Sabp A 056 PDF

Best Practice
SABP-A-056 8 February 2015

Gas Processing Technology Selection Guidelines
Document Responsibility: Process Engineering Standards Committee
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents
1 Scope........................................... 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations..................................5
3 References....................................... 5
4 Definitions and Acronyms .............................. 6
5 Overview......................................................... 8
6 Responsibilities............................................... 9
7 Gas Processing Plant
Design Considerations.......................... 10
8 Gas Processing Technology
Selection Guidelines...................... 13
9 Gas Plant Debottlenecking.................... 17
Appendix A - Hydrate Inhibition Technology

Selection Roadmap........................ 19
Appendix B - Gas Sweetening Technology
Appendix C - Gas Dehydration Technology
Appendix D - NGL Recovery Technology
Appendix E - Nitrogen Rejection Technology
Selection Roadmap................. 28
Previous Issue: New Next Planned Update: TBD
Primary contact: Rithauddeen, Megat Ahmad (rithauma) on +966-13-8809470
CopyrightSaudi Aramco 2015. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Process Engineering Standards Committee SABP-A-056
Issue Date: 8 February 2015
Next Planned Update: TBD Gas Processing Technology Selection Guidelines
Table of Contents (contd)
Appendix F - Sulfur Recovery Technology

Appendix G - Hydrogen Purification
Technology Selection Roadmap.... 30
Appendix H Liquid Loading/Unloading VOC
Recovery Technology Selection
Roadmap........................................ 31
Appendix I - Mercury Removal Technology
Appendix J - NGL Fractionation Technology
Appendix K - LPG Products Treatment
Technology Selection Roadmap.... 35
Appendix L - Unconventional Gas
Processing Roadmap..................... 36
1 Scope
1.1 Purpose
The purposes of this document is to outline and define the gas processing
technology selection guidelines to be used in the identification, categorization,
prioritization to recommend gas processing technology for new capital projects
and debottlenecking studies of existing gas facilities. In addition, this document
describes the interfaces between P&CSD Upstream Engineering Division and its
customers/stake holders such as FPD, Oil and Gas Operations and outlines the
deliverables generated by P&CSD.
It is emphasized that this document is essentially meant for Gas Processing facilities
within Oil and Gas operating plants. When used within Refining facilities, this
document is a guideline and would require specific inputs and approval from
P&CSD Downstream Process Engineering Division (DPED) Specialist.
This however must be understood as in addition to the minimum that may be

required as per Saudi Aramco Standards, Project Management Guidelines and
Project Design basis. This best practice outlines the technical requirements and
guidelines for the proper selection and design of technically and commercially
proven, reliable and safe gas processing technologies applicable for new projects
and/or upgrade of existing gas plants facilities to ensure the final products meet
the required specification.
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1.2 Introduction
Depending on the scale and complexity of the project, P&CSD may form a gas
processing steering committee to support the front end stage of a project which
is defined in P&CSD/PMG/01. The P&CSD gas process steering committee for
a particular capital project comprised of several P&CSD engineers that are the
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in their respective gas processing area such as
gas sweetening, product sweetening, gas dehydration, hydrate inhibition, NGL
recovery technology, nitrogen rejection technology, hydrogen purification
process, mercury removal and sulfur recovery technology.
1.3 Objectives
The primary objectives of these guidelines are to:

- Ensure each capital project process design is consistent with Saudi Aramcos
Corporate Objectives to achieve highest level of safety and operational
excellence by selecting the proven and reliable processing technologies
- To proactively streamline the technology selection process for future new or
de-bottlenecking existing facilities undertaken by Saudi Aramco particularly
in any of the following applications or areas:
o Hydrate Inhibition
o Gas Dehydration
o Gas Sweetening
o NGL Recovery
o Nitrogen Rejection & Helium Recovery
o Sulfur Recovery and Handling
o Hydrogen Purification
o Liquid Loading/Unloading VOC Recovery
o Mercury Removal
o NGL Fractionation
o LPG Products Treatment
o Unconventional Gas
Other processing facilities such as Sour Water Stripping, Hydrocarbon
Condensate Stabilization and Inlet Facilities will require inputs from P&CSD
and have to be addressed on case-by-case basis.
- Improve and streamline efficiency and productivity during the capital project
development phases by ensuring that the capital project process design is
robust and effectively implemented by:
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o Making immediate technical decisions regarding the proposed projects as

