Engineering Standard

SAES-A-014 1 January 2018

Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration Systems
Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee

Contents
1 Scope ................................................................ 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations ................................... 2
3 References........................................................ 3
4 Definitions and Acronyms ................................. 4
5 Responsibilities ................................................. 7
6 System Design .................................................. 8
7 Design Information .......................................... 19
Revision Summary................................................. 20

Previous Issue: 11 February 2016 Next Planned Update: 8 January 2019

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin Page 1 of 20
Contact: Mudaibegh, Saud H. (mudaibsh) on phone +966-13-8809473

©Saudi Aramco 2018. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 8 January 2019 Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration Systems

1 Scope

1.1 The purpose of this standard is to provide minimum requirements for the proper
design of gas and liquid dehydration and hydrate inhibition systems to ensure
that all hydrocarbon gas and liquid streams meet downstream specification and
requirements.

1.2 Specifically, this standard is applicable for:

1.2.1 Dehydration of raw natural gases in gas plants and Gas Oil Separation
Plants (GOSPs)

1.2.2 Dehydration of hydrocarbon liquids in gas plants, refineries, and

fractionation plants

1.2.3 Dehydration of carbon dioxide streams

1.2.4 Dehydration of refinery off-gases

1.3 This standard is applicable to facilities utilizing:

1.3.1 Adsorption Processes - Molecular Sieve, Activated Alumina, Silica Gel

1.3.2 Absorption Processes - Di-Ethylene Glycol, Tri-Ethylene Glycol,

Tetra-Ethylene Glycol

1.3.3 Hydrate Inhibition Processes - Mono-Ethylene Glycol Injection

1.4 This standard does not cover:

1.4.1 Dehydration of crude oil

1.4.2 Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitors

1.4.2 Plant Instrument Air Dehydration

2 Conflicts and Deviations

Any conflicts between this document and other applicable Mandatory Saudi Aramco
Engineering Requirements (MSAERs) shall be addressed to the EK&RD Coordinator.

Any deviation from the requirements herein shall follow internal company procedure
SAEP-302.

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 8 January 2019 Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration Systems

3 References

All referenced specifications, standards, codes, forms, drawings, and similar material
shall be considered part of this standard to the extent specified herein and shall be the
latest issue (including all revisions, addenda, and supplements) unless stated otherwise.

3.1 Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-125 Preparation of Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards
SAEP-302 Waiver of a Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-A-020 Equipment Specific P&ID Templates (ESPT)
SAES-A-207 Catalyst and Desiccant Selection
SAES-A-400 Industrial Drainage Systems
SAES-A-401 Closed Drain System
SAES-B-055 Plant Layout

Saudi Aramco Library Drawings

M88-DA-950167-012 Molecular Sieve Dehydrator - ESPT Drawing-412
M88-DA-950180-009 TEG Dehydration System - ESPT Drawing-909
M88-DA-950180-011 Molecular Sieve Dehydration System -
ESPT Drawing-911
M88-DA-950180-012 Molecular Sieve Dehydration System -
ESPT Drawing-912

Saudi Aramco General Instructions

GI-0150.100 Hazardous Materials Communication Program

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Petroleum Institute

API 12 GDU Glycol Type Gas Dehydration

National Association of Corrosion Engineers

NACE MR0175 / Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries-Materials
ISO 15156 for use in H2S-Containing Environments in Oil

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
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Next Planned Update: 8 January 2019 Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration Systems

and Gas Production

3.3 Chemical Hazard Bulletins

CHB#155 Hydrogen Sulfide
CHB#822 Molecular Sieves
CHB#1025 Activated Alumina
CHB#51 Mono-Ethylene Glycol
CHB#144 Di-Ethylene Glycol
CHB#144 Tri-Ethylene Glycol
CHB#48 Acetic Acid
CHB#9 Methanol

4 Definitions and Acronyms

Absorbent: Liquid that absorbs or dissolves other fluids. Examples are ethylene
glycol and tri-ethylene glycol.

Absorption: A process in which solid or fluid is being dissolved into or enter another
fluid hence the substance is taken by volume not by surface as in adsorption.

