Global Gas Treating | Amine Gas Treating – Blog

Global Gas Treating | Amine Gas Treating – Blog -

Benefits of the WSA Process

Sometimes referred to simply as the WSA process, the wet sulfuric process, is one of the most important desulfurization processes available today. First introduced and patented by a Danish firm in the 1980s, the WSA process is recognized today as one of the most efficient processes for recapturing sulfur from different types of process gases. In particular, the process can be suitable for processing streams that contain sulfur, including:

As a gas stream treatment method, the WSA process offers a number of advantages, including the ability to treat gas without the need to remove water from the gas. Consequently, it is not necessary to introduce a cooling/condensation step. This results in a low consumption of utilities. The WSA process also offers a simple layout. When handled properly, the WSA process can result in up to a 99% removal of sulfur content. The process can also be easily adapted for the removal of other impurities.

Proper Treatment Techniques Target the Potential of Shale Plays

Over the past decade, the discovery of shale plays throughout North America has grown significantly and drastically changed the face of oil and gas production. Found to contain an abundant source of natural gas, these shale plays now represent a long-term and economical domestic energy source. In particular, drilling in the Texas Barnett Shale has released what has become an unprecedented level of natural gas production.

While such shale plays have unleashed a cost-effective and viable source of production, the development of such plays involves experienced and efficient treatment strategies. In particular, it is necessary to ensure proper carbon dioxide removal as well as H2S removal in order for these plays to remain successful. Although the presence of hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and oxygen can present challenges, advanced gas treatment technologies make it possible to successfully remove such impurities while unharnessing the full potential of these massive shale plays.

Inhibiting Scale Formation

When most people think of the oil and gas industry, there is a common misconception that vast amounts of hydrocarbons exist below ground in a type of subterranean lake. In reality, hydrocarbons are typically contained in various levels of porous rock formations. Many times, those layers of rock are contained beneath shale or impermeable rock. There are two primary types of rock types that usually contain oil. They are limestone and sandstone. These porous rocks feature a range of different pore sizes. In some cases, the pores will be connected, making it possible for fluids to be passed through the rocks. Water is often present beneath the oil.

When a well is produced, oil and gas are not the only fluids to come to the surface. Reservoir fluids containing a mixture of oil and/or gas along with water will also come to the surface. Pressure will then be reduced, sometimes resulting in insoluble carbonate scale formation. This can be problematic as it can cause a reduced flow rate, thus resulting in a loss of revenue. It can also prove to be problematic for system integrity. It is possible to inhibit the formation of scales through the use of a chemical designed specifically for scale inhibition.

US Set to Outpace Russia in Oil Production

During the last few years, the United States has ramped up energy output. Much of that increased output has been driven by the drilling of shale-rock formations across the country. Recent analysis has now shown that the United States is set on a course that will have it outpacing Russia as the largest producer of oil and natural gas in the world. This is a market shift that was practically unimaginable just ten short years ago. Further analysis indicates that the US may actually already be outpacing Russia.

While the US has been continually increasing energy output, Russia has struggled to maintain its same levels. In July of this year, the United States produced approximately 22 million barrels of natural gas, oil, and related fuels per day. Although Russia has not released final numbers, the country has previously forecast a daily production average for 2013 that equated to just under 22 million barrels per day. As the United States continue to look for methods that will allow for increased production, the need for efficient H2S and carbon dioxide removal methods will remain strong.

Advanced Dew Pointing Technologies Lead to Greater NGL Recovery Rates

Dew pointing can prove to be critical in circumventing operability problems with downstream equipment. Such issues can often be traced back to liquid slugging and condensation. By taking advantage of the latest dew pointing technologies, it is possible to keep downstream systems protected and operating at peak efficiency.

Through the use of the right strategies, the potential for natural gas dehydration and NGL recovery becomes more practical and financially feasible. Such technologies are often an excellent solution for both offshore and remote facilities. The simplified design of these strategies mean there are no moving parts. As a result, operators are able to enjoy reduced maintenance as well as the expense of inspections. Through the use of a modular system, fast installation is ensured, thus providing the benefit of lower capital costs. With the ability to capture an increased potential for liquids recovery, advanced dew pointing techniques make it possible to not only achieve higher levels of recovery but to do so at lower operating costs and with fewer operating issues.