early in the planning process as reasonably possible
o Limiting the process technologies evaluation of a proposed project as
required to make a technically feasible business decision that will be
considered during the various project phases
o Shorten the technology selection time period for proposing cost-effective
process recommendations. Minimize the number of unnecessary studies
that would have to be conducted
o Identify all available technology alternatives for addressing an
application and help ask the pertinent questions related to the technology
selection process.
o Identify technology gaps that Saudi Aramco may choose to help fill and
thereby provide leadership within the industry.
These guidelines are intended to provide P&CSD the discretion and are
structured to:
- Sequentially develop the design case for a proposed project in phases,
refining the technical assessment in each phase and ultimately being able to
make a reasonable technical decision regarding a proposed project
- Ensure that the decision required to select a particular process are well
founded
- Improve the quality and consistency of the process design by selecting the
most reliable, proven and feasible technology
- Develop well-founded process system with timely recommendations.
P&CSD recommendations are subject to review by the Proponent and other

stakeholders, P&CSD will be responsible for issuing the final process scope
recommendations and the underlying analysis.
P&CSD will give independent view in light of technical studies and that will not
be influence by FPD or any other stake holders. By so doing, the analysis
required to develop the process scope is not as likely to be constrained.
These guidelines are intended to provide means of consolidating and organizing

information pertinent to the process design of each proposed project and the
corresponding decisions to better ensure:
- Continuity throughout the design of each project
- The availability of the information required to effectively perform the
process design appraisal of the project scope
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1.4 Disclaimer
This SABP is not intended to detail all aspects of possible gas processing
configuration and does not include adequate information to enable it to be used
as a comprehensive instruction manual. Other instruction manual and guideline
will also need to be referenced and utilized.
2 Conflicts with Mandatory Standards
2.1 In the event of a conflict between this Best Practice and other Mandatory Saudi
Aramco Engineering Requirements, the mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirements shall govern.
2.2 Direct all or queries from this Best Practice in writing to the Gas Processing
Unit (GPU) Supervisor, who shall study the request, redirect to the right Subject
Matter Expert relevant to the best practice and respond as suggested in 2.1
above.
3 References
This engineering best practice is based on the latest edition of the references below,
unless otherwise noted.
Saudi Aramco References
Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-25 Estimate Preparation Guidelines
SAEP-201 Saudi Aramco Engineering Reports
SAEP-360 Project Planning Guidelines
SAEP-363 Pipeline Simulation Model Development and Support
SAEP-364 Process Simulation Model Development and Support
SAEP-500 Guidelines for Screening and Qualification of
Chemicals for Hydrate and Corrosion Inhibition
SAEP-602 Process Design Guidelines - Sulfur Recovery
SAEP-606 Process Design and Operating Guidelines -
Mercury Removal Unit
SAEP-1350 Design Basis Scoping Paper (DBSP) Preparation
and Revision Procedure
SAEP-1400 Technical Evaluation for Process and Control
Systems Manufacturers
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Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-A-014 Design of Hydrate Inhibition and Dehydration Systems
SAES-A-102 Ambient Air Quality and Source Emission Standards
SAES-A-207 Catalyst and Desiccant Selection
SAES-B-009 Fire Protection and Safety Requirements for
Offshore Production Facilities
SAES-B-055 Plant Layout
SAES-B-057 Safety Requirement: Refrigerated and Pressure
Storage Tanks and Vessels
SAES-B-058 Emergency, Shutdown, Isolation and Depressuring
SAES-B-064 Onshore and Nearshore Pipeline Safety
Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification

26-SAMSS-085 Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitors (KHI)
Saudi Aramco Best Practice

SABP-A-012 New Projects Energy Efficiency Optimization
Review Methodology
Project Management Guidelines

