Fundamentals of Natural Gas Processing

Offering indispensable insight from experts in the field, Fundamentals of Natural Gas Processing, Second Edition provides an introduction to the gas industry and the processes required to convert wellhead gas into valuable natural gas and hydrocarbon liquids products. The authors compile information from the literature, meeting proceedings, and their own work experiences to give an accurate picture of where gas processing technology stands today as well as to highlight relatively new technologies that could become important in the future. The second edition of this bestselling text reflects important advances in gas processing technologies, including those related to liquefied natural gas (LNG). New to the Second Edition Background information in five new chapters that cover processing principles, pumps, heat transfer, separation processes, and phase separation equipment More discussions of many gas processes Questions and exercises at the end of most chapters to stress important concepts To help nonengineers understand the technical issues, the first part of the text presents an overview of the basic concepts. The topics covered in this part are applicable throughout the gas, oil, and chemical industries. The second part addresses each step of natural gas processing, with a focus on gas plant processes. The chapters in this section follow the gas stream, from gas bought at the wellhead to gas entering the marketplace. Wherever possible, the authors examine the advantages, limitations, and ranges of applicability of the processes so that their selection and integration into the overall gas plant can be fully understood. For readers without a background in chemical engineering or who are just entering the field, this book offers a thorough introduction to the natural gas industry. It also helps those in the gas industry better understand how their products and services fit into the overall process.

Processing PrinciplesIntroductionUnits and ConversionsBasic Chemistry ConceptsSpecification Test MethodsThermodynamics PumpsIntroduction Pump FundamentalsCentrifugal PumpsReciprocating PumpsRotary PumpsPump Comparisons Heat TransferIntroduction Modes of Heat TransferCooling and Heating SourcesHeat Exchanger TypesReboilers Separation ProcessesIntroduction DistillationAbsorptionColumn InternalsAdsorptionMembranes Phase Separation EquipmentGas–Liquid SeparatorsFilter Separators and Coalescing FiltersCyclone SeparatorsLiquid–Liquid SeparatorsResidence Time for Various Separator ApplicationsFilters Overview of the Natural Gas IndustryIntroduction Sources of Natural GasComposition of Natural GasClassificationPrincipal Products and MarketsProduct SpecificationsCombustion Characteristics Overview of Gas Plant ProcessingRoles of Gas PlantsPlant ProcessesImportant Support ComponentsContractual Agreements and EconomicsOperational Measures Field Operations and Inlet ReceivingIntroduction Field OperationsGas HydratesInlet ReceivingSafety and Environmental Considerations CompressionIntroduction FundamentalsDriversCompressor TypesCapacity and Power CalculationsComparison of Reciprocating and Centrifugal CompressorsSafety and Environmental Considerations Gas TreatingIntroduction Solvent Absorption ProcessesPhysical AbsorptionAdsorptionCryogenic FractionationMembranesNonregenerable Hydrogen Sulfide ScavengersBiological ProcessesSafety and Environmental Considerations Gas DehydrationIntroduction Water Content of HydrocarbonsGas Dehydration ProcessesSafety and Environmental Considerations Hydrocarbon RecoveryIntroduction Process ComponentsLiquids Removal ProcessesSafety and Environmental Considerations Nitrogen RejectionIntroduction Nitrogen Rejection for Gas UpgradingNitrogen Rejection for Enhanced Oil Recovery Using Cryogenic DistillationSafety and Environmental Considerations Trace Component Recovery or RemovalIntroduction HeliumMercuryBenzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes Liquids ProcessingIntroduction Condensate ProcessingNGL ProcessingSafety and Environmental Considerations Acid Gas Processing and DisposalIntroduction Properties of SulfurSulfur Recovery ProcessesSulfur StorageAcid Gas DisposalSafety and Environmental Considerations Transportation and StorageIntroduction GasLiquids Liquefied Natural GasIntroduction Gas Treating before LiquefactionLiquefaction CyclesStorage of LNGTransportationRegasification and Cold Utilization of LNGEconomicsSafety and Environmental Considerations Capital Costs of Gas Processing FacilitiesIntroduction Basic Premises for All Plant Component Cost DataAmine TreatingGlycol DehydrationNGL Recovery with Straight Refrigeration (Low Ethane Recovery)NGL Recovery with Cryogenic Processing (High Ethane Recovery) and Nitrogen RejectionSulfur Recovery and Tail Gas CleanupNGL Extraction Plant Costs for Larger FacilitiesCorrections to Cost Data Natural Gas Processing PlantsIntroduction Plant with Sweet Gas Feed and 98% Ethane RecoveryPlant with Sour Gas Feed, NGL, and Sulfur RecoveryPlant with Sour Gas Feed, NGL Recovery, and Nitrogen Rejection Appendix A: Glossary of Gas Process TerminologyAppendix B: Physical Constants and Physical Properties Author IndexSubject Index Discussion Questions, Exercises, References, and Web Sites appear at the end of most chapters.

Arthur J. Kidnay, PhD, PE, is a professor emeritus in the chemical engineering department at the Colorado School of Mines. He has taught and conducted extensive research in the fields of vapor–liquid equilibria, physical adsorption, and heat transfer. A fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Dr. Kidnay has served on the Colorado Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, has been a NATO senior science fellow at Oxford University, and has been a recipient of the Russell B. Scott Memorial Award at the Cryogenic Engineering Conference. William R. Parrish, PhD, PE, is a retired senior research associate with ConocoPhillips, where he obtained physical properties data needed for new processes and for resolving operation problems. He provided company-wide technical expertise on matters involving physical properties and gas hydrates and participated on six gas plant optimization teams. A fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Dr. Parrish remains actively involved in the development of examinations for professional engineers. Daniel G. McCartney, PE, provides technical expertise for gas processing, LNG, and sulfur projects at a global engineering, construction, and consulting company. Previously, he worked for over 25 years at Warren Petroleum and Chevron. Mr. McCartney is chair of the Technical Data Development subgroup in the Gas Processors Association and a senior advisory board member for the Laurance Reid Gas Conditioning Conference.