Adsorbent: A substance usually porous that can adsorb molecules on to its surface.
Examples are activated alumina, molecular sieve, and silica gel.

Adsorption: A surface -based process in which molecules are bond or adhered to a

surface. It is the adhesion of molecules of gases, liquids, or dissolved substances to a
solid surface.

BTX: Benzene- Toluene- Xylene (volatile organic compounds)

Chemical Hazard Bulletin (CHB): An internal company document (Available in both

English and Arabic) developed by Environmental Protection Department to provide
standardized one-page summary of a material’s hazard ratings that will specify health
hazard, fire & reactivity, handling, storage & disposal and first aid information for use
in the handling of hazardous materials. Use of CHBs shall be consistent with the
requirements contained within GI-0150.100, Hazardous Materials Communication
Program (HAZCOM) to ensure employees are knowledgeable of the hazards associated
with the specific chemicals.

Dehydration: The process of removing water from hydrocarbon gas or liquid stream.
Dehydration is accomplished by the use of solid desiccant such as molecular sieve or
liquid desiccant such as tri-ethylene-glycol (TEG).

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 8 January 2019 Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration Systems

Design Engineer: The Engineering Company responsible for specifying on the data
sheets the process and mechanical design requirements for flare systems.

Dry Gas: A gas that has no water or under saturated with water. In Industry, it is a gas
with water content of less than 7 lb/mmscf (112 kg/106 std m3) at 1,000 psia (6,895 kPa).

Hazardous Material: Any purchased or Saudi Aramco produced material or chemical

which is a physical or health hazard. Biohazards are excluded. (This definition differs
from the term used in Fire Protection Department.)

Health Hazard: Any material or chemical for which there is statistically significant
evidence based on at least one scientific study that acute or chronic health effects may
occur in exposed employees.

Hydrate: Crystal solids that appear like ice but differ in structure and form when a gas
molecule is caged inside a water molecule through hydrogen bonding. These ice-like
solids form at certain temperature and pressure depending on gas composition.

Hydrate Formation Temperature: The temperature at which hydrate will form at

given pressure and composition.

Hydrate Inhibition: The process of using a chemical to lower the hydrate formation
temperature by utilization of a thermodynamic inhibitor like ethylene glycol (EG) or
low dosage hydrate inhibitor such as kinetic hydrate inhibitor (KHI).

Hydrocarbons Plant: Includes facilities under both Process Areas and Outside
Process Areas.

Light-ends Hydrocarbons: Liquid hydrocarbons either as mixtures or pure component

products that have a True Vapor Pressure (TVP) higher than 15 psia (103 kPa abs) at
130°F (54°C). Examples of such liquids include mixtures of propane, butanes,
pentanes, etc.

Liquid Desiccant: Liquid substance namely glycols used to absorb (remove) water
from process stream.

Liquid Desiccant: Liquid substance namely TEG and MEG used to absorb (remove)
water.

Loading Diagram: A sketch or schematic that shows the dehydration vessel layout
and different layers of desiccant inside the dehydration vessels. It includes vessel
dimension, bed height, support material height, desiccant layer height, size, and type.

MEG (Mono-Ethylene-Glycol): Glycol type liquid desiccant used to absorb (remove)

water from process stream and also to inhibit hydrate formation.

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 8 January 2019 Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration Systems

OEU: Operation Engineering Unit

P&ID: Process and Instrumentation Diagram

PFD: Process Flow Diagram

pH: A measure of the acidity of the substance

Physical Hazard: Any material or chemical for which there is valid scientific evidence
that it is a combustible liquid, compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic
peroxide, an oxidizer, unstable (reactive) or water reactive.

Process Areas: All physical areas of a facility that involve processing, handling and
treating of hydrocarbons including any sources of ignition.

Saturated Gas: Gas that contains the maximum amount of water at the given pressure,
temperature and composition.

Saudi Aramco Engineer: Supervisor of the Gas Processing Unit of the Upstream
Process Engineering Division, Dhahran.

Solid Desiccant: Solid substance namely molecular sieve, activated alumina, and silica
gel used to adsorb (remove) water from process stream.