P&CSD/PMG/01 P&CSD Project Management Guidelines
Saudi Aramco Engineering Report

SAER-5437 Guidelines for Conducting HAZOP Studies
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.
AGR - Acid Gas Removal
BTEX - Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl-Xylene
BTU - British Thermal Unit
Chemical Compatibility Tests: The corrosion inhibitors (CIs) and batch corrosion
inhibitors (BCIs) shall be qualified and tested for use in conjunction and blending with
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hydrate inhibitor in order to verify the hydrate inhibition performance of the blend.
CO2 - Carbon Dioxide
CS2 - Carbonyl Disulfide
C3 - Propane
C4 - Butane
CGR - Condensate Gas Ratio
CHP - Combined Heat & Power
CSD - Consulting Services Department
Dehydration: The process of removing water from hydrocarbon gas or liquid stream.
DBSP - Design Basis Scoping Paper
DPED - Downstream Process Engineering Division of P&CSD
EEU - Energy Engineering Unit of P&CSD
ESD - Energy System Division of P&CSD
F&RSU - Flare & Relief System Unit of P&CSD
FEL - Front End Loading
FPD - Facilities Planning Department
GOTS - Gas Operations Technical Support
GOSP - Gas Oil Separation Plant
GPU - Gas Processing Unit of P&CSD
H2 S - Hydrogen Sulphide
HeRU - Helium Recovery Unit
Hg - Mercury
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 or Low Dosage Hydrate
Inhibitor (LDHI) such as KHI.
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KHI: Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitor; special type of hydrate inhibitors effective at low
concentrations.
LPG - Liquefied Petroleum Gas
MeOH - Methanol
MEG: Mono Ethylene Glycol, a thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor.
MMSCFD - Million standard cubic feet per day
NGL - Natural Gas Liquid
NG - Natural Gasoline
N2 - Nitrogen
OEU - Operations Engineering Unit
OOK - Out-Of-Kingdom
PMT - Project Management Team
PHA - Process Hazard Analysis
P&CSD - Process & Control System Department
R&DC - Research & Development Center
RVP - Reid Vapor Pressure
SRU - Sulfur Recovery Unit
SME - Subject Matter Expert
SAES - Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard
SAEP - Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure
SASD - Saudi Aramco Standard Drawing
UPED - Upstream Engineering Division of P&CSD
VOCs - Volatile Organic Compounds
WGR - Water Gas Ratio
5 Overview
5.1 The gas process steering committee provides a planning, design review and
prioritization role within P&CSD for selecting the feasible process technologies
and lineup for the capital project. The process summary report will include brief
Process description and equipment summary. The expected main utilities
consumption such as power, fuel gas, steam, cooling and heating requirement
will be provided in the report.
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5.2 Based on the business case requirement as identified according to planning

guidelines SAEP-360, the steering committee will evaluate and determine which
technology to be selected to process the hydrocarbons to meet the required
specification.
6 Responsibilities
6.1 Gas Process Steering Committee
The gas process steering committee will have a single focal point from UPED as
Team Leader. The P&CSD process steering committee for a particular capital
project comprised of several P&CSD engineers that are the Subject Matter
Experts (SME) in their respective gas processing areas. The steering committee
may consist of engineers from other division within P&CSD such as Flare &
Relief System Unit (F&RSU) and Energy Engineering Unit (EEU) depending on
the technical complexity of the capital project. DPED division may be involved
when Refining facilities are in question. The committee may approach other
SMEs from proponent and other organizations to support the gas processing
technology selection based on required basis.
The purpose of the committee is to steer the development of gas processing

