Articles -
January 2019
Natural Gas Dehydration: The Advantages of Dynalene’s Ion Exchange Process to Regenerate Triethylene Glycol (TEG)
In the world of natural gas processing, maintaining highly efficient dehydration systems is vital for operational success and long-term equipment longevity. However, the unavoidable intrusion of salt-rich water from underground storage caverns into these systems can cause severe corrosion, localized hot spots, and drastically reduced efficiency. Enter Dynalene’s ion exchange processes—a simple yet powerful solution that can regenerate Triethylene Glycol (TEG) and restore performance without the exorbitant cost of facility downtime
A Proven Case Study: Gill Ranch Storage
To demonstrate the effectiveness of this technology, a contamination removal project was carried out at the Gill Ranch Storage facility in California. Due to an unexpected infusion of moisture, the chloride levels in their 7,500-gallon TEG reservoir had spiked to a dangerously high 2,486.3 ppm. At this concentration, the TEG fluid turned dark brown and posed a severe corrosion risk to the facility’s equipment.
Dynalene deployed a pallet-mounted Contamination Removal System (CRS) that connected directly to the dehydration system in a slip-stream configuration. This allowed the facility to remain fully operational while the TEG was continuously circulated through 5-micron particulate filters and proprietary ion exchange resins at a rate of 10 to 15 gallons per minute.
Rapid Contamination Removal
The results were dramatic. After just 46 hours of continuous circulation, the chloride concentration in the 7,500-gallon TEG tank dropped from 2,486.3 ppm down to a safe, acceptable level of just 75.6 ppm. The fluid was successfully reclaimed on-site, restoring its clarity and preventing further equipment degradation.
Cost Analysis and Value
The financial advantages of on-site TEG regeneration are undeniable. In a volatile TEG market driven by unpredictable raw material prices and rising global demand, reclaiming contaminated TEG on-site offers immense cost savings. By avoiding costly plant shut-downs, hazardous waste disposal fees, and the procurement of expensive virgin TEG, facilities can realize significant economic benefits.
For a project similar to Gill Ranch Storage with heavy contamination, TEG on-site reclamation using the CRS can provide more than 50% cost savings compared to purchasing virgin TEG replacement fluid.
Summary of Benefits
- Zero Downtime: The system operates on a slip-stream, meaning your dehydration towers never need to be taken offline during the fluid purification process.
- Extended Fluid Lifespan: Effectively restores TEG quality by bringing chloride levels back down to safe, acceptable margins.
- Corrosion Mitigation: Removes the ionic salts responsible for aggressive corrosion, protecting expensive piping and separation towers.
- Massive Cost Savings: Eliminates the need for hazardous waste transportation, disposal fees, and the procurement of expensive virgin TEG.
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