Sour Water: Water that contains H2S (>10 ppmw), ammonia (> 0 ppmw) and other
toxic components such as benzene, phenols, etc.

Technical Package: A technical package prepared by OEU and P&CSD that defines a
process application including feedstock qualities, unit operating parameters, product
specifications, bed configuration and desiccant/catalyst performance requirements.

TEG (Tri-Ethylene-Glycol): Glycol type liquid desiccant used to absorb (remove)

water from process stream

Water Content: The amount of water in the process stream measured in lb water per
million standard cubic feet (MMSCF) of gas for hydrocarbon vapor and lb water per lb
of hydrocarbon for liquid hydrocarbon.

Water Dew Point: Temperature at which free water begins to condense at the
operating pressure.

Wet Gas: A gas containing water or a gas that has not been dehydrated (partially
saturated gas).

Wet Sour Service: Following process streams containing water and hydrogen sulfide:
Sour water service with a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentration above 2 mg/L (2 ppm)
and a total pressure of 450 kPa absolute (65 psia) or greater. Hydrocarbon services,

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 8 January 2019 Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration Systems

meeting the definition of sour environments in NACE MR0175/ISO 15156, where the
H2S concentration of 2 mg/L (2 ppm) or more in the water phase is equivalent to H2S
partial pressure of 0.05 psia. Sour crude systems upstream of a stabilization facility and
sour gas upstream of a sweetening or dehydration plant are examples of such
environments.

5 Responsibilities

5.1 Design Engineer

The Design Engineer is responsible for specifying the process and mechanical
design requirements and completing the data sheets in accordance with this
standard.

5.2 Dehydration and Hydrate Inhibition System Designer/Manufacturer

The Dehydration and hydrate inhibition system designer/manufacturer is

responsible for the manufacture of dehydration system components, which
includes the complete sizing, mechanical design, code and structural
calculations, supply of all materials, fabrication, non-destructive examination,
inspection, testing, surface preparation, and preparation for shipment, in
accordance with the completed data sheets and 32-SAMSS-022.

5.3 Process and Control Systems Department (P&CSD)

The single-point contact for technical consultation related to the use of all types
of hydrate inhibitors, liquid and solid desiccants in Saudi Aramco. P&CSD is
responsible for developing, reviewing and evaluating technical and design
packages related to dehydration and hydrate inhibition systems that include
TEG, MEG and molecular sieve units. P&CSD and R&DC coordinate pilot
plant testing, QA/QC testing of desiccants and participate in development of
recommendations and specifications to replace existing desiccant (molecular
sieve) systems.

5.4 Facility Planning Department (FPD)

Before selecting an approved Licensor for grass roots or a revamp project,

FPD or PMT shall contact with P&CSD which will liaise with OEU to ensure
that suitable, cost-effective process/technology is specified for the project.

5.5 Project Management Team (PMT)

Before selecting a Designer/Licensor for grass roots or a revamp project, PMT

or FPD shall contact with P&CSD which will liaise with Operation to ensure
that suitable, cost-effective process/technology is specified for the project.
If licensor offers choices for first-fill desiccant for the project, PMT shall

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 8 January 2019 Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration Systems

consult with P&CSD for dehydration and hydrate inhibition system design and
desiccant selection. PMT shall be the single point of contact with the contractor
and vendor when desiccant is provided under a project.

6 System Design

The wet hydrocarbon vapor or liquid shall be assumed saturated with water as a basis
for the dehydration and hydrate inhibition systems design. Actual water content in the
hydrocarbon stream may be used when actual data is available.

6.1 Solid Desiccant (Molecular Sieve, Activated Alumina and Silica Gel)

6.1.1 P&CSD shall be consulted for approved molecular sieve material and
manufacturers and first load of molecular sieve shall be purchased as
per SAES-A-207.
Commentary:

The first fill load of molecular sieve shall not be limited to the dehydrators
designer and may be purchased from any approved vendor.

6.1.2 The general configuration of a solid desiccant system for both gas or
liquid dehydration shall be as illustrated in Figure 1 below.