technology selection for a new capital project feasibility assessment. The area
considered by the committee only focusses on developing feasible gas
processing scheme and selecting gas processing technologies at the front end of
the project scope along with process description and equipment lists to produce
the required product specification. The gas process steering committee provides
a planning, design review and prioritization role within P&CSD for selecting the
most feasible gas process lineup for the capital project.
6.2 Gas Process Steering Committee Team Leader
The Gas Process Steering Committee Team Leader is normally nominated from
UPED and will act as the single focal point contact for technical consultation.
The Team Leader is responsible for specifying the process design requirements
in accordance with this best practice.
6.3 System Designer/Licensor/Manufacturer
In some cases for specialized system, P&CSD may directly approach possible
system designer/licensor/manufacturer as technology provider(s) or engineering
companies to simulate, develop and recommend the most optimum processing
scheme for the proposed plant. The system designer/licensor/manufacturer is
responsible for the design of the particular technology which includes but not
limited to the complete sizing, mechanical design and materials of construction.
Any equipment specific shall be referred to CSD standards if applicable.
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6.4 Process and Control Systems Department (P&CSD)
P&CSD is the single-point contact for technical consultation related to the selection
of all gas processing technologies in Saudi Aramco. P&CSD is responsible for
developing, reviewing and evaluating technical and design packages related to this
best practice. P&CSD and R&DC may coordinate pilot plant testing, QA/QC
testing and participate in development of recommendations and specifications of
new gas processing technologies. P&CSD will be responsible for recommending
the most suitable technology for the application. Any proposed alternative
technology will have to be discussed and agreed with P&CSD.
6.5 Facility Planning Department (FPD)
Before selecting an approved Licensor for grass roots or a revamp project, FPD
or PMT shall contact P&CSD which will liaise with GOTS, Oil Operations or
OEU to ensure that suitable, cost-effective process/technology is specified for
the project.
6.6 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 GOTS, Oil Operations or
OEU to ensure that suitable, cost-effective process/technology is specified for the
project. If licensor offers choices for first-fill desiccant or solvent for the project,
PMT shall consult with P&CSD for system design and desiccant selection.
PMT shall be the single point of contact with the contractor and vendor.
7 Gas Processing Plant Design Considerations
7.1 Process Design Basis
The Gas Processing Plant design progresses through the Front End Loading (FEL)
Project Delivery System that leads the project development from the project
initiation phase to the execution phase and handover to Operations. For the
purpose of this document, it would cover the conceptual study, pre-DBSP study,
DBSP, Project Proposal followed by detailed design and construction.
The following information is required as a minimum to form a Process Basis of

Design prior to kick off the process study:
Production forecast throughout the operating life includes pressure and
temperature profile.
Reservoir fluid compositional analysis (C7+ preferably C10+), bottom-hole
compositional analysis of each reservoir with CGR and WGR.
Bulk properties for pseudo component.
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Design feed gas rate in MMSCFD and on stream factor for the facility
The water source as condensed water or formation water. If formation
water, detail of its geochemical analysis shall also be provided
Presence of contaminants such as mercury, H2S, CO2, Nitrogen, Helium,
elemental sulfur, speciation of total sulfur, BTEX, COS, mercaptans, CS2
and its composition
Expected slug volume and rate during scraping including arrival operating
condition
Expected arrival operating condition at inlet battery limit such as pressure,
temperature and gas flow rate includes turndown factor
Expected outlet condition, i.e., pressure of all stream leaving the plant
battery limit
Product specification other than already established Saudi Aramcos product
specifications
Expected pipeline length and terrain profile
Any process interconnection with the existing facilities and expected
conditions at the battery limit
Geographical location
Required sulfur recovery unit efficiency at the proposed plant location
Required component(s) recovery for NGL recovery plant
FPD shall act as a focal point to provide the above data, it shall be freeze prior to
kick off the study for every implementation stages and as much as possible it
shall not be change in the middle of stage, if it unavoidable the agreed upon
study duration shall be extended as per mutually agreed by both FPD and
P&CSD. If the required information is not available FPD and P&CSD to
mutually agree on the assumptions to be used, it shall be revisit prior to kick off
of every project implementation stages and FPD is to concur it.
7.2 Process Simulations
The process simulations shall be based on the latest version of the approved
simulation software. The process simulation software that will be used in a
project shall be concurred by P&CSD. Simulation development shall conform
to the guidelines given in SAEP-363 and SAEP-364.
For the gas plant, since the water cut and CGR varies over the project life, if
required simulations shall be carried out for summer and winter for the
following production phases:
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Design rate
Initial production phase
Intermediate production phase (after 10 years production) and end life if
required based on the upstream data.
7.3 Conceptual Study
Prior to kick off the Conceptual Study, FPD shall provide the base business case
development concept including upstream pipeline hydraulics (to cover expected
operating condition against hydrate equilibrium temperature curve along the
pipeline) and sizing analysis study. P&CSD shall perform the process selection
and develop the preliminary process scope to establish process equipment,
utilities and infrastructure scopes to allocate funding for the capital program.
Alternative development concept and process schemes will be brainstormed

