Are you aware that companies are spending 6.4% more on equipment upgrades than they did the previous year? If you’re in the natural gas industry, you can avoid expenses down the road by ensuring that your product is cleaner on the front end. And that means investing in gas conditioning to remove excess water.

Read on to find a complete guide to using a fuel dehydrator!

What Is a Fuel Dehydrator?

While you might think that gas does not contain moisture, that’s not the case. Gas that comes out of a well will contain water vapor. And for gas producers looking to send their gas through pipelines, they will need to remove water and water vapor.

Gas that contains water is known as rich gas. But if it passes through pipelines, the moisture may have a corrosive impact on the pipes and other equipment.

Companies that want to sell their gas will need to use a gas control station to remove moisture. Ultimately, the goal is to lower the gas’s dew point to minimize the risk of condensation. 

Understand How Gas Conditioning Works

To remove water and water vapors from gas, companies will use a fuel control station to separate the contents. The unit may add a chemical that’s capable of absorbing water, such as ethylene glycol. Different vessels will house the water and gas during the separation process. 

Water vapor that emerges during the chemical treatment process will enter a condenser. The water-rich gas enters the unit from the base and moves upward. The glycol, by contrast, enters the unit from above and starts the absorption process as it descends.

Eventually, the water heads to a tub at the base of the unit end of its journey. What remains above is a purified gas that is ready to move through pipes without corroding them. The residual water can then be removed from the unit. 

Reap the Benefits of Gas Conditioning

Companies that invest in gas conditioning will position themselves for a more effective operation. Without hydrates present in natural gas, companies can avoid issues with blocked pipes and valves. They’ll also be able to deliver a purer product. 

Blockages caused by hydrate crystals can damage pipes and cause disruptions in production. Plus, gas with too much vapor cannot be transported through pipes or sold. Without proper gas conditioning, companies will need to invest in new equipment and pipelines more often. 

Additionally, for companies located in warmer climates, it’s critical to cool gas as an early step in the process. After all, when the temperatures are hotter, gas will contain even more water. Companies will want to invest in natural gas coolers in addition to dehydration stations to maintain production.

Learn to Use a Dehydrator

A fuel dehydrator is an essential piece of equipment for companies that transport or sell gas. By removing water and water vapor through an intricate chemical process, a gas control unit helps ensure that the gas is suitable for transport. 

When you need more technical advice, check back for new articles.

By Manali