Figure 1 - Two Beds System

6.1.3 For equipment specific P&IDs template to define the process, piping
and instrumentation configuration requirements for molecular sieve

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 8 January 2019 Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration Systems

dehydration major equipment and simple process follow SAES-A-020

(M88-DA-950167-012, M88-DA-950180-011 and M88-DA-950180-012).

6.1.4 Molecular sieve dehydration system lay out shall comply with
SAES-B-055 “Plant Layout” and ensure access to lifting equipment for
molecular sieve loading and unloading.

6.1.5 The dryer vessel shall be designed according to 32-SAMSS-004.

6.1.6 A solid desiccant shall have a minimum of two dehydration beds.

All dehydration vessels within the same train or module shall have
identical configuration.

6.1.7 Molecular sieve shall be selected for gas and liquid dehydration by
adsorption among solid desiccants.
Commentary:

The use of other solid desiccant such as silica gel and/or activated
alumina shall be evaluated based on process conditions and specific
product requirements.

6.1.8 Molecular sieves from different suppliers shall not be mixed in the
same train or module.

6.1.9 Only 4A type molecular sieve desiccant shall be used for both gas and
liquid dehydration.

6.1.10 The use of conventional 4A molecular sieve shall be limited to sweet

gas dehydration where H2S content is less than 16 ppmv.

6.1.11 The use of acid or amine resistant molecular sieve shall be carefully
evaluated before use for sweet or sour gas dehydration.

6.1.12 The feed gas temperature to molecular sieve gas dehydrators should be
less than 80°F (26.7°C). Also, the feed gas temperature shall be 5°F
(3°C) greater than the feed gas hydrate formation temperature.

6.1.13 Two solid desiccant types may be used in separate staggered beds or
layers within a single dehydration vessel.

6.1.14 Two dissimilar desiccants shall not be physically mixed randomly

within the same bed.

6.1.15 Two different size desiccant of the same type, i.e., ⅛” (3.2 mm) and
1/16” (1.6 mm), when specified shall be used in separate staggered
beds or layers within a single dehydration vessel.

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 8 January 2019 Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration Systems

6.1.16 Two different size desiccant of the same type, i.e., ⅛” (3.2 mm) and 1/16”
(1.6 mm), shall not be physically mixed randomly within the same bed.

6.1.17 Two different shape desiccants, i.e., extrudate (cylindrical) and beads
(spherical) shall not be mixed together in the same bed or layer.

6.1.18 Water content of 0.1 ppmv in dry gas shall be specified for gas
dehydrators using molecular sieve.

6.1.19 The number of dryers in one gas dehydration unit/train shall be limited
to 3-5 towers with only one bed/tower on regeneration mode and the
remaining beds are on adsorption/drying mode.
Commentary:

Liquid dehydrators may have two bed systems. The number of dryers
is determined based on many factors like economics, flexibility, and
gas flow.

6.1.20 Gas and liquid dehydrators calculations shall be based on ⅛” (3.2 mm)
diameter extrudate. Although, both beads (spherical) and extrudate
(cylindrical) type molecular sieve can be used, the calculation shall be
based on extrudate (cylindrical) type molecular sieve.

6.1.21 Gas dehydrator tower diameter shall be calculated based on the following:
1) Gas superficial velocity (design to be discussed with P&CSD)
2) Maximum of 0.44 psi/ft (9.95 kPa/m) pressure drop per unit
length across adsorbent bed for dehydrators with fresh molecular
sieve. The total differential pressure across the adsorbent bed
shall not exceed 10 psi (68.9 kPa).
Commentary:

The pressure drop is sometimes dictated by downstream pressure

requirement; therefore lower values may be used.

6.1.22 Liquid dehydrators shall be sized based on 3-5 ft/min (0.91-1.52 m/min)
velocity.

6.1.23 Solid desiccant quantity shall be calculated based on 8-10% end of life
dynamic adsorption capacity.

6.1.24 Regeneration gas flow shall be calculated based on minimum pressure

drop per unit length of 0.01 psi/ft (0.23 kPa/m).

6.1.25 The regeneration gas heating system shall be designed to achieve

minimum of 550°F (288°C) regeneration gas temperatures.

