units to designate volume at standard temperature
s, min second, minute time and pressure: m3d (st) or Mscf/d. In this manual,
h, d hour, day time standard volumes are corrected to a temperature of
in, ft inch, foot length 15°C and a pressure of 101.325 kPa(a), or 60°F and
sq in square inch area 14.7 psia.
sq ft square foot area
cu ft cubic foot volume To simplify the text, the letters st and s are omitted.
gal gallon volume However, all gas volumes shown are at standard
bbl barrel (42 US gal) volume conditions unless specifically stated otherwise.
BPD barrels per day volume rate
lb pound weight
psi lbs per square inch pressure
psia lbs per sq in absolute pressure HEAT CAPACITY AND
Btu British thermal unit heat RELATIVE DENSITY
MBtu thousand Btu heat
MMBtu million Btu heat
Specific heat and specific gravity are traditional
W, kW watt, kilowatt electric power terms that have been used in both Metric and English
hp horsepower mechanical power units for many years. These names are being re-
cf/d cubic feet per day gas flow rate placed with the terms: heat capacity and relative
Mcf/d thousand cf/d gas flow rate density. The new names are used in this manual.
MMcf/d million cf/d gas flow rate When you see the term heat capacity (Ht Cap), it will
M thousand have the same meaning as specific heat, and relative
MM million density (Rel Dens) means specific gravity.

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

 STRIPPER IN GLYCOL DEHYDRATION PLANT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................1
I. PROCESS FLOW ....................................................................................................2
A. Low Glycol Concentration Unit ...........................................................................2
B. High Glycol Concentration Unit...........................................................................3
1. Stripping Gas ................................................................................................4
a. Two Stage Stripper...................................................................................4
2. Stripping Liquid .............................................................................................5
3. Coldfinger ......................................................................................................7
C. BTEX Removal Facilities ....................................................................................8
II. DESCRIPTION OF EQUIPMENT ..........................................................................10
A. Flash Tank.........................................................................................................11
B. Filters ...............................................................................................................11
C. Lean to Rich Glycol Exchanger ........................................................................13
D. Stripper .............................................................................................................14
E. Reboiler ............................................................................................................16
F. Surge Tank ........................................................................................................16
G. Glycol Pump .....................................................................................................17
III. PRINCIPLES OF REGENERATING ......................................................................20
A. Effect of Stripping Gas ......................................................................................20
B. Coldfinger .........................................................................................................21
C. Stripper Reflux ..................................................................................................23
D. Process Heat ....................................................................................................23
IV. OPERATION ..........................................................................................................25
A. Control ..............................................................................................................25
B. Start-Up & Shutdown ........................................................................................25
C. Routine Checks ................................................................................................27
V. TROUBLESHOOTING ...........................................................................................28
A. Low TEG Concentration....................................................................................28
B. Reboiler Will Not Supply Enough Heat .............................................................29
C. Leak in Reboiler ................................................................................................29
D. Leak in Lean-to-Rich Exchanger ......................................................................30
VALIDATION - SI UNITS ................................................................................................33
SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS - SI UNITS .....................................................................34
VALIDATION - ENGLISH UNITS ....................................................................................35
SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS - ENGLISH UNITS .........................................................36

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

 DRAWINGS AND ILLUSTRATIONS

Glycol Reconcentrator ......................................................................................................2

Glycol Reconcentrator Cutaway .......................................................................................3
Glycol Reconcentrator with Stripping Gas .......................................................................4
2nd Stage Stripper ...........................................................................................................5
Glycol Reconcentrator with 2 Stripping Stages ................................................................5
Glycol Reconcentrator with Stripping Liquid ....................................................................6
Glycol Dehydration Plant with Coldfinger .........................................................................7
Glycol Reconcentrator with BTEX Removal Facilities ......................................................9
Flash Tank ......................................................................................................................11
Stripper ...........................................................................................................................14
Detail of Tower with Two Packed Sections ......................................................................15
Reboiler with Gas Fired Heater ......................................................................................16
Reboiler with Hot Oil Tube Bundle ..................................................................................16
Kimray Fluid Drive Pump ................................................................................................18
Reflux Control in Dehydration Plant ...............................................................................22
Reconcentrator Control ..................................................................................................24
Start-Up Procedure ........................................................................................................25
Shut Down Procedure ....................................................................................................26
Leak in Lean-Rich Solution Exchanger ..........................................................................30

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

 INTRODUCTION
In a glycol dehydration plant, water
vapor is removed from gas by absorption
in a stream of concentrated glycol. The
Stripper or Still as it is often called re-
moves the absorbed water from the gly-
col.
In order to understand how a Stripper
functions, we must first define a few terms
that will be used:
Rich solution is glycol with water dis-
solved in it.
Lean solution is the glycol that has
the water removed.
The feed to a Stripper is rich glycol;
the overhead product is water vapor, and
the bottom product is lean glycol.
Residual content is the amount of
water that remains in the lean glycol from
the Stripper.
GAS DEHYDRATION PLANT
1
Stripping gas is natural gas that re-
moves or “strips” water from the rich solu-
tion in the Stripper.
The most commonly used glycol in a
gas dehydration plant is triethylene
glycol, TEG.
Most glycol plants fall into one of
two categories:
1. Those treating gas which will enter a
sales pipeline. These plants only have
to remove about 85% of the water va-
por from the gas. A relatively low gly-
col concentration (97 - 98.5%) is used.
2. Those treating gas which will enter a
low temperature processing facility. A
high glycol concentration (up to
99.9%) is required which is capable of
removing 99% of the water vapor from
the gas.
STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT
2 I. PROCESS FLOW

A. Low Glycol Concentration Unit
The Stripper in a gas dehydration plant
is often dwarfed by other equipment in the
glycol regeneration or reconcentration
facilities. The photograph on page 10 shows
a typical Stripper in a glycol dehydration
plant. The function of the Stripper is to re-
move most of the water from the rich gly-
col feed stream. A flow diagram is shown
below. Flow is as follows:
The rich glycol feed comes from a
Contactor, where the glycol absorbed mois-
ture from gas. It flows through a reflux coil
in the top of the Stripper and enters the
Flash Tank, which operates at 500 - 900
kPa [75 - 125 psi]. Gas that was absorbed
by the glycol in the contactor is released
when the pressure is lowered in the Flash
Tank. The gas usually flows to fuel. If the
rich glycol contains liquid hydrocarbon, it
will float on the glycol and enter the bucket.
A level controller in the bucket dumps the
hydrocarbon.
Glycol passes under the bucket and
flows out the vessel. A level controller regu-
lates the rate of flow. It passes through an
element filter to remove solid materials, and
through a charcoal filter to remove liquid
STEAM

