MECHANISM OF EQUIPMENT IN THE NATURAL GAS PROCESSING PLANT

Separators at the Inlet:

The goal is to separate liquids and particles from unprocessed natural gas.

Mechanism: Heavy liquids and solids are extracted from the gas stream via gravity-based separation.

Compression: Goal: Raise natural gas pressure to facilitate transportation.

Mechanism: The gas is compressed using a variety of compressors, including centrifugal and
reciprocating models.

Removal of Hydrogen Sulphide, or H2S, for Gas Sweetening:

The goal is to eliminate the hazardous and caustic hydrogen sulphide.

Method: usually makes use of amine solutions or other substances that absorb and react with H2S.

Dehydration: Goal: Eliminate water vapour to stop corrosion and hydrate formation.

Mechanism: A variety of techniques are used, such as adsorption using solid desiccants or
absorption with glycol.

Fractionation (recovery of natural gas liquids, or NGLs):

The goal is to separate natural gas into its component parts, such as butane, propane, ethane, and
methane.

Mechanism: The components are separated using boiling point variations in fractionation towers or
columns.

Storage: Use: Hold isolated gas components in order to distribute or process them later.

Mechanism: Vessels or storage tanks for every part, made to withstand particular circumstances.
Systems of Control:

Goal: Keep an eye on and manage the different processes to guarantee effective and secure plant
operation.

Mechanism: PLCs, sensors, actuators, and advanced control systems work together to automate and
improve factory processes.

Safety systems:

Goal: Protect the workers and the plant from harm.

Mechanism: Safety precautions such as gas and fire detection systems, emergency shutdown
systems, and others are put in place.
CHALLENGE OR PROBLEM FACING IN NATURAL GAS PROCESSING PLANT

Fluctuating Gas Composition:

Challenge: Raw natural gas can have variable compositions from different sources and throughout
time. The effectiveness of processing and the functionality of equipment made for a certain gas
composition may be impacted by compositional changes.

Hydrate Formation:

Challenge: In the gas stream, hydrates—ice-like crystals—can form, especially in equipment and
pipelines where the environment is conducive to their growth. Blockages and operational problems
may result from the production of hydrates.

Corrosion and Erosion:

Challenge: Pipelines and equipment can corrode due to natural gas's corrosive components,
moisture content, and contaminants. The rapid passage of gas containing abrasive particles can
cause erosion.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance:

Challenge: Adherence to safety standards, waste management, and the deployment of emission
control measures are vital due to the strict environmental rules and compliance requirements.

Energy Efficiency:

Challenge: Processing natural gas can use a lot of energy. It's never easy to find solutions to
maximise energy use without sacrificing process efficiency.

Equipment Reliability and Maintenance:

Challenge: Reliability of the equipment is essential for continuous industrial operations. Taking care
of unforeseen malfunctions and routine maintenance are constant concerns.
Market and Price Volatility:

Challenge: The economic sustainability of processing operations can be impacted by the volatility of
natural gas prices. Variations in market circumstances and demand present difficulties for
investment and planning.

Safety Concerns:

Challenge: Natural gas presents safety issues due to its flammability. There are constant problems in
ensuring worker safety, averting mishaps, and handling crises.