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
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Next Planned Update: 8 January 2019 Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration Systems

6.1.26 Feed gas and regeneration gas streams data shall be provided to the
designer for gas dehydrator. The below table shows typical plant data
specification sheet:

Table 1

Parameters Units Value

Feed Gas
Flow MMSCFD (std M3/D)
Temperature °F (°C )
Pressure Psia ( kPa)
Water Content in lb/mmscf or lb/hr (kg/hr)
Water Content out (Required) lb/mmscf or ppmv
Dry Gas Dew Point (Required) °F
Mol. Wt. (Dry Basis) lb/lbmol (kg/kgmole)
Feed Analysis
Nitrogen Mol %
Carbon Dioxide Mol %
Hydrogen Sulfide Mol %
Methane Mol %
Ethane Mol %
Propane Mol %
i-Butane Mol %
n-Butane Mol %
i-Pentane Mol %
n-Pentane Mol %
Hexane Mol %
Heptane Mol %
Regeneration Gas Analysis
Water Content lb/mmscf (ppmv)
Mol. Wt. (Dry Basis) (lb/lbmol)
Nitrogen Mol %
Carbon Dioxide Mol %
Hydrogen Sulfide Mol %
Methane Mol %
Ethane Mol %
Propane Mol %

6.1.27 The take-off points for the gas dehydration vessel shall be from the top
of the wet feed gas header to avoid any free liquid carry over to the
molecular sieve vessel.

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
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6.1.28 The take-off points for the downstream dedicated and common
moisture analyzers shall be from a downstream vent to prevent
analyzer malfunction due to tube blockage as a result of water
accumulation from the repetitive breakthrough.

6.1.29 A proper drainage system shall be provided on piping spools upstream the
feed inlet valve to prevent stagnant liquids upstream the gas dehydrator.

6.1.30 The dehydrator vessel shall be provided with bottom man way for
molecular sieve removal.

6.1.31 The dehydrator vessel shall be provided with removable pipe spool on
the top dehydrator vessel for charging fresh molecular sieves.

6.1.32 Platform should be provided on top of dehydrator vessel for loading

molecular sieve.

6.1.33 Switching valves shall have zero leakage and with stand frequent
cycling and high regeneration temperature of more than 600°F (316°C).

6.1.34 A bottom side man way shall be provided for gas/liquid dryer vessel
for potential use during molecular sieve unloading.

6.1.35 If the regeneration gas pressure is higher or lower than the operating
pressure, an equalization system shall be provided to equalize bed
pressure with the system pressure gradually and to prevent damage to
the molecular sieve bed from surge flow (follow instruction manuals).

6.1.36 A dedicated flow measurement device shall be provided for the inlet
gas to each molecular sieve dehydrator. In addition, a common flow
measurement shall be provided for inlet gas.

6.1.37 A dedicated online moisture analyzer shall be provided on the outlet

gas from each mole sieve dehydrator. In addition, a common moisture
analyzer shall be provided for the outlet gas.

6.1.38 A dedicated pressure deferential measuring device shall be provided

for each molecular sieve dehydrator.

6.1.39 A downstream dust filter shall be provided downstream the molecular

sieve dehydrators to trap/collect molecular sieve that escape from the
dehydrator bed.

6.1.40 Efficient filtration/separation equipment shall be installed upstream

gas/liquid dehydrators to prevent any liquid carry over greater than 10
micron to the dehydrator.

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
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6.1.41 Regeneration gas leaving the final water knockout drum shall be
recycled upstream of the inlet to the solid desiccant dehydration vessel.
Commentary:

Only in an NGL recovery plant that does not remove H 2S from raw gas,
if the regeneration gas when mixing with the dry sales gas does not
exceed the maximum water specifications of the combined sales gas,
the regeneration gas leaving the final water knockout drum may be
mixed with the residue gas to flow to the sales gas grid.

6.1.42 Condensed water from the regeneration gas cooler shall be sent to
proper and safe location, i.e., inlet area, amine flash drum, sour water
stripper or process water treatment plant (refer to SAES-A-400/401).
Commentary:

Only if the condensed water from the regeneration gas cooler does not
have combustible or toxic material it may be sent to evaporation pond
(details refer to SAES-A-400/401).