RICH GLYCOL
FUEL FROM CONTACTOR REFLUX
GAS LC COIL

LC
LEAN-RICH STRIPPER
GLYCOL TEMP.
FLASH EXCHANGER CONTR.
TANK

H/C

ELEMENT CHARCOAL
FILTER FILTER

REBOILER

FUEL
SURGE TANK GAS
LEAN
GLYCOL
TO CONTACTOR

GLYCOL RECONCENTRATOR

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

 STRIPPER
hydrocarbons. The rich glycol
passes through a Lean-Rich Gly-
col Exchanger where it is heated
with hot lean solution from the
Reboiler. The feed stream then
enters the Stripper near the top.
The liquid flows down the tower,
which usually contains packing,
and contacts upflowing steam
which heats the liquid enough to
boil out most of the water. Liquid
falls from the bottom of the Strip- RICH
GLYCOL
per into the Reboiler, where it is
LEAN
heated to a temperature of 190 - GLYCOL
204°C [375 - 400°F]. Most of the
water has been removed from the
glycol at this point. The liquid is withdrawn
above the heating tube in the Reboiler and
flows through the Lean-Rich Exchanger
where it gives up most of its heat to the
feed stream, and then flows into a Surge
Tank. A pump on the Surge Tank circulates
the lean glycol back to the Contactor.
In some dehydration plants, the Lean-
Rich Glycol Exchanger is a coil located in
the Surge Tank as shown above. Flow is
similar to that previously discussed. The
main difference is that hot lean glycol in
the Reboiler overflows into a standpipe and
drops into the Surge Tank. Rich glycol flows
through a coil located in the Surge Tank
and is heated by the lean solution.
The top product from the Stripper is
steam. It may flow out a vent to the air, or
3
WATER VAPOR
REFLUX
COIL
STRIPPER REBOILER
STANDPIPE
SURGE TANK
WITH LEAN-RICH
EXCHANGER COIL
GLYCOL RECONCENTRATOR
flow to an incinerator or to a BTEX recov-
ery unit, which is described on page 9.
B. High Glycol Concentration
Strippers
The reconcentrator previously de-
scribed will produce glycol having a
concentration of 98.6% (1.4% water).
This concentration will remove about 90%
of the water vapor from most gas streams
which is enough to meet pipeline specifi-
cations.
In some operations, up to 99% of the
water vapor must be removed from the gas.
A glycol concentration of 99.9% may be
required. Several methods are available
that will produce higher glycol concen-
trations.
STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT
4 STRIPPING GAS

1. Stripper with stripping gas 2. Two Stage Stripper

A drawing of a reconcentrator with
stripping gas is shown below. Flow of rich
glycol is the same as that previously cov-
ered. The only difference is that of strip-
ping gas, which is injected into the bottom
of the Reboiler. The gas is withdrawn from
fuel gas. It bubbles through the glycol in
the Reboiler, where it is heated to Reboiler
temperature. It flows up the Stripper and
“strips out” water from glycol. The net ef-
fect is to raise the glycol concentration as
high as 99.25%.
Flow is similar to that in a single stage
Stripper. The 2nd stage Stripper has a 2 or
3 tray section in which liquid from the
Reboiler spills over a weir onto the top tray.
It flows across the tray and falls to the tray
below. It flows across the lower tray and
falls to the bottom, where it exits and en-
ters the Lean-Rich TEG exchanger.
Stripping gas flows through a line in
the Reboiler, where it is heated to approxi-
mately Reboiler temperature. It enters the
2nd stage Stripper where it flows out a

STRIPPING GAS
& STEAM

RICH GLYCOL
FUEL FROM CONTACTOR REFLUX
GAS LC COIL

LC
LEAN-RICH STRIPPER
GLYCOL TEMP.
FLASH EXCHANGER CONTR.
TANK

H/C

ELEMENT CHARCOAL
FILTER FILTER

REBOILER

FLOW
IND.

STRIPPING
GAS FUEL
SURGE TANK GAS
LEAN
GLYCOL
TO CONTACTOR

GLYCOL RECONCENTRATOR WITH STRIPPING GAS

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

 STRIPPING GAS 5

spreader below the bottom tray. It flows up Reboiler, where it is vaporized and heated
the trays, bubbling through liquid on each to approximately Reboiler temperature. The
tray. It passes through the Reboiler, and vapor enters the bottom of the 2nd Stage
flows up the primary Stripper. It exits at the Stripper and flows upward. It contacts down
top with steam. Flow of stripping gas is flowing glycol from the Reboiler, and strips
regulated with a hand valve or pressure
regulator in the inlet line.
The 2 stage stripper can produce a
glycol concentration in excess of 99.75%.
2. Stripping Liquid STRIPPING
GAS
An alternate method of providing gly- LEAN
GLYCOL
col concentration above 98.5% is by using
a stripping liquid, as shown on the next 2ND STAGE STRIPPER
page. Stripping liquid from the Separator
is pumped through a preheat line in the STRIPPING GAS
& STEAM

RICH GLYCOL
FUEL FROM CONTACTOR REFLUX
GAS LC COIL

LC
STRIPPER
TEMP.
FLASH CONTR.
TANK

H/C

LEAN-RICH
GLYCOL
EXCHANGER

2nd STAGE REBOILER

STRIPPER
FLOW
ELEMENT CHARCOAL IND.
FILTER FILTER

FUEL
GAS

SURGE TANK
LEAN
GLYCOL
TO CONTACTOR GLYCOL
PUMP

GLYCOL RECONCENTRATOR WTH 2 STRIPPING STAGES

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

6 STRIPPING LIQUID

out most ot the water remaining in the glycol.
The stream leaving the top of the Strip-
per is a mixture of water vapor and strip-
ping liquid vapor. It flows through a con-
denser which cools the stream so that the
water and stripping liquid condense. The
stream flows to a separator, where the two
liquids are segregated. Water, being the
heavier liquid, drops to the bottom and is
withdrawn with a level control system to
disposal.
The lighter stripping liquid floats on
the water layer, and flows to the stripping
liquid pump.
Stripping liquid is iso-octane, or a simi-
increases as the temperature increases.
Consequently, the temperature of the liq-
uid leaving the stripper condenser should
be held as low as possible to minimize the
quantity of stripping liquid dissolved in wa-
ter that is withdrawn from the Separator.
Although stripping liquid eliminates the
need for stripping gas which vents to the
air, an additional heat load on the reboiler
is required to vaporize the stripping liquid
that flows into the Reboiler. However, the
increase in heat (and fuel) is about 30% of
the equivalent volume of stripping gas that
would be required to achieve the same gly-
col concentration. VENT

