Glycol Dehydration Units

MP 60-P-70

July 1998

Scope
This Mobil Engineering Practice (MEP) covers the general requirements for the design, fabrication,
inspection, preparation for shipment and documentation of glycol dehydration systems for sweet and
sour gas service. This Practice is applicable to counter-current contactor systems and to glycol
injection systems for both stand-alone field dehydration units and for glycol dehydration units that are
a part of a production or processing facility.

This Practice is oriented toward units requiring high reliability, low maintenance and unattended
operation.

Version 0
MP 60-P-70 Glycol Dehydration Units July 1998

Table of Contents

Scope......................................................................................................................................1

Table of Contents..................................................................................................................2

1. References......................................................................................................................5

1.1. MEPS–Mobil Engineering Practices.....................................................................5

1.2. Mobil Data Sheets.................................................................................................5

1.3. Mobil Tutorials.......................................................................................................6

1.4. API–American Petroleum Institute........................................................................7

1.5. ASME–American Society of Mechanical Engineers.............................................8

1.6. CFR–U.S. Code of Federal Regulations...............................................................8

1.7. NACE–National Association of Corrosion Engineers............................................8

1.8. NFPA–National Fire Protection Association..........................................................8

2. General............................................................................................................................8

2.1. Water Content for Sales Gas.................................................................................9

2.2. Process Flow.......................................................................................................10

3. Glycol Regenerator......................................................................................................10

3.1. General................................................................................................................10

3.2. Glycol-Hydrocarbon Separator (Flash Tank).......................................................12

3.3. Glycol Filters........................................................................................................14

3.4. Reboiler...............................................................................................................14

3.5. Still Column.........................................................................................................16

3.6. Heat Exchangers.................................................................................................17

3.7. Glycol Pumps......................................................................................................17

3.8. Glycol Surge Tank...............................................................................................18

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3.9. Glycol Storage Tank............................................................................................18

3.10. Insulation.............................................................................................................19

4. Glycol Contactor Unit..................................................................................................19

4.1. General................................................................................................................19

4.2. Glycol Cooler.......................................................................................................21

5. Glycol Injection.............................................................................................................22

5.1. Injection Points....................................................................................................22

5.2. Strainers..............................................................................................................22

6. Instrumentation............................................................................................................22

6.1. Thermowells........................................................................................................23

6.2. Pressure Gauges.................................................................................................23

6.3. Level Controls......................................................................................................23

6.4. Gauge Glasses....................................................................................................24

6.5. Level Alarms........................................................................................................24

6.6. Shutdown.............................................................................................................25

6.7. Filter Regulators..................................................................................................26

6.8. Chemical Injection Points....................................................................................26

7. Shipping and Transportation......................................................................................26

8. Data Sheets, Drawings and Documentation..............................................................27

9. Final Documentation....................................................................................................27

10. General Design and Fabrication.................................................................................27

10.1. Relief Valves........................................................................................................28

10.2. Sandblasting........................................................................................................29

10.3. Design and Layout...............................................................................................29

11. Inspection and Testing Requirements.......................................................................32

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Appendix: Insulation for Personnel Protection..............................................................33

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1. References
The following publications form a part of this Practice. Unless otherwise specified herein, use the
latest edition.

1.1. MEPS–Mobil Engineering Practices

MP 00-P-02 CADD Requirements - Drawings and System

MP 00-P-04 Winterizing & Heat Tracing
MP 00-P-05 Noise Control
MP 00-P-06 Preservation & Protection During Ship & Construction
MP 00-P-82 Packaged Units-General Requirements
MP 02-P-01 Design of Fixed Offshore Platforms in Moderate Environ.
MP 03-P-01 Project Quality Assurance-General Requirements
MP 03-P-02 Pressure Casting Inspection
MP 11-P-01 Fired Heaters - Design and Fabrication
MP 12-P-01 Pressure Vessels-Design & Fabrication
MP 12-P-21 Fractionating Tower Trays, Packing, & Internals
MP 16-P-01 Piping-General Design
MP 16-P-30A Piping - Materials and Service Classifications (M&R)
MP 16-P-40 Piping-Fabrication, Erection, Inspection, & Testing
MP 32-P-01 General Requirements for Instrumentation
MP 33-P-01 Electrical - General Requirements
MP 33-P-30 Electrical - Small Packaged Equipment
MP 34-P-11 Thermal Insulation - Cold Service
MP 35-P-01 Painting - General Requirements
MP 57-P-02 Pressure Containing Equipment - Welding & Inspection
MP 70-P-06 Pressure Relief and Vapor Depressuring Systems

