The Drying of Gas
Extracted natural gas, as well as the gas from the oil separators is liquefied by means of applying high pressure. The quality of the gas is still affected by the presence of constituent water. In the gas separator, or scrubber, the water is chemically bound by adding glycol and separated from the gas. The effectiveness of this multistage process directly affects the productivity of the well and the quality of the gas extracted. Therefore, reliable measurement of all process parameters is particularly important.
Level Measurement under Extreme Conditions
Very high pressures up to 2,175 psi (150 bar) keep the gas in a liquid state. The level of the gas/water mixture, described as a condensate, must be reliably and quickly measured in order to allow the gas drying process to run continuously and effectively. The non-contact radar sensor VEGAPULS 66 with its ceramic antenna system and graphite seal reliably measures the level under these extreme conditions. Its long service life and maintenance-free operation allow for long operating periods without shutdowns.
The Separation of Gas and Water
The separation of gas and water is carried out by condensing the glycol-bound water. Some of the gas also condenses. Their different densities create an interface between the water and liquefied gas. Knowing the position of the interface in the separator is essential in order to continuously and effectively run the separation process.
Interface Detection with the VEGAFLEX 67
The VEGAFLEX 67 guided wave radar measures the position of the interface in a bridle or bypass pipe. The great difference between the dielectric properties (εr) of water and gas make an easy detection of the interface possible even when the composition of both liquids fluctuates. Special seal systems and process connections, designed for high pressures and temperatures, allow for maintenance-free measurement under the most difficult conditions.
Pressure Monitoring with the VEGABAR 61
Excessively high process pressures in the scrubber would put the safety of the plant and its personnel at risk. For that reason, the VEGABAR 61 pressure transmitter continuously monitors the vessel pressure continuously. Chemically resistant isolating diaphragms make wear-free measurement of the aggressive gases possible under these extreme conditions.