lar hydrocarbon. It is more soluble in water

than most hydrocarbons, and its solubility
CONDENSER

RICH GLYCOL
FUEL FROM CONTACTOR REFLUX
GAS LC COIL

LC SEPARATOR
LEAN-RICH STRIPPER
GLYCOL TEMP.
FLASH EXCHANGER CONTR. WATER
TANK
TO DISPOSAL

H/C
DISPOSAL
LEAN-RICH
GLYCOL
EXCHANGER

2nd STAGE REBOILER

STRIPPING
STRIPPER
LIQUID
PUMP
ELEMENT CHARCOAL
FILTER FILTER

FUEL
GAS

SURGE TANK
LEAN
GLYCOL
TO CONTACTOR GLYCOL
PUMP

GLYCOL RECONCENTRATOR WITH STRIPPING LIQUID

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

 COLDFINGER 7

The Separator operates at atmo- uid process in order to lower the consump-
spheric pressure. Make-up stripping liquid tion of gas used for reboiler fuel and strip-
is added to the separator as required. ping gas.
The flow rate of stripping liquid is 5 to 3. Coldfinger
20% of the flow of lean glycol to the
Another method of increasing the con-
Contactor. Raising the flow of stripping liq-
centration of glycol above 98.5% is that of
uid increases the glycol concentration. A
using the Coldfinger process. A flow dia-
concentration of 99.9% can be achieved
gram is shown below. Flow is similar to that
with stripping liquid.
The stripping liquid process has been previously described except that the surge
tank has a heat exchanger in the vapor
given a trade name of Drizo by the patent
space through which rich glycol from the
holder. A number of dehydration plants
contactor flows inside the tubes. Glycol in
originally designed for use of stripping gas
the surge tank comes from the Reboiler at
have been converted to the stripping liq-
a concentration of 97.5 - 98.5%.
RICH GLYCOL The vapor in the surge tank has a com-
FUEL position of approximately 60% steam and
GAS LC
40% glycol. It is at Reboiler temperature.
LC The temperature of rich glycol flowing in
FLASH the exchanger in
TANK
STEAM the vapor space of
H/C
the surge tank is
REFLUX
COIL much lower than
ELEMENT CHARCOAL
FILTER FILTER
GUTTER
that of the vapor.
COLDFINGER EXCHANGER STRIPPER
TEMP.
Some of the
CONTR.
steam in the vapor
is cooled below
100°C [212°F] and
SURGE TANK
it condenses and
RICH TEG
REBOILER
drops into a gutter
LEAN-RICH that flows into the
GLYCOL
EXCHANGER
Reboiler. The net
FUEL
LEAN TEG
TO CONTACTOR GLYCOL GAS result of condens-
PUMP
ing some of the
GLYCOL DEHYDRATION PLANT WITH COLDFINGER

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

8 BTEX REMOVAL FACILITIES
water vapor is to shift the vapor/liquid equi-
librium so that some of the water boils out
of the liquid glycol, thereby raising the gly-
col concentration above 99.5%.
C. BTEX Removal Facilities
The vast majority of hydrocarbons that
occur in natural gas are not soluble in gly-
col. This is one of the main reasons glycol
is used to remove water vapor from gas.
One group of hydrocarbons are
soluble in glycol. Chemists refer to them
as aromatics. Their chemical structure is
different from the more common form of
hydrocarbons. Included in the category of
aromatics are benzene, toluene, xylene
and other similar hydrocarbons. These liq-
uids are thought to be cancer causing.
If gas to a dehydrator contains BTEX,
some of it will dissolve in the glycol. Their
boiling range is 80 - 150°C [175 - 300°F],
which is well below the temperature in the
glycol Reboiler. Thus, they will boil out of
the glycol and exit the Reconcentrator in
the still overhead along with the water va-
por that the glycol absorbed in the
Contactor. If allowed to disperse into the
air, they can be highly polluting.
A flow diagram of facilities for remov-
ing BTEX from the Reconcentrator is
shown on the next page. Flow is as follows:
The overhead vapor from the Still is
composed of steam, BTEX vapor, and
some natural gas. The stream flows through
STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT
a Condenser, where the water and BTEX
condense. The stream enters a Separator,
where gas, BTEX and water are segregated
from each other. Gas flows out the top. If
the gas flow rate is less than 10 m3/d [350
cf/d] it will probably vent to the air. A higher
gas flow rate will flow to an incinerator or
vapor recovery unit. The gas disposition will
obviously depend upon the value of gas and
environmental constraints.
Water flows out the bottom of the
BTEX separator. It may flow by gravity into
a drain system, or have a pump to transfer
it to some other disposal facility.
BTEX settles above the water and is
pumped to disposal facilities.
Prior to 1980, BTEX was not recog-
nized as toxic, and no consideration was
made for its disposal. Since its toxicity has
been determined, concentration limits have
been set in effluent streams, such as those
from glycol dehydration plants. As a result,
BTEX removal facilities have been or will
be installed on older plants in which the
BTEX emissions are excessive.
The flow just described is one of sev-
eral designs for removing BTEX vapors
from glycol reconcentrators. Other designs
incinerate the BTEX, or use other means
for disposal. Regardless of the type of unit,
the pressure drop across the facility should
be held as low as possible. Pressure drop
in the BTEX unit will result in an increase
in the pressure in the Still. This, in turn will
 BTEX REMOVAL FACILITIES 9

reduce the glycol concentration, so Protective clothing should be worn

that it will not remove as much water vapor
in the Contactor.
CAUTION: BTEX is considered can-
cer causing. Contact with the skin or
inhaling the vapor should be avoided.
when exposure is possible. If contact
does occur, treat it as any other hydro-
carbon contact — thoroughly wash with
soap and water.
VENT

CONDENSER

RICH GLYCOL
FUEL FROM CONTACTOR REFLUX
GAS LC COIL

SEPARATOR
LC
LEAN-RICH STRIPPER WATER
GLYCOL TEMP. TO DISPOSAL
FLASH EXCHANGER CONTR.
TANK
TO BTEX
H/C DISPOSAL

ELEMENT CHARCOAL
FILTER FILTER

REBOILER

FUEL
SURGE TANK GAS
LEAN
GLYCOL
TO CONTACTOR

GLYCOL RECONCENTRATOR WITH BTEX REMOVAL FACILITIES

Problem 1
List the order of equipment in which rich glycol flows:
______ a. Stripper _____ e. Pump
______ b. Reflux Coil _____ f. Lean-to-Rich Exchanger
______ c. Flash Tank _____ g. Reboiler
______ d. Surge Tank

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

10 II. DESCRIPTION OF EQUIPMENT

A Reconcentrator in a gas dehydra- Stripper. The liquid which condenses falls

tion plant is shown below. The Reboiler is
the most prominent part. A gas fired heater
is often the source of heat to the Reboiler,
although any heat source at a temperature
above 230°C [450°F] can be used. The
Stripper tower is mounted on the Reboiler.
The reflux facilities include a cooling
coil in the top of the Stripper through which
the feed stream circulates and condenses
some of the gas flowing from the top of the
into the stripping section and serves as
reflux to the tower.
The Lean-Rich Glycol Exchanger may
be a shell-and-tube or U tube type, or it may
be a coil in the surge tank as shown on
page 3. The heat transfer that occurs in the
Exchanger is 50 - 60% of the duty of the
Reboiler, so it is an important energy sav-
ing piece of equipment.

REFLUX
COIL

STRIPPER

REBOILER &
SURGE TANK

LEAN-RICH
GLYCOL
EXCHANGER COIL GAS FIRED
HEATER

GLYCOL
PUMP

GLYCOL RECONCENTRATOR

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

 FLASH TANK
A. Flash Tank
Some gas dissolves in the rich glycol
solution in the Contactor. The quantity of
gas that dissolves in the glycol will depend
upon the temperature and pressure. In
general, the quantity is about 7.5 liters of
gas per liter of glycol [1 cubic foot of gas in
1 gallon of glycol]. In addition, the inlet gas
may contain some liquid hydrocarbon
which will collect in the bottom of the
Contactor and leave the vessel in the rich
glycol stream.
Gas and liquid hydrocarbon are re-
moved from the rich glycol in a Flash Tank.
A Flash Tank is simply a separator in which
gas, liquid hydrocarbon, and glycol are
segregated from one another. The gas
passes out the top of the vessel and usu-
ally flows to the fuel system. A pressure
control system regulates the flow of gas
leaving the vessel. Operating pressure is
usually 350 - 700 kPa [50 to 100 psi].
350 - 700 kPa
[50 - 100 psi]
RICH GLYCOL
FROM
REFLUX COIL
LC
BUCKET
HYDROCARBON
TO DISPOSAL
FLASH TANK
11
Two level control systems are installed
on the Flash Tank. One system regulates
the flow of liquid hydrocarbon, and the other
regulates flow of rich glycol. Refer to the
drawing below for a typical Flash Tank.
A Flash Tank is usually not included
on plants having a gas capacity less than
100 000 m3/d [3 MMcf/d] because the quan-
tity of gas recovered does not justify its in-
stallation.
B. Glycol Filters
As glycol circulates through the sys-
tem, it picks up solid particles, some of
which enter in the inlet gas stream. In ad-
dition, the glycol may contain liquid hydro-
carbons or other soluble liquids it absorbs
from gas in the Contactor. These impuri-
ties may cause foaming in the Contactor.
A replaceable element filter removes
solid particles from the glycol. As it picks
up more material, its pressure drop in-
FUEL
GAS
LC
RICH
GLYCOL
TO STRIPPER
STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT
12 GLYCOL FILTERS

creases. Most units have an allowable pres- coal should be replaced.