6.1.43 Only dry gas shall be used for regenerating solid desiccant dehydration
beds. Wet gas shall not be used for regeneration of solid desiccant beds.

6.1.44 A minimum of 6” (152 mm) spacing for bed support (ceramic balls)
both at the top and the bottom of the bed shall be provided.

6.1.45 The bed support structure shall be designed to withstand the desiccant
bed weight and 100 psi (689.5 kPa) deferential pressure.

6.1.46 Gas dehydrators shall be designed with down flow direction during
adsorption/drying mode.

6.1.47 Liquid dehydrators can be designed with upflow or down flow

direction during adsorption/drying mode.

6.1.48 Regeneration gas shall be designed with opposite direction to wet gas
and/or wet liquid direction.

6.1.49 A storage facility for solid desiccant (molecular sieve, activated carbon
and silica gel) shall be provided. This storage facility shall provide
protection for solid desiccant against humidity, dust, and sunlight.

6.2 Liquid Desiccant (TEG)

6.2.1 P&CSD shall be consulted for technical evaluation of TEG, DEG, and
MEG vendor/designer and process.

6.2.2 For equipment specific P&IDs template to define the process, piping,

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
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and instrumentation configuration requirements for TEG dehydration

major equipment and simple process follow SAES-A-020
(M88-DA-950180-009).

6.2.3 Only TEG can be used for gas dehydration among liquid desiccant.

6.2.4 MEG use shall be limited for hydrate inhibition (injection systems).

6.2.5 TEG purity shall be minimum 98.5% wt or above.

6.2.6 TEG system shall be designed to minimize TEG losses. Designers /

Vendors shall report calculated TEG losses in lb TEG/ MMSCF
(kg/std M3) of processed gas. For systems operating at inlet gas
temperature of more than 100°F, life cycle cost analysis shall be
performed if additional system is needed in order to minimize TEG
losses and optimize the process.

6.2.7 The maximum water content in the dry gas leaving the TEG contactor
shall be 7 lb/MMscf. This shall be applicable for the dry gas exported
to Master Gas System and the gas leaving the associated gas central
processing facilities for further processing at gas processing plants.

Other specification shall be reviewed evaluated and approved by

P&CSD engineer to ensure enough protection against hydrate and
corrosion at downstream system.

6.2.8 The TEG unit design should be based on the following Table 2 which
lists the recommended design specification parameters for TEG
dehydration unit:
Table 2
Process Parameter Recommended Specification
TEG circulation 3 gal TEG / lb of H2O removed
Stripping gas 3-10 scf / gal TEG circulated
Inlet gas Temperature 80°F to 100°F
Glycol into contactor Temperature 5°F to 15°F higher than inlet gas
Glycol into Regenerator Temperature 320°F
Glycol into still column Temperature 100°F to 150°F (150°F preferred)
Top of still column Temperature 210°F, 190°F with stripping gas
Reboiler Temperature 380°F to 400°F with no stripping gas
TEG entering pump Temperature 200-250°F
1 to 1.5 lb/MMscf at contacting
temperature between 80 to 100°F
TEG Losses – exclude spillage
1.5 to 3.5 lb/MMscf at contacting
temperature above 100°F

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6.2.9 The use of Amine type pH neutralizers shall be evaluated for use with
TEG in sour gas dehydration.

6.2.10 The use of fired heaters as TEG reboilers shall be avoided for sour gas
dehydration.

6.2.11 Steam, heating oil, heating water or electrical type TEG reboilers may
be used.

6.2.12 Only structured packing or bubble cap trays column shall be used for
the glycol contactor internals.

6.2.13 The design of the TEG regeneration shall incorporate stripping gas
connection to allow for optional TEG concentration increase.

6.2.14 TEG regeneration system shall be designed to achieve minimum of

99.5% wt TEG concentration with stripping gas.

6.2.15 Stripping gas source shall be either dry sweet fuel gas or slip stream
from the process dry gas leaving the TEG contactor.

