NGL STABILIZATION

Stabilization | Process Overview | Major Equipment

Stabilization
Stabilization of natural gas liquids (NGLs) or field condensate is a process utilizing
controlled flashing and in some cases, a distillation of the liquid to allow it to be stored in
atmospheric vessels. The distillation of the liquid can also used to remove objectionable
non-hydrocarbon components, most notably CO2, from the sales liquid.
The DPC NGL stabilization process uses tried-and-true conventional technology,
employing the same modular fabrication techniques DPC uses for its standard gas
conditioning equipment, allowing for high levels of quality control. All of the equipment
and piping is designed, fabricated and tested per ASME and TEMA codes and
standards. The system is all electric, minimizing permitting issues and reducing the
hazards associated with direct fired equipment in an oil field production environment.
Stabilization Unit, CB-R Process Skid

Process Overview
The equipment used in the DPC stabilizer process simply provides a way to "cook" the volatile
hydrocarbons liquid mix, at the optimum pressure (50 to 350 psig) and the required temperature
levels (100F to 400F). This is done in a distillation tower, controlled in such a way as to drive off
the light gaseous hydrocarbons and other gaseous contaminants to be used as a fuel stream or
recycled through the conditioning equipment, eventually to be sold as part of the pipeline quality
natural gas. The resulting "stabilized" liquid thereby has a much-reduced volatility.

Stabilization Unit

In many cases the liquid can be stabilized to a point that it can be stored and transported in nonpressurized vessels (crude tankers,) both enhancing safety in handling, and improving the liquid's
marketability. This liquid can be marketed as a crude or "dead" condensate. In other instances, our
clients may want to limit the amount of vapor driven off from the liquid, and sell a "moderately"
pressurized product to an available market. Meeting a MAPCO Y-Grade NGL pipeline specification
is a typical application. This choice only requires an adjustment in operating temperature and
pressure of the stabilization unit.

Major Equipment

DPC has designed a standard unit to stabilize a nominal 500 BPD of NGL production to 9# Reid
vapor pressure (RVP), with an easily operated system in a very energy efficient manner. The heat
source is an electric resistance process type immersion heater, procured along with its control
system, from an "old-line" process heater manufacturer. The electric heat allows for a simple
installation, a stable and safe operation and avoids producing any air emissions associated with
direct-fired equipment.
The maximum allowable operating design pressure (up to 1000 psig) and temperature ratings
(650F) of the system components are far in excess of the anticipated operating conditions. In other
words the equipment is over-designed and under-stressed in operation. This is deliberately done for
enhanced safety and durability.
The stabilizer is a top feed quench, center heated feed tower design. Bubble cap trays are used to
give the tower a stable operation over a wide range of flow conditions. The stabilizer tower has both
top and middle tray liquid feed points. Multiple heat exchangers are used to recover the heat from
the stabilized hot bottom product and return the energy to the middle feed tray for maximum energy
conservation and product cooling.
The stabilization system is built on two process skids. The tower is mounted on a stand-up skid that
then bolts to the heat exchanger and control skid for a quick and simple installation. The skids are
designed to be set on stabilized ground. Concrete foundations are not typically required.
Some fabrication pictures of a stabilization unit:

Stand-up Distillation Tower after application of insulation

Exchanger and Control Skid after application of insulation

Pre-piping Unit Set-up