FAQ
Why is drying natural gas important? |
Natural gas is dried for two important reasons. The first important reason is to dry the gas to all
it to meet commercial pipeline specifications. The other reason is to prevent operational problems that can occur
due to freezing, hydrate formation, and fluid carryover from moist natural gas.
Natural gas is dried to meet pipeline moisture specifications and to prevent operational problems such as freezing,
hydrate formation, or fluid carryover. Freezing is prevented by lowering the dew point below the lowest anticipated
ambient temperature. As hydrates are a mixture of frozen water and methane, hydrate formation can be reduced by lowering
the gas water content. And fluid carryover into gas meters can be prevented since dry gas is less likely to precipitate
free water. Gas meters can slow down considerably if water gets into the meter and can freeze and stop completely in
winter. |
What are the benefits of using a dry bed desiccant system over a glycol system? |
Van Gas dry bed deliquescent desiccant systems have several advantages over glycol systems.
Environmental concerns and stricter government regulations are making users of glycol systems more aware of the
BTEX and other harmful vapors that are released when using a glycol system. With a Van Gas dry bed desiccant
system, no BTEX or other harmful vapors are released into the atmosphere! In fact, the materials used to create the
absorbent desiccant are non-toxic and are completely soluble in water.
A dry bed desiccant system is also a flexible solution to adapt to any existing natural gas system. There are also
numerous choices when selecting the type of absorbent deliquescent desiccant for use within your system. With the
flexibility of installation and the choices available for absorbent desiccant, a Van Gas dry bed desiccant system can be
tailored to meet most needs.
Another advantage of a Van Gas dry bed desiccant system is the simplicity of operation. Unlike glycol dehydration
systems, where mechanical failure can result in costly repairs and inadequate dew points, our dry bed desiccant system
has no mechanical components. With a Van Gas dry bed desiccant system, desired dew points can be achieved without the fear
and costs of mechanical repairs. Operational costs are often much lower with a Van Gas dry bed desiccant system than that
of a glycol natural gas dehydration system. |
What are some typical applications where a Van Gas dry bed desiccant system can be used? |
Fuel gas for compressors, line heaters, chiller engines, and generators.
Wellhead production where gas temperatures are below 80° F and gas pressures are greater than 250 psig.
Where BTEX emissions as well as ground contamination are a concern.
Where free water and hydrate control in pipelines is important.
Where dry natural gas is required for instrumentation and meters.
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What is dew point? |
The dew point of a gas is the temperature at which water vapor will condense and form a liquid.
Gases with lower moisture content have a lower dew point. In the gas market, dew point is typically interchanged
with moisture content and is described as lbs. of moisture per MMCF. The common dew point specification for natural
gas is a moisture content limit of 7 lbs. / MMCF. |
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