sure drop of 150 - 200 kPa [20 - 30 psi]. If In some glycol plants, glycol flow en-
elements are not changed as they become ters the charcoal filter before it flows into
plugged with solids, they may collapse and the element filter. With this arrangement,
dump the material they removed into the the charcoal will obviously remove solid
outlet line. It’s generally considered good particles from the glycol, and must be re-
practice to change elements well before the placed when the pressure drop rises. The
pressure drop reaches the maximum rec- element filter is provided to catch bro-
ommended by the manufacturer. ken charcoal that may be left in the fil-
A charcoal filter is provided to remove ter outlet line.
liquid hydrocarbons and chemicals such as
corrosion inhibitors from the glycol. These
are foam causing materials. This filter is not
intended to remove solid particles.
The filter is usually equipped with a
differential pressure gauge, which is often
used as a guide for replacing the charcoal.
An increase in pressure drop indicates the
filter is removing solid particles, which is
not its function. The element filter is pro-
vided for that. The charcoal is intended to
remove liquid impurities such as hydrocar-
bons or chemicals. When the charcoal be-
comes saturated with such liquids, it should
be replaced. The pressure drop will not
change when this occurs.
Charcoal efficiency is determined by
obtaining samples of glycol entering and
leaving the filter in glass or clear plastic
bottles with stoppers. The samples are vio-
lently shaken and set on a table. The foam
in the sample from the filter outlet line
should settle before that of the inlet line
sample. If it does not settle faster, the char- REPLACEABLE ELEMENT FILTER

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

 GLYCOL EXCHANGERS
The shake test should still be per-
formed on this flow arrangement, particu-
larly if foaming is occurring. Charcoal
should be replaced when the pressure drop
reaches maximum, or when the shake test
is negative, whichever occurs first.
C. Glycol Exchangers
Lean glycol leaving the Stripper is at
a temperature of 175 - 204°C [350 - 400°F].
It must be cooled prior to entering the
Contactor in order for it to absorb the maxi-
mum quantity of moisture from the gas.
Cooling is accomplished in 2 stages:
The first stage is the Lean Glycol-to-
Rich-Glycol Exchanger. In this heat ex-
changer, about 65% of the heat contained
in the hot lean solution is transferred to the
rich solution entering the Stripper. The tem-
perature of lean glycol out of this exchanger
is about 95°C [200°F].
Several types of Lean-Glycol-to-Rich-
Glycol Exchangers are used. Small dehy-
PLATE TYPE EXCHANGER U-TUBE TYPE EXCHANGER
TYPES OF LEAN GLYCOL-TO-RICH GLYCOL EXCHANGERS
13
dration plants usually have a coil in the
Surge Tank through which rich solution
flows. Heat transfers from the hot lean so-
lution on the outside of the coil to the rich
solution flowing inside the coil. Refer to the
drawing on page 3.
Larger plants will have 1 or more
U-tube exchangers, or a plate type ex-
changer to transfer heat from the lean
glycol to the rich glycol.
This exchanger is important in the
overall operating efficiency of the plant. The
heat that transfers to the rich solution in
the exchanger reduces the amount of heat
required in the Reboiler. If the exchanger
were not present, the Reboiler heat (and
fuel gas) would be twice as much.
The final stage of lean glycol cooling
is accomplished in an exchanger that cools
the glycol to a temperature about 5°C
[10°F] above that of the gas entering the
Contactor. It is shown in Manual P-3,
CONTACTOR IN DEHYDRATION PLANT.
STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT
14 STRIPPER OR STILL
D. Stripper or Still
The Stripper removes water vapor that
the glycol absorbed from the gas in the
Contactor. It operates at or near atmo-
spheric pressure, so it does not have to be
constructed to the same rigid codes that ap-
ply to vessels operating at a higher pressure.
One of the main factors effecting the
quantity of water vapor that glycol removes
from gas in the Contactor is the purity or
concentration of the lean glycol solution.
Most glycol units operate with a concen-
tration of 97.5 to 99.5% glycol and the re-
maining 0.5 to 2.5 wt % is water. A high
purity stream will remove more moisture
from gas than one of a lower purity. A lean
glycol concentration of 100% could remove
virtually 100% of the water vapor from the
gas.
The concentration of glycol is con-
trolled in the Stripper. The rich glycol
stream is heated to a temperature of RICH GLYCOL
FROM
175 - 205°C [350 - 400°F] in the CONTACTOR
HAND VALVE TO
Rebiler at the bottom of the Stripper, CONTROL REFLUX
which results in a glycol concentra- TO
FLASH
tion of 97.5 - 98.5%. A higher con- TANK
centration can be obtained by raising
the Reboiler temperature, but this
would also result in a chemical break- FEED
FROM
FLASH
down of the glycol, so that it would TANK
no longer absorb moisture from the
gas. Consequently, if a concentration
above 98.5% is required to remove the
necessary quantity of moisture from the
STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT
gas, some form of stripping gas is used.
The Stripper or Still is usually a pipe
filled to a height of 2 - 4 m [6 - 12 ft] of
packing. It mounts on top of the Reboiler.
Strippers having a diameter over 600 mm
[24 inches] may have 2 - 4 bubble cap trays
instead of packing.
A reflux exchanger coil is located in
the top of the Stripper. It is made of steel
tubing. Rich glycol at a temperature of about
38°C [100°F] from the Contactor flows in-
side the coil.
Vapor temperature at the top of the
Stripper is about 107°C [225°F]. It contains
some glycol in a vapor. As the vapor flows
across the coil, most of the glycol con-
denses and falls into the Stripper.
STEAM
& STRIPPING
GAS
104°C
[220°F]
38°C
[100°F]
REFLUX
COIL
PACKED
SECTION
STRIPPER
 PACKING USED IN STRIPPERS 15