1.2. Mobil Data Sheets

Mobil Data Sheets Mobil Data Sheet Home Page

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T1101C01 Fired Heaters - Design & Fabrication - Process Design - Customary Units
T1101C02 Fired Heaters - Design & Fabrication - Combustion Design Conditions -
Customary Units
T1101C03 Fired Heaters - Design & Fabrication - Air Preheater Data Sheet -
Customary Units
T1101C04 Fired Heaters - Design & Fabrication - Fan Data Sheet - Customary Units
T1101M01 Fired Heaters - Design & Fabrication - Process Design - Metric Units
T1101M02 Fired Heaters - Design & Fabrication - Combustion Design Conditions -
Metric Units
T1101M03 Fired Heaters - Design & Fabrication - Air Preheater Data Sheet - Metric
Units
T1101M04 Fired Heaters - Design & Fabrication - Fan Data Sheet - Metric Units
T1201C01 Pressure Vessels - Unfired Pressure Vessels - Customary Units
T1201M01 Pressure Vessels - Unfired Pressure Vessels - Metric Units
T1310C01 Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers - Design & Construction - Unit
Performance - Customary Units
T1310M01 Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers - Design & Construction - Unit
Performance - Metric Units
T1501C01 Centrifugal Pumps (API 610) - Customary Units
T1501M01 Centrifugal Pumps (API 610) - Metric Units
T1517C01 Reciprocating Positive Displacement Pumps - Customary Units
T1517M01 Reciprocating Positive Displacement Pumps - Metric Units
T3317C01 Electrical - LV Induction Motors - Motor Design Data - Customary Units
T3317C02 Electrical - LV Induction Motors - Vendor Supplied Data - Customary Units
T3317M01 Electrical - LV Induction Motors - Motor Design Data - Metric Units
T3317M02 Electrical - LV Induction Motors - Vendor Supplied Data - Metric Units
T6070C01 Glycol Dehydration Units - Glycol Dehydration Unit Design - Customary
Units
T6070M01 Glycol Dehydration Units - Glycol Dehydration Unit Design - Metric Units
D6070C01 Glycol Dehydration Units - Documentation Requirements Sheet

1.3. Mobil Tutorials

EPT 03-T-07A Glycol Dehydration

EPT 03-T-12 Refrigeration Plants

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EPT 11-T-02A Heat Transfer Systems

1.4. API–American Petroleum Institute

API RP 14F Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Electrical Systems for
Offshore Production Platforms Third Edition
API RP 500 Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical
Installations at Petroleum Facilities First Edition (Supersedes RP 500A, RP
500B, RP 500C)
API RP 500B Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical
Installations at Drilling Rigs and Production Facilities on Land and on
Marine Fixed and Mobile Platforms (See Note 1)
API RP 520 PT I Sizing, Selection, and Installation of Pressure-Relieving Devices in
Refineries Part I - Sizing and Selection Sixth Edition; Errata - 1994
API RP 520 PT II Sizing, Selection, and Installation of Pressure-Relieving Devices in
Refineries Part II - Installation Fourth Edition
API RP 521 Guide for Pressure-Relieving and Depressuring Systems Fourth Edition
API RP 550 Manual on Installation of Refinery Instruments and Control Systems,
Various Parts (See Note 2)
API STD 526 Flanged Steel Pressure Relief Valves Fourth Edition
API STD 527 Seat Tightness of Pressure Relief Valves Third Edition (R 1996)
API STD 650 Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage Ninth Edition; Addendum 1 - 1994;
Addendum 2 - 1995; Addendum 3 - 1996
API STD 676 Positive Displacement Pumps - Rotary Second Edition

NOTES:

1. API RP 500B shall be replaced by API RP 500 for use on offshore installations when MMS
approves.
2. All parts of API RP 550 are out of print and no new editions are planned. However, Mobil
considers the referenced material to be valid for Mobil's purposes, except as may be noted in this
Practice. Photocopies may be obtained from:
a) Marketing Dept., API, 1220 L Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005
b) UMI: University Microfilms International, 300 North Zebb Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48106.

