Natural gas from underground wells isn’t ready to use right away – it contains water vapor and other impurities that should be removed first. One of the best ways to remove moisture from natural gas is by using a chemical called Tri Ethylene Glycol, better known as TEG.
Think of TEG as a powerful moisture magnet – it attracts and absorbs water molecules, pulling them out of the natural gas. The dried gas can then be used safely and efficiently.
In this blog, we will explain what exactly TEG is, how it works to get the water out of natural gas, and why getting rid of that water is so crucial. We’ll also look at TEG dehydration units and how they continuously dry out large volumes of natural gas using glycol. You will also get to know about the most reliable Tri Ethylene Glycol supplier.
Let’s Understand What Tri Ethylene Glycol Is
TEG is a clear, odorless and non-toxic liquid that has a unique ability to absorb and hold onto water molecules. You can think of it like a sponge that soaks up any moisture it comes into contact with. The chemical formula for TEG is C6H14O4.
This moisture-grabbing property makes TEG an ideal drying agent. It is widely used to dehydrate natural gas in a process called glycol dehydration. TEG has also found applications as an anti-freeze and a plasticizer.
Why Remove Water From Natural Gas?
Natural gas straight from the well contains some amounts of water vapor mixed in. This ‘wet’ gas can cause a number of problems if the water is not removed before transport and use:
Corrosion – Moisture reacts with pipes and storage tanks made of metal and this may lead to corrosion damage over time.
Hydrate formation – Wet gas can form hydrocarbon hydrates (ice-like solids) that can plug up pipelines.
Impurities – Water can contain minerals and other contaminants that reduce the purity and energy content of the natural gas.
Liquid slugs – Accumulated liquids in pipelines can form damaging ‘slugs’ that cause surges and wear.
Equipment Damage – Excess moisture can damage valves, meters and other gas processing equipment.
As you can see, getting the water out is essential for safe, efficient and uninterrupted natural gas supply. This is where TEG comes into play.
How Does Teg Work To Dehydrate Natural Gas?
TEG dehydration units work by bringing the wet gas into intimate contact with liquid TEG. The TEG has a strong affinity for water and absorbs the moisture from the gas. Here’s a simplified step-by-step process:
Wet gas enters the bottom of an absorption tower packed with TEG. As it rises up, the moisture is absorbed.
At the top of the tower, the dried natural gas exits the system and is ready for storage or transport. The TEG soaked with water leaves through the bottom of the tower.
The ‘rich’ TEG goes to flash tanks where the absorbed water separates out.
The lean TEG is returned to the tower while the water is removed from the system.
And, this process repeats continuously, with TEG absorbing moisture from new batches of wet gas.
Glycol Dehydration Units Offer Flexible And Efficient Drying
TEG dehydration units come in a range of configurations to suit different gas throughput capacities. The contact tower can have multiple stages with temperature and flow control to optimize moisture removal.
Lean TEG is continuously regenerated so it can be recycled through the process. Only small amounts of make-up TEG are added periodically. The system runs smoothly 24/7 with minimal downtime required.
For companies that need to dehydrate natural gas from production fields, TEG glycol dehydration is an attractive drying solution. The strong water-absorbing properties of TEG allow efficient removal of moisture from large gas volumes. Regeneration and reuse of the TEG also make these units economical.
Bottom Line
Chemical Iran is a leading Tri Ethylene Glycol manufacturer.
We offer high-purity TEG for use in natural gas dehydration systems. Their TEG meets industry standards and is available in various quantities to suit different requirements. Partnering with a reliable supplier like us ensures you have a consistent source of high-quality TEG to keep your glycol dehydration units running optimally.
Visit our official website or call us to get the best deals.