GAS OUT

SLOTTED RINGS
LIQUID
LIQUID DISTRIBUTOR
IN
PACKING
RESTRAINER

RANDOM
SHELL
TOWER
PACKING

RASHIG
RINGS
LIQUID
REDISTRIBUTOR

PACKING GAS IN
SUPPORT
BERYL
LIQUID
SADDLES
OUT

DETAIL OF TOWER WITH

TWO PACED SECTIONS

PLASTIC
SADDLES
PACKING
PACKING USED IN STRIPPERS

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

16 REBOILER

E. Reboiler Fresh glycol is added to the vessel when

The Reboiler provides heat to boil
water out of the rich glycol. It can have a
gas fired heater, or a tube bundle through
which a hot oil circulates. A temperature
controller that senses the glycol tempera-
ture regulates the heat input to the Reboiler.
The Stripper mounts atop the Reboiler.
The Reboiler operates at atmo-
spheric pressure, so it does not have to
be fabricated to rigid pressure vessel
the level falls.
Surge Tanks in small dehydration
plants often have a Lean Glycol-to-Rich
Glycol Exchanger coil installed in them.
Refer to the drawing on page 3. In this situ-
ation, it is important that the level of glycol
in the Surge Tank be held above the top of
STRIPPER

specifications.
F. Surge Tank TEMP
CONTR
Some glycol will leave the plant in the
outlet gas stream from the Contactor and
in the water vapor line form the Stripper.
Most dehydration plant suppliers claim gly-
col loss will not exceed 13 liters per million
m3 of gas [0.1 gal per MMcf of gas]. How-
REBOILER WITH GAS
ever, glycol loss at design gas flow rate is FUEL
FIRED HEATER GAS
often about 65 liters per million m3 [0.5 gal
per MMcf].
STRIPPER
The Surge Tank provides storage for
glycol so that it will not have to be added HOT
OIL
continually to make up for losses. The TEMP
CONTR
Surge Tank is usually sized to hold about a
1 month supply of glycol.
The Surge Tank operates at or near
atmospheric pressure, so it is not made to
rigid pressure vessel specifications. Lean
glycol in the tank is usually at a tempera-
ture about 93°C [200°F], so it is insulated
for personnel protection. It has a gauge REBOILER WITH HOT OIL
glass to indicate the level of glycol in it. TUBE BUNDLE

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

 GLYCOL PUMP
the coil so that the maximum heat transfer
can take place. It may be necessary to add
glycol to the system once or twice a week
to keep the level in the Surge Tank above
the coil.
The Surge Tank on some units is built
onto the Reboiler. The Reboiler has a weir
between the Reboiler section and the
Surge Tank section. The top of the weir is
slightly above the firetube. Glycol flows
down the Stripper into the Reboiler, and
spills over the weir into the Surge Tank. The
level in the Reboiler is always above the
firetube so that it will not melt from over-
heating due to a low level.
G. Glycol Pump
The glycol pump is either a conven-
tional reciprocating type, or a fluid driven
type. The latter type is used on most small
dehydration plants.
A plunger type reciprocating pump is
generally used for circulating glycol in
larger plants. The size and number of
plungers will depend upon the glycol flow
rate. These pumps are usually belt driven
by an electric motor. Consequently, the only
means of changing flow rate are to change
the size of belt pulley or to by-pass a por-
tion of the discharge liquid from the pump
back to the suction side.
Most of the fluid drive glycol pumps
are manufactured by Kimray, Inc. They are
frequently called Kimray pumps.
The energy required to boost the lean
17
glycol pressure from atmospheric pressure
in the surge tank up to Contactor pressure
is provided by the pressure energy con-
tained in rich glycol at the base of the
Contactor and pressure energy from gas
in the Contactor. Thus, the stream enter-
ing the drive end of the pump is a mixture
of gas and rich glycol. It flows to the flash
tank.
The fluid drive pump has 2 operating
advantages over plunger pumps:
1. Its speed can be regulated by adjust-
ing the flow of gas and rich glycol en-
tering it, which provides a means of
varying the flow of lean glycol to the
Contactor.
2. It eliminates the need for a level control
system on the Contactor.
A Flash Tank should be installed when
a fluid drive pump is used in order to re-
cover gas which enters the drive end of the
pump.
Operation of the pump is described on
the following page.
PLUNGER PUMP
STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT
18 OPERATION OF KIMRAY FLUID DRIVE PUMP
Speed Control
Valves
Rich Glycol
Discharge to Flash Tank
Pilot
Piston
Lean Glycol
Discharge
Discharge
Check Valve
Piston Actuator
Position Ring
Piston Rod
Suction Check Pump Slide
Valve Valve
OPERATION:
The Kimray glycol pump is double act-
ing, powered by Rich Glycol and a small
quantity of gas at Contactor Pressure.
Rich Glycol from the Contactor flows
through port #4 and is throttled through the
SPEED CONTROL VALVE to the left end
of the Pump Piston, moving this assembly
from left to right. Lean Glycol is pumped
from the left cylinder to the Contactor while
the right cylinder is filling with Lean Glycol
from the Surge Tank. At the same time, Rich
Glycol is discharging from the right end of
the Pump Piston Assembly to a Flash Tank.
As the Pump Piston Assembly nears
the end of its stroke, the POSITION RING
on the PISTON ROD contacts the right end
of the ACTUATOR. Further movement to
the right moves the ACTUATOR and PUMP
SLIDE to uncover port #1 and communi-
cate ports #2 and #3. This exhausts Rich
STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT
Pilot
Slide
Valve
Discharge
Check Valve
Rich Glycol
Inlet
Suction Check
Valve
Lean Glycol
Inlet
Glycol from the left end of the PILOT PIS-
TON through ports #2 and #3 to the FLASH
TANK.
At the same time port #1 (which was
communicated with port #3) admits Rich
Glycol to the right end of the PILOT PIS-
TON. This causes the PILOT PISTON and
PILOT SLIDE to be driven from right to left.
In its new position the PILOT SLIDE
uncovers port #5 and communicates ports
#4 and #6. This exhausts Rich Glycol from
the left end of the Pump Piston Assembly
through ports #4 and #6 to the Flash Tank.
Port #5 (which was communicated with port
#6) now admits Rich Glycol through the
right hand SPEED CONTROL VALVE to
the right end of the Pump Piston Assem-
bly.
The pump Piston Assembly now starts
the stroke from right to left. Follow above
procedure reversing directions of flow.
 GLYCOL PUMP 19

Problem 2

List the function of each of the following items of equipment.

a. Flash Tank __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
b. Lean-to-Rich Exchanger _______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
c. Reflux Coil __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
d. Reboiler ____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
e. Element Filter ________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
f. Charcoal Filter _______________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

20 III. PRINCIPLES OF REGENERATING

The Stripper in a dehydration plant centration of 98.7% can be achieved by

removes water that glycol absorbed from operating the Reboiler at 204°C [400°F]. If
inlet gas in the Contactor by boiling the rich a higher concentration is required, some
solution. The primary factor that affects the form of stripping gas must be used.
amount of water that boils out of the glycol A. Effect of Stripping Gas
is the Reboiler temperature. More water is
The effect of stripping gas is the same
boiled out at higher temperatures. However,
as that of pulling a vacuum on the Stripper.
if the temperature is raised above 215°C
We mentioned earlier that if a Reboiler tem-
[415°F], the glycol will decompose and
perature of 205°C [400°F] is exceeded, the
loose its ability to remove water vapor from
glycol will decompose. Many operators set
gas. Most operators do not exceed 204°C
a maximum reboiler temperature of 200°C
[400°F] temperature in the Reboiler.
[390°F]. At this temperature, a concentra-
The efficiency of the glycol
tion of 98.5% glycol can be obtained. The
reconcentrator is determined by measur-
concentration can be increased at this tem-
ing the concentration of lean glycol. A con-
perature by pulling a vacuum on the strip

