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Ch. 29 - 21
Dehydration Unit
Ch. 29 - 22
Molecular Sieve
Molecular sieves are
adsorbents composed of
aluminosilicate crystalline
polymers (zeolites).
They efficiently remove
low concentrations of
polar or polarizable
contaminants such as
H2O, methanol, H2S,
CO2, COS, mercaptans,
sulfides, ammonia,
aromatics and mercury
down to trace
concentrations.
Molecular sieve products
manufactured in various
forms: beads, granules
and extrudates, including
standard pellets and
TRISIVTM pellets.
The molecular sieve type,
size and particle shape
selected for a particular
customer are determined
by the application.
Ch. 29 - 23
Molecular Sieve Structure
Ch. 29 - 24
Molecular Sieve vs Activated Alumina
Ch. 29 - 25
An Open Cycle Molecular Sieve Dehydration
Ch. 29 - 26
Molecular Sieve Applications
Natural gas dehydration
Normal parameters: water saturated, 30-200°F, 100-1500
psig. Regeneration is via dry or wet gas, yielding LNG or
pipeline specifications, respectively.
Natural gas mercury removal
(Combines with dehydration, one system, no additional
VLHYH)HHGVZLWKNjJ1PLQ\LHOGNjJ1P
out.
Natural gas/LPG desulfurization
H2S, mercaptans, COS and sulfides can be removed. Effluent
with H2O <0.1 ppmv and each sulfur type <1 ppmv.
1DWXUDOJDV&2UHPRYDOIRU³SHDNVKDYLQJ´
LNG plants inlet CO2 @ 1,000-20,000 ppmv, 40-100°F, 200-
800 psia. Effluent with H2O <0.1 ppmv and CO2 <50 ppmv.
Ammonia synthesis gas purification
Inlet CO2 <20 ppmv, NH3 <20 ppmv, 40-100°F, 100-1000
psig. Out ppmv,<0.1 NH3, <1.0 CO2.
Ch. 29 - 27
Typical H2O (Moisture) Removal Unit
WET
WET GAS
H2O freezes and
SWEET GAS
blocked equipments
H20 is adsorbed by
Molecular Sieve (Silica
Alumina) catalyst
Regenerated by hot
REGENERATION
SERVICE
gas heating
GUARD H2O inlet : saturated
H2O oulet : 1 ppm
Catalyst life : 4 ~ 6
years
HOT
DRY GAS
DRY
SWEET GAS
Ch. 29 - 28
Adsorption: Equilibrium & MTZ
Ch. 29 - 29
Feed Vapor Dryer & Molecular Sieves
Ch. 29 - 30
Dehydration Technology for LNG
All LNG Plants use Molecular Sieve adsorption technology.
The only technology can meet outlet moisture content below
1 ppm (minus 110 Deg. C dew point)
Other dehydration technology such as Glycol Unit, Silica Gel
or Activated Alumina cannot meet low moisture outlet
Adsorption/Desorption Scheme:
Pressure Swing Desorption
Heated Desorption (heat regenerated). Suitable for Gas Turbine
Plant.
Various type of Molecular Sieve
Beads (Spherical). Sturdy, resistant to crushing and friction.
High pressure drop, less surface area.
Pellet (Cylindrical). More surface area, higher efficiency. More
flow void space, less pressure drop.
Clover Leaf (Triple Cylindrical). Highest surface area, high
efficiency. Prone to crushing and friction.
Ch. 29 - 31
Causes of Molecular Sieve Aging
Causes of Aging
Insoluble water
Liquid entrainment (hydrocarbon, water)
High water partial pressure at high
temperature (above 150°C)
Amine carryover
CO2 , Carbonic acid formation
H2CO3 + (Na+, Ca++, K+) Na2CO3 -
NaHCO3 - CaCO3 - K2CO3
Decomposition of mercaptans during
regeneration
Presence of chlorides
Mercury
Ch. 29 - 32
Multibed System: Dehydration
Ch. 29 - 33
Adsorption Mechanisms and Adsorbents
Ch. 29 - 34
Schematic of Adsorption Cycle
Ch. 29 - 35