Optimization of Energy Consumption in the Process of Dehumidification of Natural Gas

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a great tendency to optimize energy consumption in the oil and gas industry’s upstream and downstream equipment. One of the most energy-intensive processes in natural gas refineries is the condensate stabilization unit (gas condensate). The main bottlenecks of energy consumption in the old units are condensated stabilization (dehumidification with ethylene glycol), heater reboiler, and air coolers (air coolers). Therefore, much attention should be paid to these applications and electricity and steam consumption in this unit. In this study, a simulated model based on the Gachsaran gas refinery’s new layout has been developed. Optimization of this part of the existing process is preheating the inlet flow to the reboiler by adding a two-stage shell-tube heat exchanger. This reduces the amount of steam needed to evaporate the inlet stream to the end of the tower. On the other hand, by pre-cooling the inlet currents to the air conditioners, the amount of electricity consumed to reach the outlet flows’ the desired temperature would be reduced. The results show an attractive return on investment for the remediation plan, a reduction in energy demand, and an increase in the unit’s productivity.