Dealing with HCN Accumulation in Amine Systems

The oil and gas industry often faces a number of challenges in order to extract natural resources and bring them to market. Hydrogen cyanide, also known as HCN, can have a significant impact of the performance of any amine system. Hydrocarbon contamination is one of the biggest reasons that amine systems experience increased corrosion and resulting reliability and operational problems. When HCN makes its way into an amine system, the resulting hydrolysis produces a heat stable salt, or HSS.

A reaction between H2S and HCN with oxygen can produce other heat stable salts that can lead to further corrosion problems as well as lower capacity, fouled equipment, and filter plugging. If left unchecked, the accumulation of HCN can eventually neutralize part of the amine permanently, thus resulting in a loss of treating solution’s capacity. Therefore, it becomes critical to prevent the accumulation of HCN in your amine plant system. Although HCN ingress can be a challenge, a treatment facility experienced in handling the accumulation of HCN can help to mitigate such problems.

Best Operating Practices for Amine Plants

Differences within configuration, operation, and demands of amine systems do exist; however, embarking upon a consistent approach can result in improvements to both performance and operations. By initiating even small operational changes, it is possible to achieve dramatic cost savings and improved operation without sacrificing performance.

The primary factors involved in improving the performance of any amine system include first defining optimal operating conditions for the amine unit and refinery configurations. Conditions for optimal acid gas removal should be considered, as well. It is also important to institute an amine management program in order to evaluate both current conditions as well as identify areas for potential improvement. Finally, any potential changes to operational, mechanical, or chemical configurations will need to be identified and implemented. Consulting with a company experienced in amine plant operation can provide refineries with opportunities designing an improved operational plan that can result in greater productivity and lower operational costs.

Clear your View with a Boom Lift

Clearing away dead tree limbs can help to ensure you have a clear view while also providing protection in the event of a storm. The easiest way to clear tall branches safely is through the use of a boom lift rental. Renting a boom lift through an equipment rental supply is actually much more effective and safer than using a ladder for this type of project. Equipment rental is also often a more affordable choice when you only need a piece of equipment for a short-term project.

Begin by evaluating the area to be addressed, including whether there are any objects or overhead power lines that could get in the way during your ascent. Next, make sure the boom lift is set up on an area that is compact and hard. Before making your ascent, be certain that you have gathered all of the cutting materials you need and that they are secure before you make the ascent. As you begin cutting away limbs, take care to ensure that others are not within the fall zone. By following a few tips, a boom lift rental can make it easier for you to keep your trees trimmed and orderly.

Increased Production within the Natural Gas Market Anticipated

As prices continually improve, oilfield service companies are preparing for an increase in natural gas drilling is anticipated next year. Along with increased spending, rig counts have also increased from previous lows at the end of 2012. Other indications that natural gas drilling will increase in the coming months include a rise in permits. It is anticipated that there will be an increase of between 50 to 100 rigs within the next year. The exact number of rigs added by drillers may well rely on gas prices.

Although this is certainly good news for the coming months, experts have also indicated that the pick-up in natural gas could extend for several years beyond 2014. In particular, new sources of demand will propel this increase in the coming years, including the boon of LNG exports. The potential for natural gas to take control of a larger segment of the vehicle fuel market could also lead to increased demand. As a result of such ramp-ups within the market, additional innovation in terms of gas treating solutions and the ability to bring LNG to market more effectively and economically will become continually vital.

Maintaining Optimal Performance with the Right Generator

Maintaining optimal performance is critical within the oil and gas industry. In fact, oil and gas facilities are under continual pressure to perform while maintaining operational facilities in the most cost-effective method possible. Along with increasing productivity, it is also necessary for oil and gas companies to reduce downtime and improve safety.

In order to achieve these goals, choosing the right oil and gas automation solution is essential. Whether the application is located onshore or offshore, the right generator can help to reduce downtime and keep equipment running at peak performance. Optimized automation solutions also make it possible to control technologies for upstream as well as midstream and downstream operations in order to achieve operational excellence and fiscal goals.

With the selection of the right generator, it is possible to keep operations flowing smoothly. By working with a company experienced in handling generator sales for oil and gas automation, you can choose a generator that will not only reduce downtime but also costs.