Exterran

Indirect Line Heater

Indirect Line Heaters are used with high pressure natural gas streams to counteract the Joule-
Thomson (JT) effect where a reduction in temperature occurs at the choke when the well stream
pressure is rapidly reduced to sales line pressure. They can also be used to heat gas or oil in
transmission lines.
Indirect Line Heaters help you maintain an optimal temperature in your well stream as pressures
are rapidly reduced to sales line requirements. They counteract the effect of abrupt temperature
drops that occur when the well stream passes through the pressure-reducing choke. They can also
be used to heat gas transmission lines. Exterran Line Heaters can also be used for heating crude
oil. Standard pre-assembled packages include coil, heater and fuel gas system and have rated
capacities up to 4.0 MM BTU/hr. We can also customize a variety of coil arrangements and
design pressures up to 15,000 psig, to help you achieve the most economical and efficient
combination.
How it works
The Line Heater consists of three components: shell, firetube and coil. The process stream flows
through the coil, which is immersed in the upper portion of the liquid media bath of the shell. The coil
preheats the flow stream before reducing the pressure across a restricting choke followed by post-
heating coils. Fuel gas is burned in the firetube and indirectly transfers heat to the media, then to the
coil, and finally to the process stream.

Standards & options

Standard Features
 Heater shell with support saddles and lifting lugs
 Removable U-bend type firetube
 Removable firetube stack
 Removable wellstream flow coil
 High efficiency burner with pilot light and removable flame arrestor
 ASME code-stamped, 250 psig fuel gas scrubber with internal high level safety shutdown
valve
 Fuel gas manifold with preheat coil and high and low pressure regulators
 Pre-piped fuel gas manifold with preheat coil
 Pressure gauge with isolating valve
 Temperature controller with thermowell
 Thermometer with thermowell
 Shell fill connection
 High quality enamel paint system

Options
  Down-draft diverter
 Stack arrestor
 High bath temperature shutdown
 Energy conserving shop-installed fiberglass shell insulation with aluminum jacketing and
vapor barrier
 Dry leg fuel gas thief to source fuel for remote locations
 Burner safety low (BSL)/igniter with optional solar panel
 Pilot and diaphragm actuated choke valve
 Special wellstream coils include multi-well and working pressures up to 15,000 psig
 Inlet/outlet connections may be flanged, beveled for welding, or threaded
 Heavy-duty oil-field type, I-beam skid
 Containment skid
 Expansion tank
 Special paints and coatings
 Sour gas service designed and built to NACE standards
 Customization to meet additional specifications

Condensate Stabilizer
Condensate Stabilizers reduce the vapor pressure of produced oil/condensate for stock tank storage
and transport and increase the recoverable quantity of Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs).
The Condensate Stabilizer Unit is designed to minimize startup time, safely stabilize condensates by
reducing Reid Vapor Pressure, (RVP) and efficiently capture Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) in well
streams.
How it works
After upstream separation, the condensate stream enters the unit. It is first preheated in the inlet
heat exchanger and then flows into the upper section of the stabilizer tower. Inside the tower, the
light components – typically methane, ethane, propane, and butane – rise and exit the overhead
vapor outlet. The heavier liquid components descend and pass through the indirect heater to cause
additional vapor to flash off, rise and exit the tower.
Stabilized liquids collect in the bottom of the tower. They are routed to the inlet heat exchanger to
cool. Stabilized liquid product then flows to storage tanks.
The vapor that exits the tower flows through an ambient cooler and then to a low-pressure separator.
Gas from the separator is routed to compression for delivery to market. NGLs exit the separator and
flow to a blow case where they are pressurized for a bullet tank or pipeline.

Standard Features
 Condensate Stabilizer tower
 Stainless steel packing
 Multiple stages of separation
 Inlet heat exchanger
 Shell and tube
 Outlet gas ambient heat exchanger
 Indirect heater with expansion tank
 Removable fire tube
 Burner safety low (BSL) / igniter
 Removable coil
  Fuel gas assembly & flame arrestor
 Removable ladder
 Vertical three-phase separator
 Vertical blowcase
 Pneumatic instrumentation
 High/low shutdown valve
 Heavy-duty oilfield skid with lifting lugs

Options
 Burner management system
 Electrical instrumentation
 Gas metering
 Liquid metering
 Cold weather option
 Sour gas service built according to the NACE standard
 Stack arrestor
 Additional cooling

Coolers
Used to control the temperature of the flow stream, coolers are forced draft ambient air heat
exchangers and are available with gas engines or electric motors.
Process Coolers are heat exchangers used to reduce gas and liquid well stream temperatures to
allow further processing and meet pipeline specifications. Three cooler types are available: natural
gas engine drive, electric motor drive and ambient. Gas engine units are delivered complete with fuel
gas filter, regulators, control panel and inlet and outlet piping to skid edge for fast installation and
startup. In-stock Exterran Process Coolers have throughput capacities up to 30 MMscfd with minimal
pressure drop and pressure ratings up to 1,440 psig.