during the conceptual study. The process summary report outline will follow
SAEP-201 and include brief process description and equipment lists.
7.4 DBSP Stage
After the base case scenario has been selected, the previous basis of design used
in Conceptual Study shall be revisit and freeze, FPD concurrence should be
obtained prior to kick off DBSP studies.
FPD shall act as a focal point to provide any changes to the previous design basis.
P&CSD shall select, develop and provide the optimized process technology and
its scope for the base case only. As much as possible, process technology
selection shall be finalized before the next stage of the project. If not, technology
options shall be listed in DBSP for further study during Project Proposal.
FPD to develop and discuss with P&CSD and plant proponent, the utilities and
infrastructure scope, cost estimates and economic evaluation of the optimum
production scenario. Energy Systems Optimization study including utilities
optimization shall be performed by P&CSD/ESD/EEU after identifying energy
requirements for the particular project as per SABP-A-012.
P&CSD may also work together with GOTS, Oil Operations and R&DC to
evaluate new process technologies applicable to meet the gas processing
requirement. P&CSD will compile the findings and issue the final report which
shall include process description and equipment list summary.
7.5 Project Proposal Stage
For all major OOK gas plant projects, a senior Process Engineer or higher
from P&CSD shall be included in the PMT team during the Project Proposal
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stage. P&CSD representative is responsible to review the main process

engineering deliverables such as process design basis, process simulation,
process selection/configuration/energy efficient configuration to ensure best
synergy between process configuration and site-wide utilities design CHP.
This needs to be done prior to the next step of equipment selection, location,
participation in PHA and drawing reviews. All Process Hazard Assessment
shall comply and be conducted as per SAES-B-009, SAES-B-055, SAES-B-057,
SAES-B-058, SAES-B-064 and SAER-5437.
The P&CSD representative shall be the main focal point to resolve process
related issues. Detail technology selection studies may be conducted at this
stage to optimize any particular configuration that was selected during DBSP
study. The conclusion and recommendation from this study shall be discussed
with P&CSD for approval.
8 Gas Processing Technology Selection Guidelines
The following category covers general selection guidelines for typical gas processing
system. Other processes that are not mentioned here shall be addressed independently
by P&CSD according to specific engineering guidelines.
8.1 Hydrate Inhibition
During conceptual and DBSP studies, P&CSD will develop the hydrate
equilibrium temperature curve using HydraFlash software based on the
composition provided. The curve shall be compared with the hydrate curve
obtained from Flow Assurance hydraulic analysis study for verification
purposes. HydraFlash software will also be used to determine what will be the
nature and type of the hydrate structure for the gas composition at the specified
process conditions.
Appendix A shall be used as a preliminary guideline to quickly determine which

technology is recommended for the particular condition. In cases where
proprietary system is selected, the technology licensor will need to be approached
to provide the detail equipment lists. Due to time constraint, existing system can
be pro-rated to provide sufficient technical details for order of magnitude cost
estimation purposes.
If chemical inhibition is selected, a comprehensive chemical compatibility test is

highly recommended to be conducted at the earliest possible opportunity during
the detail design phase. This is important to determine and qualify the correct
chemicals for use in the particular facilities. The guideline for screening and
qualifying the hydrate inhibitors is outlined in SAEP-500. For KHI, please refer to
26-SAMSS-085 for details. Please refer for SAES-A-014 for details on design of
MEG hydrate inhibition system.
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The roadmap is used as a guideline and does not pre-empt requirement to have a
detailed hydrate management system assessment and evaluation. A detail
pipeline modelling and hydrate management study shall be conducted. A more
comprehensive system selection assessment shall be conducted and may
supersede the guideline indicated by the roadmap.
8.2 Gas Sweetening
During project proposal, a detail technology selection study shall be conducted