REGENERATION FACILITIES AT GLYCOL DEHYDRATION PLANT

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

 COLDFINGER
per. At a vacuum of one-half an atmo-
sphere, A concentration of 99.25% results.
A higher concentration will result from a
higher vacuum.
The stripping gas effect is as follows:
the stripping gas is not soluble in glycol. If
the Stripper is at atmospheric pressure,
and the composition of vapor is 50% steam
and glycol vapor, and 50% stripping gas,
each is contributing 50% of the total pres-
sure in the Stripper. The net pressure of
the steam and glycol vapor is 50% of the
Stripper pressure, which is approximately
one atmosphere. Thus, the glycol compo-
sition will be that from operating at 200°C
[390°F] and a vacuum of one-half an at-
mosphere of pressure, which results in
99.25% glycol concentration.
Two stage stripping (see page 5) will
increase the above concentration to
99.56%. A concentration of 99.9% can be
obtained with two stages of stripping in
which the flow of stripping gas represents
75% of the total vapor flow up the Stripper.
Stripping liquid described on page 6
is totally vaporized in the Reboiler, so it is
in a vapor state in the Stripper. In other
words, it is stripping gas.
B. Coldfinger
The Coldfinger as shown on page 7 is
an entirely different principle for raising gly-
col concentration. In the Reboiler having a
glycol concentration of 98.5%, the vapor
composition is about 40% glycol and 60%
21
steam at a temperature of 290°C [390°F].
To put it another way, the equilibrium
composition of vapor is 40% glycol and
60% steam above a liquid glycol concen-
tration of 98.5% at its boiling point. The liq-
uid and vapor from the Reboiler enter the
surge tank, which has the Coldfinger cool-
ing coil.
It might help you to understand the
Coldfinger process as that of condensing
some of the steam in the vapor above the
liquid glycol. The steam removed is partially
replaced by water from the liquid glycol.
When water is drawn from the liquid, the
glycol concentration obviously increases.
If half of the steam is condensed, the theo-
retical composition of the liquid glycol in
equilibrium with the vapor is about 99%.
Condensing more steam will result in in-
creasing the glycol concentration.
The steam that condenses in the
Coldfinger drops into a gutter which is
slanted so that the condensate drains into
the Reboiler, where it is vaporized and flows
out the Stripper.
The Coldfinger tube bundle can be
designed to condense 80 - 90% of the
steam, which will result in a glycol concen-
tration up to 99.5%. Stripping steam can
be used in conjunction with the Coldfinger
to produce a glycol concentration close to
100%. This would be used in a dehydrator
that is capable of removing almost 100%
of the water vapor from a gas stream.
STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT
22 REFLUX IN STRIPPER

C. Stripper Reflux above the Stripper column through which

Some glycol vapor will flow out the top
of the Stripper. In order to recover it, the
vapor is cooled as it flows past the reflux
coil, and the glycol condenses and drops
down into the Stripper.
In most Glycol Strippers, the Reflux
Condenser is located above the Stripper,
and reflux which condenses in the Ex-
changer simply drops to the top of the Strip-
per. There is no measurement of the reflux
flow rate.
The Reflux Condenser is often a coil
rich glycol flows. The quantity of reflux which
condenses will depend upon the flow rate
of rich solution through the Condenser,
which is usually regulated by adjusting a
valve in the by-pass line around the Con-
denser as shown below. Maximum flow of
rich solution through the Condenser occurs
when the by-pass valve is fully closed. This
will result in the maximum flow of reflux.
The by-pass valve is adjusted so that the
temperature of gas flowing out the tower is
about 105°C [220°F].

ADJUST BYPASS
VALVE TO HOLD 105°C
OUTLET TEMP OF STEAM [220°F]
105°C [220°F]
RICH GLYCOL
FUEL FROM CONTACTOR REFLUX
GAS LC COIL

LC
LEAN-RICH STRIPPER
GLYCOL TEMP.
FLASH EXCHANGER CONTR.
TANK

H/C

ELEMENT CHARCOAL
FILTER FILTER

REBOILER

FUEL
SURGE TANK GAS
LEAN
GLYCOL
TO CONTACTOR
REFLUX CONTROL IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

 PROCESS HEAT
Reflux which condenses drops into the
Stripper, and eventually flows into the
Reboiler, where it is vaporized and flows
back up the tower. Reboiler heat and fuel
are required to vaporize the reflux, so it is
expensive. Consequently, flow of reflux
should be held to the minimum required to
scrub glycol from vapors flowing out the
top of the Stripper. When glycol carries out
in the vapors leaving the Stripper, the level
of the glycol in the Surge Tank will drop.
C. Process Heat
Process heat is the heat required in
the Stripper to boil water from the solution.
Most of the water in the rich solution will
boil out if the solution temperature is raised
to 204°C [400°F]. The remaining water is
removed from the solution by the action of
stripping gas.
Of the total process heat required in a
Stripper, about 60% is needed to heat the
rich glycol solution to its boiling tempera-
ture so the water will boil out. Once this
temperature is reached, about 15% of the
total heat is used to boil the water. The re-
maining 25% of the heat input is used to
vaporize reflux.
Process heat is added to the tower at
two points:
1. 50 - 60% of the heat is added in the
Reboiler.
2. The balance is added in the Lean-Rich
Glycol Exchanger.
23
Heat added in the Reboiler must usu-
ally be provided with some source of fuel,
which is expensive. Furthermore, if the
Lean-Rich Exchanger does not transfer as
much heat as it should, the shortage must
be made up in the Reboiler, which requires
additional fuel.
The amount of process heat, and
Reboiler fuel, is directly proportional to the
flow of rich solution entering the Stripper.
Each L/min of rich solution entering the
Stripper requires about 22 m3/d of fuel gas
in the Reboiler, which represents an an-
nual cost of 700 US dollars. [Each gpm of
solution entering the Stripper requires
about 3 Mcf/d of fuel gas to the Reboiler,
which represents an annual fuel cost of
about $2750.] The fuel expense is based
on a gas price of 0.25 US dollars per therm
[$2.50 per Mcf].
Since process heat is expensive, it
should be held to a minimum. Temperatures
at the Lean-Rich Exchanger should be fre-
quently observed, and it should be cleaned
when its transfer rate drops. In order to have
a basis for determining whether or not the
exchanger is performing as it should, tem-
peratures should be observed when the
unit is new and recorded in the log book or
some other place where it can be used as
a basis for checking future performance.
The heat input to the Reboiler should
be held at the lowest point that is required to
produce a lean solution of the proper purity.
STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT
24 CONTROL OF STRIPPER

Problem 3
a. The effect of stripping gas is the same as that of ____________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
b. The function of reflux is ________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
c. Process heat to boil water from rich glycol is provided by ______________________
___________________________________________________________________

CONTROL TOP TEMP 105°C

BY CHANGING FLOW [220°F]
IN REFLUX COIL STEAM
CONTROL TEMP AT 204°C [400°F]
IN HIGH TEG CONCENTRATION
RICH GLYCOL
FUEL PLANTS. CONTROL 200°C [390°F]
FROM CONTACTOR REFLUX
GAS LC COIL IN OTHER PLANTS.

LC
LEAN-RICH STRIPPER
GLYCOL TEMP.
FLASH EXCHANGER CONTR.
TANK

H/C

∆P

ELEMENT CHARCOAL
CHANGE ELEMENTS FILTER FILTER
WHEN ∆P IS NEAR MAX.
REBOILER
CHANGE CHARCOAL WHEN
SHAKE TEST IS NEGATIVE. FLOW
IND.
CONTROL TEG FLOW BY BYPASSING
PUMP OUTLET IN COLDFINGER AND
LOW TEG CONCENTRATION PLANTS
TO MEET TREATED GAS SPECS. FUEL
SURGE TANK GAS
LEAN ADJUST TEG FLOW AND
GLYCOL STRIPPING GAS FLOW TO
TO CONTACTOR MEET TREATED GAS SPECS.