How it works
The well stream enters the cooler and flows through the tubes, which lowers the temperature of the
stream. The fan blows air across the tubes to allow continuous cooling. The louvers automatically
adjust the airflow to maintain the outlet gas temperature, allowing optimized airflow through the
system. The exiting stream can be cooled to within 15°F of ambient temperature.

Standard Features
 ANSI 900 RF inlet and outlet flanges at skid level
 Temperature controlled automatic louvers
 Pre-piped and assembled package
 Concrete-filled oilfield type skid allows for tail boarding
 Fuel gas assembly with ASME code sock filter
 Containment blowcase tank
 Enclosed control panel
 Natural gas driven engine
 ASME code cooler headers
 Battery in locking case for engine starter, with alternator
 High quality enamel paint system
  Tool box

Options
 Electric drive motor
 External power generation
 Alternate cooler and fan size
 Corrosion allowance
 Optional materials for coils
 Engine lube oil storage tank
 Catalytic converter and silencer for control of emissions
 Optional coatings
 Sour gas service designed and built to NACE standards
 Customization to meet additional specifications

Glycol Dehydrator
Glycol Dehydrators, part of natural gas dehydration systems, remove water vapor from gas streams
to prevent the formulation of hydrates and corrosion in pipelines.
The Glycol Dehydration Unit is a reliable, efficient system for removing water from natural gas well
streams in order to meet typical pipeline and process specifications. Multiple stages of removal are
contained on a single skid-mounted unit, giving you a wide range of options and flexibility to
configure the system to your specific application.
How it works
Wet gas enters the bottom of the absorber tower and ascends through a mist extractor where fine
liquid particles are removed. As the gas rises through the tower’s packing or bubble cap trays, water
is absorbed by descending lean glycol (water removed through regeneration process), which is
continually pumped to the top of the tower. Drier gas exits the top of the tower and passes through
the glycol/gas heat exchanger to the gas outlet. The rich glycol (wet with absorbed glycol) collects in
the hat tray at the bottom of the tower and flows to the power side of the glycol pump. From the
pump, the rich glycol flows through a reflux coil, heat exchanger and flash gas separator, which
divides gas and entrained hydrocarbons from the glycol. The gas then flows to the fuel gas scrubber
and the lean glycol flows through a filter into the reboiler. As the reboiler drives off water vapor
through the still column, the hot, reconcentrated glycol flows from the reboiler to the sparger box to
remove additional water vapor. The lean glycol flows to the storage compartment and then to the
heat exchanger for cooling. The cooled, lean glycol then flows through a glycol sock filter before
passing to the glycol pump. Lean glycol and gas from the absorber together power the glycol pump,
which pumps the glycol through a glycol/gas heat exchanger to minimize glycol loss and then to the
absorber tower to continue the dehydration process cycle.
Standards and options

Regenerator
 Energy-saving shell insulation with aluminum jacket
 Removable fire tube and stack
 Thermostat with thermowell
 50-550° F thermometer with thermowell
 High reboiler temperature fuel gas shut-off with manual reset
  Fuel gas regulator, scrubber and pressure gauges
 Flame arrestor with burner and pilot assembly
 Integral insulated storage compartment
 Liquid level gauge assembly
 Glycol sock filter with initial elements
 High-pressure glycol strainer
 External glycol/glycol heat exchanger
 Pump bleeder valves
 Energy exchange glycol pump (electric on 2 MMBTU/Hr unit and larger)
 Heavy-duty welded structural steel skid with lifting lugs and pull bars
 Packed still column with reflux coil (all units larger than 125 MBTU/Hr)
 Complete piping for skid hookup, including absorber and reboiler isolating valves for units up
to 500 MBTU/Hr
 Bent tubing and socket weld glycol piping and valves for one inch and larger pipe sizes to
help prevent leaking

Absorber
 Glycol distributor
 1440 psig design pressure
 Stainless steel mist extractor
 External glycol/gas heat exchanger
 0-200° F dial thermometer with thermowell
 Pressure gauge with isolating valve
 Pneumatic liquid level controller
 Thermal relief valve
 Drain valve
 Reflex gauge glass assembly with gauge cocks
 Lifting lugs
 Random Packed Absorber
o 7:1 turndown
o 8 tray capacity equivalence
o Diameter sizes from 6 to 16 inches
 Structured Packed Absorber
o Hotter gas handling capability
o 10:1 turndown
o 10 tray capacity equivalence
o Diameter sizes from 24 to 60 inches

Trayed Absorber
 8 bubble cap trays
 5:1 turndown
 Diameter sizes from 16 to 72 inches

Options
Complete Glycol Dehydration Unit
 Burner safety low (BSL)/ignitor
  High reboiler temperature fuel gas shut-off with manual reset
 Solar panels to power burner safety low detector
 Programmable logic controller system (PLC)
 Burner management system
 LSL/LSH connections
 Adherence to API 14C recommended practices