to determine which solvent provides the most optimum life cycle cost including
capital and operating costs.
For typical Saudi Aramco sales gas specification, Appendix B shall be used as a
preliminary guideline during conceptual study to determine the most feasible
process scheme and process technology for sweetening the raw gas. In cases
where licensed technology is selected, the technology licensor will need to be
approached to provide a detailed Process Design Package (PDP). For other
sales gas specifications, P&CSD will then study and determine the most
practical gas and liquid hydrocarbon sweetening technology to be applied in
such cases.
8.3 Gas Dehydration
Dehydration of natural gas is the removal of the water that is associated with
natural gases in vapor form. The natural gas industry has recognized that
dehydration is necessary to ensure smooth operation of gas transmission lines.
Dehydration prevents the formation of gas hydrates and reduces corrosion.
Several methods have been developed to dehydrate gases on an industrial scale.
Please refer to SAES-A-014 on design of dehydration system. For catalyst and
desiccant selection, SAES-A-207 shall be used as standard. For catalyst and
desiccant technical evaluation for new and existing trains, refer to SAEP-1400.
Appendix C shall be used as a preliminary guideline during conceptual study to

determine the most feasible process for the system. In cases where proprietary
system is selected, the technology licensor will need to be approached to provide
the detail equipment lists.
8.4 NGL Recovery
NGL is a generic term applied to ethane, propane, butane and heavier

hydrocarbons, which along with methane, are desirable components of natural
gas. Each has its own uses as a petrochemical feedstock or liquid fuel and carries
more monetary value than the natural gas itself; hence, it makes economic sense
to recover them separately for maximum gas field monetization. LPG consists of
propane and butane (C3/C4).
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If the particular field has NGL recovery as a potential, Appendix D shall be used
as a preliminary guideline during conceptual study to determine the most
feasible process for the system. In cases where proprietary system has been
selected, the technology licensor will need to be approached to provide the detail
equipment lists.
8.5 Nitrogen Rejection
Nitrogen is a common contaminant in natural gas and is quite difficult to remove.

Nitrogen lowers the BTU value of the gas and makes it unsaleable to most
pipelines. Natural gas will be accepted for transport by pipeline only if it contains
certain amount of nitrogen and other inerts as long as minimum sales gas heating
value is met.
For N2 rejection technology selection roadmap, Appendix E shall be used as a

preliminary guideline during conceptual study to determine the most feasible
process for the system. If Helium is present, it can also be recovered through
Helium Recovery Unit (HeRU). For cryogenic system, the N2 Removal
Technology can be integrated with NGL/HeRU processes. The technology for
this processes are all proprietary system, thus technology licensor shall be
approach to provide detail equipment list for cost estimation purposes.
8.6 Sulfur Recovery and Handling
H2S, CO2 and small amounts of H2O, hydrocarbons, organic sulfur and various
other compounds removed in the acid gas removal (AGR) process are sent to the
sulfur recovery unit (SRU) as acid gas.
Note: For refinery applications, a sour water stripper (SWS) acid gas containing
mostly NH3, H2S and H2O must also be processed in the SRU for sulfur
recovery and NH3 destruction.
The SRU converts the H2S to elemental sulfur which is normally recovered in
the liquid phase. The large variations in acid gas composition and flow rates
require different methods and process configurations for sulfur recovery.
Sulfur disposition evaluation must be conducted to determine if additional sulfur
handling facility is required. A detailed process description and design
guideline for sulfur recovery units is described in SAEP-602. Process selection
for sulfur handling will require inputs from P&CSD and have to be addressed on
case-by-case basis.
Appendix F shall be used as a guideline during the conceptual study to quickly

determine which technology is recommended for the particular process
conditions. In cases where a proprietary technology is selected, the technology
licensor will need to be approached to provide the detailed equipment lists.
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8.7 Refinery Hydrogen Purification
Refinery hydrogen requirements are growing due to the increased use of