RECONCENTRATOR CONTROL

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

 IV. OPERATION 25

A. Control of Stripper b. Refer to manual P-2 for procedure

The reconcentrator has the following to control glycol flow and stripping
control points. fluid flow in high TEG concentration
plants.
1. Stripper top temperature control, which
4. Change filter elements when pressure
is covered on page 22.
drop approaches maximum recom-
2. Reboiler temperature.
mended by the supplier.
a. Hold at 204°C [400°F] in plants re-
5. Run shake test on charcoal filter weekly
quiring a glycol concentration more
or when foaming occurs and change
than 98.8%.
charcoal when test shows no improve-
b. Hold at 200°C [390°F] in other
ment in foam breaking.
plants.
3. Glycol flow rate. B. Start-Up and Shut Down
a. In low TEG concentration plants and The procedures for starting and shut-
Coldfinger plants, adjust flow to ting down Strippers are shown on the fol-
meet treated gas quality specs. lowing pages.
105°C
[220°F]
STEAM
3 START FEED
RICH GLYCOL
FUEL FROM CONTACTOR REFLUX
GAS LC COIL

LC
LEAN-RICH STRIPPER
GLYCOL TEMP.
FLASH EXCHANGER CONTR.
TANK
START
H/C
4 HEAT

∆P

ELEMENT CHARCOAL
FILTER FILTER
REBOILER
1 FILL VESSELS WITH TEG

FLOW
IND.

5 FUEL
START GAS
SURGE TANK
STRIPPING
LEAN
GAS
GLYCOL
TO CONTACTOR 2 START PUMP

START-UP PROCEDURE

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

26 SHUT DOWN PROCEDURE
STEAM
4 STOP FEED
RICH GLYCOL
FUEL FROM CONTACTOR REFLUX
GAS LC COIL

LC
LEAN-RICH STRIPPER
GLYCOL TEMP.
FLASH EXCHANGER CONTR.
TANK
STOP
H/C 2 HEAT

∆P

ELEMENT CHARCOAL
FILTER FILTER
REBOILER

FLOW
IND.

1 FUEL
STOP
SURGE TANK STRIPPING GAS
LEAN GAS
GLYCOL
TO CONTACTOR 3 STOP PUMP

SHUT DOWN PROCEDURE

C. Routine Operating Checks

Process checks are of little benefit change from the previous observation. If a
unless the observations are interpreted. change is observed, the cause should be
The main thing the operator is looking for corrected before the condition deteriorates
in checking his process conditions is a to a serious problem.

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

 ROUTINE OPERATING CHECKS 27

There are 2 types of routine operat- 2. Observation of process conditions of

ing checks: temperature, flow, levels, etc.
1. Visual observation of equipment to
check for leaks, insulation failures, vi- Following are the more common
bration, noise, etc. causes for changes.

Process Checks at Stripper

CAUSE FOR CHANGE AND
PROCESS CONDITIONS CORRECTIVE ACTION
Reboiler temperature changes 1. Gas Fired Reboilers
a. Faulty temperature control system.
b. Reboiler fuel pressure changes.
Check and correct.
c. Fuel contains liquid. Drain fuel
scrubber.
d. Improper fuel-air mixture at burner.
Adjust burner air.
e. Flame arrester is plugged. Inspect
and clean.
f. Leaking firetube. Stack gas is smoky.
Shut down and repair.
2. Reboilers with heating fluid.
a. Faulty temperature control system.
Check and correct.
b. Pressure of heating fluid changes.
Check and correct.
c. Temperature of heating fluid changes.
Check and correct.
High residual moisture in lean glycol. 1. Low Reboiler temperature. Raise to
Glycol concentration is down. normal.
Condition results in high moisture 2. Low stripping gas rate. Raise until
content of treated gas leaving plant. treated gas moisture content is normal.
3. Flow of rich glycol has increased. Lower
flow or increase stripping gas flow rate.
4. Stripper is foaming.
5. Packing or trays in Stripper are ob-
structed or broken. Inspect and repair.
High glycol concentration. Condition 1. High reboiler temperature. Lower to
results in low moisture content of 204°C [400°F].
treated gas leaving plant. 2. High stripping gas rate. Lower until
treated gas moisture content is normal.

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

28 V. TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem 4
List the sequence for the following events at start up.
_______ a. Start heat to reboiler.
_______ b. Start feed to stripper.
_______ c. Start glycol pump.
_______ d. Start flow of stripping gas.
V. TROUBLESHOOTING
A. Troubleshooting Procedure for Low Concentration of Lean Glycol
CAUSE OF LOW CONCENTRATION
1. High stripper pressure
2. Low stripping gas rate
3. Low Reboiler temperature
4. Low Stripper feed temperature
5. Leak in Lean-Rich Exchanger
6. Stripper trays or packing is fouled.
STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE
Check outlet line or BTEX unit for ob-
struction.
Check flow rate. Raise if necessary. Rate
is indicated by flow of gas to the Stripper.
Check Reboiler temperature. Raise to
design.
Check temperature. Find cause of low
temperature. Lean-Rich Solution Ex-
changer may be fouled.
Check solution Exchanger for leaking
tube and plug it.
Confirm with high pressure drop mea-
surement. Internally inspect & clean or
replace packing.
 TROUBLESHOOTING
B. Reboiler Will Not Supply Enough Heat
1. For Reboiler with Firetube Heater:
CAUSES
1. Low fuel rate.
2. Low fuel gas pressure.
3. Improper combustion.
4. Liquid level below top of fire tube.
5. Fouled firetube.
2. For Reboiler with heating tube bundle:
CAUSES
1. Low temperature of heating fluid.
2. Low flow of heating fluid.
3. Liquid level below top of tubes.
4. Tubes are fouled.
C. Leak in Reboiler
1. A leak in a Reboiler with a firetube
heater will result in solution entering the
firetube, where it will burn. Black smoke
will come out the heater stack. The
Reboiler could burn down. The fuel
should be shut off and the fire extin-
guished.
29
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE
Check rate. Raise to design.
Check pressure. Raise to normal.
a. Check flame arrestor for plugging.
Clean if necessary.
b. Adjust primary and secondary air to
give good flame pattern.
Check level and raise above firetube.
Remove and clean.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE
Check temperature. Raise to design.
a. Check flow rate. Raise if possible.
b. Check pressures of heating fluid in
and out of Reboiler. If pressure differ-
ence is high, tubes are plugged and
must be cleaned.
Check level and raise above tube bundle.
Remove bundle and clean.
2. A leak in a tube bundle results in the
heating fluid leaking into the glycol. The
volume of glycol will increase, and its
purity will fall off. Leaking tubes can be
plugged and the bundle put back in ser-
vice.
STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT
30 LEAK IN LEAN-RICH EXCHANGER

1. Leak in Lean-Rich Exchanger solution leaving the exchanger will de-

The pressure of the rich solution in the
Exchanger is higher than that of the lean
solution. Thus, if a leak occurs, rich solu-
tion will leak into the lean solution. Most
leaks in this Exchanger are due to corro-
sion and usually start out as a small leak
and get progressively worse.
The symptoms of a leak in the Ex-
changer are:
1. The temperature of lean solution out of
the Exchanger drops because cold rich
solution is leaking into it.
2. The glycol concentration of the lean
crease.
A small leak in the exchanger often
goes undetected for a considerable period
of time. If the leak worsens, it will eventu-
ally affect the ability of the lean solution to
remove water vapor from the gas it is treat-
ing in an absorber or contactor.
One method for checking a leak in the
Exchanger is to check the concentration of
the lean solution entering and leaving the
Exchanger. The outlet stream will show a
lower concentration than the inlet stream
when a leak occurs.