Regenerator
 Stack arrestor and down-draft diverter
 Environmental drip pan
 Pilot flame-out safety shut-down with manual reset
 Spare glycol pump and manifold for standby service
 Alternate gas or electric standby pump on 500 MBTU/Hr and smaller units
 Glycol pump shut-down
 Glycol charcoal filter on 125 and 300 MBTU/Hr units (standard on larger units)
 Glycol metering
 Gas metering for sparger box
 Special paints and coatings

Absorber
 Additional packing or bubble cap trays
 Skid mounting
 Environmental drip pan

General
 Sour gas service built according to the NACE standard

Horizontal Heater Treater

The Horizontal Heater Treater utilizes heat and mechanical separation enhancement devices, such
as plate packs, baffles and electrostatic grids.
The Horizontal Treater is designed to efficiently treat large capacities of crude oil by removing water
and emulsion from the well stream, preparing the treated oil for delivery. Our unique shroud and
distributor provide increased capacity, efficiency and separation. Exterran’s pre-engineered design
and adherence to the latest ASME standards ensures consistent and reliable construction, as well
as quick delivery, optimal performance, and safe operation.

HOW IT WORKS
Produced fluids enter the treater vessel through the top inlet and flow down into the shroud
surrounding the firetube. Exterran’s unique shroud and heat-retaining baffle allow for more efficient
and even heating of the crude/emulsion.
Gas released from the incoming stream collects in the upper section and exits the vessel through the
gas back-pressure valve. Free water released from the incoming stream collects in the lower section
of the vessel. Heating extracts additional water from the crude, and the produced water is then
discharged through the water outlet.
The crude and remaining emulsion flow from the heater section into the distributor, which provides
enhanced dispersal and separation above the oil/water interface.
The treated oil flows into the settling section and is then directed to the oil outlet for delivery to
storage or pipeline.

Standard Features
 Inlet oil/emulsion shroud
 Removable firetube and stack
 Flame arrestor
 High-efficiency burner and pilot assembly
 Temperature controller
 Tubular liquid level gauge assemblies
 Pressure gauge with isolating valve
 Oil level controller and dump valve
 Water level controller and dump valve
 Pressure relief valve
 High temperature shutdown controller
 Gas back-pressure valve
 Fuel gas scrubber with high-level shutdown
 18 inch manway

Options
 Pilot flame-out safety control (BSL)
 High/low liquid level shut off (LSHL)
 Sand jet system
 Stack arrestor
 Anode
 Skid mount
 Insulation
 Ladder and platform
 Cold weather housing
 Internal coating
 Sour gas service built to the NACE standard

Vertical Heater Treater

The Vertical Heater Treater breaks emulsions in crude oil using heat and retention time.
The Vertical Heater Treater efficiently helps remove water and emulsion from crude oil well streams,
so you can keep your production flowing. Once the oil emerges from the treatment process, it is
ready for further processing or pipeline delivery.
HOW IT WORKS
The well stream first enters the emulsion inlet near the top of the unit and is diverted against the
treater shell. Gas separates from the liquids, ascends and exits the unit. Warm vapor from the lower
section flows up to the gas separation section and mixes with the cool inlet stream. Heavier
components in the gas condense and descend. The oil, water, and emulsion liquids that descend
are collected beneath the firebox. Free water separates from the oil and discharges from the bottom
section through the adjustable external siphon.
The spreader breaks up the remaining oil and emulsion and the remaining water is discharged with
the free water. Treated oil flows through the heat-retaining baffle above the firetube, exits through
the oil outlet at the top of the settling section, and is conveyed to a storage tank.

Standard Features
 Removable firetube and stack
 High-efficiency burner and pilot assembly
 Temperature controller
 Liquid gauge assemblies
 Pressure gauge with isolating valve
 Relief valve
 Gas back-pressure valve
 Equalizer tubing and fittings
 External adjustable water siphon with stainless steel weir pipe
 Oil and water dump valves
 Flame arrestor
 Fuel gas scrubber with high-level shutoff and drain
 Fuel gas regulator
 Heat retaining baffle
 18 inch manway
 Ladder

Options
 High temperature thermostat shutdown
 Internal anti-corrosive coating
 Burner safety low (BSL)/igniter
 High level shutdown
 Stack arrestor
 Igniter
 External piping
 Caged ladder
 Sour gas service built to the NACE standard

Fuel Gas Skid

The Fuel Gas Skid removes contaminants and liquids from the natural gas stream and pressure
regulates it to prepare for use as fuel and instrument gas supply for the other equipment.
High pressure gas stream enters skid through dual high pressure regulators. The gas then goes
through a second parallel set of lower pressure regulators. The downstream separator allows free
liquids to fall out and be removed from the gas stream.