6.2.16 Stripping gas can be injected into a dedicated stripping column section
below the glycol regenerator reboiler or into the glycol reboiler directly.

6.2.17 Two (2) 100% capacity pumps shall be used for circulating lean TEG.

6.2.18 TEG design and specification shall be in accordance with API 12 GDU
for glycol type gas dehydration.

6.2.19 An efficient filter/ separator shall be provided upstream the TEG

contactor on inlet wet gas.

6.2.20 TEG reboiler shall be sized to deliver 130-140% of the required design
duty.

6.2.21 Mechanical and carbon filtration shall be designed to process full TEG
circulation rate.

6.2.22 The overhead water vapor from the TEG regenerator shall be recycled
or sent to one of the following locations:
1) Thermal oxidizer/ Incinerator
2) Flare if it has no BTX
3) Inlet facility
4) TEG or amine flash drum overhead

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
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6.2.23 The condensed water from overhead water vapor from the TEG
regenerator shall be sent to one of the following locations:
1) Inlet facility
2) Sour water stripper
3) Evaporation pond if it has no BTX and mercury.

6.2.24 TEG system shall have a drainage system to collect liquid glycol drains
designed in accordance to SAES-A-400.

6.2.25 sA wet glycol sump or storage tank shall be provided as part of the
glycol recovery system. The size of the sump or tank shall be enough
to accommodate at least one train/module of glycol system (piping,
exchangers, column, etc.) inventory of glycol.

6.2.26 TEG storage tanks should have a nitrogen or dry gas blanket to exclude
oxygen to reduce the risk of glycol degradation. The area around the
storage tanks and installations shall be well ventilated, bounded and
drained to the hazardous atmospheric drain system.

6.2.27 Wet TEG sump shall be provided with filters on the glycol return line
to the glycol system.

6.2.28 Methanol injection skid shall be incorporated with TEG dehydration

system. The location of the methanol injection point is upstream heat
exchangers where operating temperatures is near or lower than stream
hydrate formation temperature.

6.3 Hydrate Inhibition System (MEG)

6.3.1 For selecting a licensed process, P&CSD shall be consulted for

technical evaluation of MEG vendor/designer and process.

6.3.2 MEG system shall not be considered for services operating below -40°F
(-40°C).

6.3.3 MEG concentration at the injection and outlet points shall be based on
freezing points at process stream inlet and outlet conditions as per the
following Figure 2.

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 8 January 2019 Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration Systems

Figure-2

6.3.4 Regenerated MEG purity shall be 80% wt or above.

6.3.5 Glycol injection rates shall be calculated based on the most severe
operational pressure/temperature combination. A safety margin of 5°F
(3°C) and 15% overdose should be included to cover uncertainties related
to operating conditions and hydrate formation temperature predictions.

6.3.6 The shutdown of the gas pipeline and settle out pressure case shall be
considered for calculating MEG injection rate.

6.3.7 MEG recovery system shall be designed to recover steam, heating oil,
heating water or electrical type reboilers may be used for MEG
regeneration.

6.3.8 Steam, heating oil, heating water or electrical type reboilers may be
used for MEG regeneration.

6.3.9 The Use of fired heaters as reboilers shall be avoided for sour gas
services.

6.3.10 Two (2) 100% capacity pumps shall be used for circulating lean MEG.

6.3.11 MEG reboiler shall be sized to deliver 130-140% of the required

design duty.

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 8 January 2019 Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration Systems

6.3.12 The use of MEG reclaimer shall be considered for systems with high salt
content in produced/ formation water (> 1,000 ppmw chloride in water).

6.3.13 MEG reboiler temperature shall not exceed 324°F (162°C) to prevent
thermal decomposition of the glycol.

6.3.14 A vertical shell-and-tube heat exchanger is recommended for the reflux

condenser.

6.3.15 Mechanical and carbon filtration shall be designed to process full MEG
circulation rate.

6.3.16 The overhead water vapor from the MEG regenerator shall be recycled
or sent to one of the following locations:
1) Thermal oxidizer/ Incinerator
2) Flare if it has no BTX
3) Inlet facility
4) MEG or amine flash drum overhead

6.3.17 The condensed water from overhead water vapor from the MEG
regenerator shall be sent to one of the following locations:
1) Inlet facility
2) Sour water stripper
3) Evaporation pond if it has no BTX and mercury.

