6 replies to this topic

[Audun]

Greetings!

I am currently writing my master thesis about dehydration processes for natural gas at NTNU (Norwegian University of Technology and Science). Part of my report is going to be about the regeneration process for glycol, and I am having difficulties finding information about what types of reboilers that are most commonly used. Most of the litterature I have read discusses kettle type reboilers, but doesnt say to what extent they are employed... Does any one know of a reliable source which I can cite in my thesis?

Thanks in advance!

Audun

First post in this forum btw

[Art Montemayor]

Audun:

Welcome to our Forums.

The acknowledged and recognized experts in Glycol Dehydration of natural gas are mostly located where this technology originated and was developed: Oklahoma, USA. Outstanding and recognized sources of expert opinion are:

1. The GPSA (Gas Processors Suppliers Association) Engineering Databook;
2. The Laurance Reid Gas Conditioning Conference Papers – from 1952 to present; this collection of outstanding natural gas processing information can be obtain through the Internet at the University of Oklahoma: http://www.engr.outr..._1952-2005.html
3. John Campbell’s excellent volumes on gas processing – also available through the Internet;
4. Kohl & Nielsen’s book: Gas Purification (ex. Kohl & Riesenfeld).

Anyone who knows anything about glycol dehydration of natural gas will instantly recognize these sources as the top ones.

The only TEMA type of reboiler I have ever seen used is a kettle type. The only thing that has varied is the means of applying the heat load to the reboiler. The traditional method is a direct-fired tube bundle. Other methods are electric elements and thermal fluids.

I hope this helps you out.

[Audun]

Thanks for a fast and great answer, Art Montemayor!

I`ve read the Kohl & Nielsen book, and it`s a great book, but doesnt give enough attention to reboiler design and function imo. The Laurance Reid papers look interesting, but unfortunately you have to pay per paper you want to read... However I found a website where the GPSA Engineering Handbook was available for free download, and at first glance it seems that I can use much of the information from it.

Thanks again!

Audun

[Art Montemayor]

Auden:

Don't forget about John Campbell and his work, "Gas Conditioning and Processing". It also is a classic work.

If you are working on your Master's Degree, it shows you are serious in undertaking a future professional ranking as an engineer. Therefore, I think it is only fair to alert you and warn you that ANY SO-CALLED, FREE internet e-copies of the GPSA Engineering Databook is nothing more than an illegal and pirated version being distributed by irresponsible and law-breaking individuals. If you participate in any pirating of copy righted material such as this while you are a student, you are dirtying your hands and your reputation now - and in the future. This type of unethical undertaking goes against the very core principles of a profession such as engineering.

In your future professional life you will be working with other engineers who must decide whether you and your opinions can be trusted. When an engineer is known to show no respect for ethics (or stealing other persons intellectual property) he/she will soon be shunned by his peers. That's why ethics are established in the respected professions. When a person steals from one entity, he/she will steal from all others.

I don't think you would want to damage your reputation before you even embark on it.

Good Luck on your Thesis and research well.

[manish3889]

Hi Auden,,

I am Manish Gupta , a chemical engineer , working with Reliance Industries ltd in Mono ethylene glycol plant.

here we are using thermosyphon reboiler.

tell me if u need ny help from me..

regards

Manish

[Art Montemayor]

Manish:

I think you are mixing apples with oranges and coming up with pineapples.

The original post has to do with the dehydration of natural gas using Triethylene Glycol (TEG). The established method of regenerating the TEG is by use of a kettle type reboiler – and for some very good process reasons. The amount of vapor generated is slight, the operating temperature is 400 ^oF (and can’t be exceeded). A thermosyphon type of reboiler is, in my opinion, not applicable in this application – both for process and economic reasons.

What you are employing is a thermosyphon in the manufacture of ethylene glycol – a totally different and non-related application. I don’t think you can relate one with the other and arrive at a credible answer.

[Audun]

I absolutely agree with your view of upholding copyright laws, and normally I would have obtained the required book using the school library. In this case, however, no book was available throughout the entire University library network in Norway, so the book had to be ordered from the GPSA Office in USA. As they state on their home page, one has to allow 4 to 6 weeks of delivery time for US deliveries, and possibly a lot more for International orders. In addition norwegian customs must inspect the package upon arrival in Norway, before it finally can be sent to me in Trondheim. This would probably have taken close to two months. As I have only 5 months available for my entire master thesis, I can not allow myself to wait 2 months for a book!

If GPSA had offered an online download service, I would happily have used it.

Audun