When leak occurs, higher pressure rich solution

will leak into lean solution. The temperature of HOT RICH
COOL LEAN lean solution flowing out of the Exchanger will SOLUTION
SOLUTION OUT be lower than normal, and its residual content OUT
will be higher than that of lean solution entering
the Exchanger.

HOT LEAN
COOL RICH
SOLUTION IN
SOLUTION IN

LEAK IN LEAN-RICH SOLUTION EXCHANGER

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

 LEAK IN LEAN-RICH EXCHANGER 31

Problem 5
a. Lean Glycol concentration is down. List 3 causes.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

b. A leak in a reboiler with a gas fired heater is indicated by ______________________

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

32 NOTES

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

P-4 STRIPPER IN GLYCOL VALIDATION 33
DEHYDRATION PLANT
First Edition
SI UNITS Trainee ______________
STRIPPING GAS 102°C
& STEAM

RICH GLYCOL
FUEL FROM CONTACTOR REFLUX
GAS LC COIL

LC
STRIPPER
193°C TEMP.
FLASH CONTR.
TANK

H/C

ELEMENT CHARCOAL
FILTER FILTER

REBOILER

FLOW
IND.

STRIPPING
GAS FUEL
0.03 m3/L GAS
LEAN of Glycol
GLYCOL
40 L/min
1. Refer to the above flow drawing. 1% Water

a. Stripping gas flow rate is ________ m3/d.

b. Lean glycol concentration is _______%.
c. Is the Stripper operating at its most economical point? ________
How do you find that point?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
d. In cold weather, the stripping gas flow is more / less / the same as in hot weather.
Check the correct item or items to each of the following statements.
2. The function of reflux is to:
_______ Dilute rich solution _______ Add Reboiler duty
_______ Condense glycol from vapors _______ Cool top of Stripper
3. The Reboiler supplies heat to:
_______ Vaporize reflux _______ Vaporize Stripped components
_______ Heat liquid in tower _______ Heat stripping gas
4. When Checking the performance of a Stripper, the most important item is;
_______ Feed rate _______ Concentration of lean glycol
_______ Reflux rate _______ Stripping gas flow rate
5. The level in the Surge Tank suddenly drops. The probable cause is ____________.

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

34 SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS
SI UNITS
1. a. 4
b. 1
c. 2
d. 6
e. 7
f. 3
g. 5

2. a. Remove absorbed gas from rich glycol. Remove liquid hydrocarbon from rich
glycol.
b. Transfer heat in hot lean glycol to rich glycol to reduce heat added in Reboiler.
c. Condense glycol vapor.
d. Provide heat to boil water from glycol.
e. Remove solid material from glycol.
f. Remove hydrocarbon from glycol.

3. a. Pulling a vacuum on the still.

b. Condense glycol vapor.
c. Lean/Rich Glycol Exchanger & Reboiler.

4. a. 3
b. 2
c. 1
d. 4

5. a. Low reboiler temp; Low stripping gas rate; High stripper pressure; low feed temp;
leak in HEX; fouled stripper.
b. Black smoke out stack.

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

P-4 STRIPPER IN GLYCOL VALIDATION 35
DEHYDRATION PLANT
First Edition ENGLISH UNITS Trainee ______________
STRIPPING GAS 215°F
& STEAM

RICH GLYCOL
FUEL FROM CONTACTOR REFLUX
GAS LC COIL

LC
STRIPPER
380°F TEMP.
FLASH CONTR.
TANK

H/C

ELEMENT CHARCOAL
FILTER FILTER

REBOILER

FLOW
IND.

STRIPPING
GAS FUEL
5 cu ft/gal GAS
LEAN
GLYCOL
10 gpm
1% Water
Refer to the above flow drawing.
a. Stripping gas flow rate is ________ Mcf/d.
b. Lean glycol concentration is _______%.
c. Is the Stripper operating at its most economical point? ________ How do you find
that point?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
d. In cold weather, the stripping gas flow is more / less / the same as in hot weather.
Check the correct item or items to each of the following statements.
2. The function of reflux is to:
_______ Dilute rich solution _______ Add Reboiler duty
_______ Condense glycol from vapors _______ Cool top of Stripper
3. The Reboiler supplies heat to:
_______ Vaporize reflux _______ Vaporize Stripped components
_______ Heat liquid in tower _______ Heat stripping gas
4. When Checking the performance of a Stripper, the most important item is;
_______ Feed rate _______ Concentration of lean glycol
_______ Reflux rate _______ Stripping gas flow rate
5. The level in the Surge Tank suddenly drops. The probable cause is ____________.

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

36 SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS
ENGLISH UNITS
1. a. 4
b. 1
c. 2
d. 6
e. 7
f. 3
g. 5

2. a. Remove absorbed gas from rich glycol. Remove liquid hydrocarbon from rich
glycol.
b. Transfer heat in hot lean glycol to rich glycol to reduce heat added in Reboiler.
c. Condense glycol vapor.
d. Provide heat to boil water from glycol.
e. Remove solid material from glycol.
f. Remove hydrocarbon from glycol.

3. a. Pulling a vacuum on the still.

b. Condense glycol vapor.
c. Lean/Rich Glycol Exchanger & Reboiler.

4. a. 3
b. 2
c. 1
d. 4

5. a. Low reboiler temp; Low stripping gas rate; High stripper pressure; low feed temp;
leak in HEX; fouled stripper.
b. Black smoke out stack.

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT

 PLP TRAINING MANUALS
NUMBER TITLE

F-1 Basic Units of Measurement

F-2 Measurement of Energy
F-3 Hydrocarbons
F-4 Fluid Flow

E-1A Centrifugal Compressors Part 1

E-1B Centrifugal Compressors Part 2
E-2 Piston Type Compressors
E-3 Centrifugal Pumps
E-4 Reciprocating Pumps
E-5 Gas Engines
E-6 Fractionators
E-7 Heat Exchangers
E-8 Indirect Fired Heaters
E-9 Pneumatic Process Instruments
E-10 LACT Units
E-11 Lean Oil Absorbers
E-12 Separators

P-1 Cryogenic Gas Plants

P-2 Glycol Dehydration Process
P-3 Contactor in Dehydration Plant
P-4 Stripper in Dehydration Plant
P-5 Molecular Sieve Dehydration Process
P-6 Adsorber in Dehydration
P-7 Crude Oil Emulsion Treating
P-8 Hydrate Inhibition
P-9 Mechanical Refrigeration
P-10 Amine Sweetening Process
P-11 Contactor in Sweetening Process
P-12 Stripper in Sweetening Process
P-13 Stabiblizing Crude Oil & Condensate

M-1 Flow Measurement

M-2 The Gas/Oil Well
M-3 Oilfield Safety

305 WELLS FARGO DR., SUITE 4 • HOUSTON, TEXAS 77090 • (281) 444-7632 • FAX: (281) 586-9876
E-MAIL: PetroLearning@aol.com

STRIPPER IN DEHYDRATION PLANT