hydrotreating (to remove sulfur) and hydrocracking (to convert heavy
hydrocarbons to lighter, higher-value fuels). Residual gas from these processes
contains a significant amount of unused hydrogen at pressure. Appendix G shall
be used as a preliminary guideline during the conceptual study to determine the
most feasible process for the system. As this is used within Refining facilities,
the current roadmap would require specific inputs and approval from P&CSD
Downstream Process Engineering Division (DPED) Specialist.
8.8 Liquid Loading/Unloading VOC Recovery
The displaced vapor from tanks, ships or trucks during liquid product loading is
vented to atmosphere causing environmental concern and loss of valuable
hydrocarbon product. The system is to recover Volatile Organic Compound
(VOC) from this vapor and recycle back into their storage tank or reuse as fuel.
The driver for consideration of the system primarily is to comply with
SAES-A-102, in addition generating revenues. Appendix H is a preliminary
guideline in selecting the VOC Recovery process.
8.9 Mercury Removal
Mercury is a natural occurring element and could be present in varying

concentrations and of various species in oil and gas fields. Mercury Removal
Unit must be installed on the identified gas and liquid hydrocarbon streams to
ensure the products are meeting the specification for mercury content. Refer to
SAEP-606 for the minimum requirements for the proper design and operations
of Mercury Removal Unit. Appendix I is a preliminary guideline in selecting
the Mercury Removal process.
8.10 NGL Fractionation
NGL Fractionation is a process to fractionate NGLs into their components:

ethane, propane, butane and a heavier stream called natural gasoline (NG).
These components are saleable products and they are produced each in
accordance with its respective Sales Specification. They are locally the main
feedstock to the petrochemical industries. Except for ethane, portions of these
products are also exported. NGL is fractionated in traditional fractionation
column; one for the ethane, one for the propane and a third for the butane.
In most cases, the butane in the NGL comes with the proper iC4:nC4 ratio to
meet its specification; however, in some cases, it is necessary to have a butane
splitter to remove the excess iC4. The NG product is the bottoms stream from
the third fractionation column. Sometimes it may be necessary to add another
column to rectify the NG Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) to its specification. Also,
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it may be necessary to add another column to correct for the color of the NG
product. Appendix J shows the guidelines for selecting NGL fractionation
sections required to produce these streams meeting their sales specification.
8.11 LPG Products Treatment
LPGs, Liquefied Petroleum Gases, are treated for residual sulfur components.
The LPGs produced in NGL fractionation facilities, mainly propane and butane,
will usually contain traces (in ppm levels) of H2S, COS and mercaptans (RSH).
These sulfur impurities need to be removed for the products to meet their sales
specs. Propane is usually treated first for H2S and COS, while butane does not
need this treatment as these sulfur compounds present only in propane and
lighter hydrocarbons. Propane and butane are then treated in mercaptans
removal units to bring them to their sales specs. Appendix K shows the
guidelines required to treat LPGs with respect to types and levels of sulfur
compounds present.
8.12 Unconventional Gas Processing
Unconventional Gas from shale and tight gas formations is one of new
hydrocarbon source to be developed at various locations. The technology
selection for the Unconventional Gas will be slight different compared to the
existing Associated Gas and Non-Associated Gas due to the unique nature of the
Unconventional Gas such as remote area, small capacity, short field life and may
intended for a specific customers. The product specifications can be changed
depending on many factors such as customers requirement, location, etc.,
Appendix L is a preliminary guideline in selecting the technology for processing
the Unconventional Gas.
9 Gas Plant Debottlenecking
9.1 The roadmap outlines under the Appendices (A-L) may be used as a guideline
for gas plant debottlenecking; however, a more comprehensive assessment shall
be conducted to determine the facility inherent capacity.
9.2 A flare and relief system study shall be conducted to establish the maximum
capacity of the gas processing facility at the operating and anticipated rate of the
field.
9.3 The plant capacity to be estimated based on the Relief and Flare system capacity
at the current operating condition.
9.4 A process study shall be conducted to establish the equipment or pipelines