6.3.18 MEG system shall have a drainage system to collect liquid glycol
drains designed in accordance to SAES-A-400.

6.3.19 A wet glycol sump and storage tank shall be provided as part of the
glycol recovery system. The size of the sump shall be enough to
accommodate all system (piping, exchangers, column, etc.) inventory
of glycol in the train/module. The size of the storage tank shall be
enough to accommodate at least one train/module inventory.

6.3.20 MEG storage tanks should have a nitrogen or dry gas blanket to
exclude oxygen to reduce the risk of glycol degradation. The area
around the storage tanks and installations shall be well ventilated,
bounded and drained to the hazardous atmospheric drain system.

6.3.21 Wet MEG sump shall be provided with filters on the glycol return line
to the glycol system.

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 8 January 2019 Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration Systems

6.3.22 Methanol injection skid shall be incorporated with MEG injection

systems. The location of the methanol injection point is upstream heat
exchangers where operating temperatures is near or lower than stream
hydrate formation temperature.

7 Design Information

7.1 General

The Design Engineers shall complete all required design data listed in the
following typical solid desiccant loading diagram Figure 3:

LOADING PLAN FOR VENDORS SIEVE MATERIAL

Loading is to carried out as per GOI xxx
The loading report must be completed before the dehydrator is closed.
Desiccant 4A mole sieve.
Manufactured by
Form Extrudate or beads
inches ft
Available bed height for loading
Total height of loaded MS
Total height loaded material
ft
Inlet Inner Diameter Anticipated
Distributor Bulk Weight
Height. Volum e Material Size density lbs
inches ft3 lbs/ft3 Note 2
0 Ceram ic Balls 0
Floating grid
0 AA or Selica Gel 0

Molecular
Sieve
0 4A 1/8" 0

Molecular
0 Sieve 1/8" or 1/16" 0
Top of 4A
Bottom
0 Ceram ic Balls 0
Support 0 Ceram ic Balls 0
Screen 0 Ceram ic Balls 0
Total 0 0 0

I.D.
Notes:

Figure 3

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Document Responsibility: Oil and Gas Process Engineering Standards Committee SAES-A-014
Issue Date: 1 January 2018
Next Planned Update: 8 January 2019 Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration Systems

7.2 Required Documents

The following documents are required in addition to dehydration system

equipment data sheets, PFDs and P&IDs.

7.2.1 Material Technical Data Sheet and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
(for molecular sieve, activated alumina, and silica gel)

7.2.2 Loading Diagram (for molecular sieve)

7.2.3 Molecular sieve vendor shall provide loading diagram which shall
include the following:
1. Adsorbent type (beads or extrudate), size, quantity/weight
2. Adsorbent bed height
3. Bed support (ceramic balls) size and height
4. Special notes if any

7.2.4 Loading and Unloading Instructions/ Procedures (for molecular sieve).

7.2.5 Molecular sieve vendor shall provide recommended procedures for

loading fresh desiccant and unloading spent desiccant.

7.2.6 Break through Test Procedure and Check List (for molecular sieve).

7.2.7 Adsorption/Drying and Regeneration Instruction (for molecular sieve)

7.2.8 Molecular sieve vendor shall provide operating steps for the adsorption
cycle and regeneration cycle which include (but not limited to) drying
cycle time, regeneration gas process parameters (flow, temperature and
pressure), regeneration steps and regeneration time.

Revision Summary
11 July 2013 New Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard.
11 February 2016 Minor revision to update Section 6; in line with the recent waiver provided to Khurais
Incremental AL Crude Project (BI-10-01506) so as to clarify the intent of the requirement wr.t.
TEG loss. This was agreed during the CE Review meeting dated November 17, 2015 that
this section would be clarified so that waiver requests are not required for satellite GOSP
facilities where in TEG losses could be higher.
1 January 2018 Editorial revision to modify paragraph 6.2.7.

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