(378c) The Impact of the Consistency of the Phase Equilibrium Data on the Performance of the Existing Natural Gas Dehydration Plant

Thermodynamic consistency of the phase equilibrium data is of crucial importance in order for the data to be applicable in fitting the parameters of the thermodynamic models. The accuracy of such models plays a significant role in the design of the chemical processes. In this study, a large data set of the experimental phase equilibrium data of natural gas constituents including triethylene glycol (TEG), CH₄, C₂H₆, C₃H₈, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, and water available in the literature at atmospheric pressure as well as high pressure was prepared, and the consistency of these data were investigated. Steady state simulation of one of the existing natural gas dehydration units operating in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was performed using Aspen Plus (V7.2) process simulator, and the simulation results were compared with available field data to ensure the accuracy of the simulation package. The natural gas dehydration plant includes an absorption column operating at 618 psia, a flash unit, heat exchangers and atmospheric regenerator and stripper. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the consistency of the phase equilibrium data on the performance (total cost, energy consumption etc.) of the existing natural gas dehydration plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).