limitation at the plant capacity established by the flare and relief system capacity.
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9.5 A plant test shall be conducted with concurrence from P&CSD/UPED/GPU and
P&CSD/DPED/F&RSU to confirm the equipment limitations.
9.6 A Management of Change (MoC) process shall be completed for any changes to
facilities including the design capacity of the plant.
Revision Summary
8 February 2015 New Saudi Aramco Best Practice.
Page 18 of 36
Appendix A - Hydrate Inhibition Technology Selection Roadmap (Page 1 of 2)
Page 19 of 36
Appendix A - Hydrate Inhibition Technology Selection Roadmap (Page 2 of 2)
Page 20 of 36
Appendix B - Gas Sweetening Technology Roadmap (Page 1 of 3)
Page 21 of 36
Page 22 of 36
Page 23 of 36
Appendix C - Gas Dehydration Roadmap (Page 1 of 2)
Page 24 of 36
Appendix C - Gas Dehydration Roadmap (Page 2 of 2)
Page 25 of 36
Appendix D - NGL Recovery Roadmap (Page 1 of 2)
Page 26 of 36
Appendix D - NGL Recovery Roadmap (Page 2 of 2)
Page 27 of 36
Appendix E - Nitrogen Rejection/Helium Recovery Technology Roadmap
Page 28 of 36
Appendix F - Sulfur Recovery Technology Roadmap
Page 29 of 36
Appendix G - Refinery Hydrogen Purification Process Roadmap
Page 30 of 36
Appendix H - Liquid Loading/Unloading VOC Recovery Roadmap (Page 1 of 2)
Page 31 of 36
Appendix H - Liquid Loading/Unloading VOC Recovery Roadmap (Page 1 of 2)
Page 32 of 36
Appendix I - Hg Removal Process Roadmap
Page 33 of 36
Appendix J - NGL Fractionation Process Roadmap
Page 34 of 36
Appendix K - LPG Products Treatment Technology Roadmap
Page 35 of 36
Appendix L - Unconventional Gas Processing Roadmap
Page 36 of 36

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Best Practice

SABP-A-056 8 February 2015

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Appendix A - Hydrate Inhibition Technology

Previous Issue: New Next Planned Update: TBD

Primary contact: Rithauddeen, Megat Ahmad (rithauma) on +966-13-8809470

CopyrightSaudi Aramco 2015. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents (contd)

Appendix F - Sulfur Recovery Technology

This however must be understood as in addition to the minimum that may be

The primary objectives of these guidelines are to:

o Making immediate technical decisions regarding the proposed projects as

P&CSD recommendations are subject to review by the Proponent and other

These guidelines are intended to provide means of consolidating and organizing

2 Conflicts with Mandatory Standards

Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification

Saudi Aramco Best Practice

Project Management Guidelines

Saudi Aramco Engineering Report

4 Definitions and Acronyms

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

5.2 Based on the business case requirement as identified according to planning

6.1 Gas Process Steering Committee

The purpose of the committee is to steer the development of gas processing

6.2 Gas Process Steering Committee Team Leader

6.3 System Designer/Licensor/Manufacturer

6.4 Process and Control Systems Department (P&CSD)

6.5 Facility Planning Department (FPD)

6.6 Project Management Team (PMT)

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

7 Gas Processing Plant Design Considerations

7.1 Process Design Basis

The following information is required as a minimum to form a Process Basis of

7.2 Process Simulations

7.3 Conceptual Study

Alternative development concept and process schemes will be brainstormed

7.4 DBSP Stage

7.5 Project Proposal Stage

stage. P&CSD representative is responsible to review the main process

8 Gas Processing Technology Selection Guidelines

8.1 Hydrate Inhibition

Appendix A shall be used as a preliminary guideline to quickly determine which

If chemical inhibition is selected, a comprehensive chemical compatibility test is

8.2 Gas Sweetening

During project proposal, a detail technology selection study shall be conducted

8.3 Gas Dehydration

Appendix C shall be used as a preliminary guideline during conceptual study to

8.4 NGL Recovery

NGL is a generic term applied to ethane, propane, butane and heavier

8.5 Nitrogen Rejection

Nitrogen is a common contaminant in natural gas and is quite difficult to remove.

For N2 rejection technology selection roadmap, Appendix E shall be used as a

8.6 Sulfur Recovery and Handling

Appendix F shall be used as a guideline during the conceptual study to quickly

8.7 Refinery Hydrogen Purification

Refinery hydrogen requirements are growing due to the increased use of

8.8 Liquid Loading/Unloading VOC Recovery

8.9 Mercury Removal

Mercury is a natural occurring element and could be present in varying

8.10 NGL Fractionation