How can you troubleshoot common issues when debottlenecking a gas processing plant?

1 Pressure drop

One of the main objectives of debottlenecking is to reduce the pressure drop across the plant, which can limit the gas throughput and increase the energy consumption. However, lowering the pressure too much can also cause problems, such as increased gas velocity, erosion, vibration, and noise. To troubleshoot pressure drop issues, you need to monitor the pressure profiles along the plant and compare them with the design values. You also need to check the integrity and performance of the pressure control valves, flow meters, and other instruments that regulate the pressure. If you find any anomalies or discrepancies, you need to adjust the settings, replace the faulty components, or modify the piping layout accordingly.

2 Hydrate formation

Hydrates are solid compounds that form when water and natural gas molecules combine under high pressure and low temperature conditions. They can block the pipelines and equipment, causing operational and safety hazards. To prevent hydrate formation, you need to keep the gas temperature above the hydrate formation temperature, which depends on the gas composition and pressure. You can use heat exchangers, heaters, or insulation to maintain the temperature. You can also inject chemicals, such as methanol or glycol, to inhibit the hydrate formation. To troubleshoot hydrate issues, you need to measure the temperature and pressure of the gas stream at different locations and compare them with the hydrate phase diagram. You also need to inspect the pipelines and equipment for any signs of hydrate accumulation or plugging.

5 Here’s what else to consider

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