1.5. ASME–American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

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ASME SEC VIII SISI Units (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes)
D1

1.6. CFR–U.S. Code of Federal Regulations

29 CFR 1910 Part 1910 - Occupational Safety and Health Standards

1.7. NACE–National Association of Corrosion Engineers

NACE MR0175 Sulfide Stress Cracking Resistant Metallic Materials for Oilfield Equipment

1.8. NFPA–National Fire Protection Association

NFPA 70 National Electrical Code 1996 Edition Errata #1; Tentative Interim
Amendment 1996
NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces
(National Fire Codes, vol. 3)

2. General
The design, fabrication, inspection, preparation for shipment and documentation of glycol
dehydration systems for sweet and sour gas service shall be in accordance with requirements of this
MEP, unless superceded by more stringent local regulations.

2.1. Water Content for Sales Gas

A glycol dehydration system uses ethylene glycol (EG or MEG), diethylene glycol (DEG)
or triethylene glycol (TEG) to absorb water vapor from a gas stream. Typically, the gas
stream is dehydrated in order to meet a sales gas pipeline water content specification, to
minimize the potential for corrosion or to eliminate the potential for hydrate formation. A
typical counter-current contactor system is depicted in Figure 1.

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Figure 1: Typical Flow Diagram Glycol Dehydration Unit

Good practice dictates the installation of an inlet gas scrubber, even if the dehydrator is
near a production separator.

2.2. Process Flow

In the process flow:

1. Regenerated glycol is pumped to the top tray or above the top bed of the contactor
(absorber).
2. The glycol flows down through the contactor, countercurrent to the gas flow.
3. Water rich glycol is removed from the bottom of the contactor, passes through the
condenser coil, flashes off gas in the flash tank and then flows through the
glycol/glycol heat exchanger to the regenerator portion of the unit.
4. In the regenerator, absorbed water is removed from the glycol at atmospheric pressure
by application of heat.
5. The regenerated glycol flows through the glycol heat exchangers for cooling and is
recirculated to the contactor by the glycol pump.

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3. Glycol Regenerator

3.1. General
Each glycol regenerator shall include the following:

1. Glycol-hydrocarbon separator (flash tank)

2. Reboiler
3. Still column
4. Surge tank
5. Glycol/glycol heat exchanger(s)
6. Filter(s)
7. Pumps
8. Glycol storage tank
Some dew point depression requirements could necessitate the use of stripping gas,
vacuum distillation or other proprietary methods, (e.g., Drizo, which uses an azeotropic
distillation) for the design of the regenerator system. These design options produce high-
purity glycol.

Stripping gas can be used either with a gas sparger in the lean glycol surge tank or, more
efficiently, with a packed column located between the reboiler and the surge tank (see
Figure 2.) The Drizo process is shown in Figure 3.

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Figure 2: Stripping Gas–Packed Column Method

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Figure 3: Drizo Process–Azeotropic Distillation

For offshore installations, if permitted by the job specifications, the vendor may split the
regeneration unit into separate reboiler and pump packages, locating the reboiler package
above the pump package to take advantage of available head.

3.2. Glycol-Hydrocarbon Separator (Flash Tank)

The glycol-hydrocarbon separator shall be sized for adequate separation of glycol,
hydrocarbon gas and, where applicable, hydrocarbon liquids.

3.2.1. Preheaters
The glycol shall be preheated by the still condenser. In some applications, a
glycol/glycol heat exchanger also preheats the glycol before it enters the
glycol-hydrocarbon separator. Maximum permissible preheat temperature is
55°C (131°F) for ethylene glycol, 87°C (189°F) for diethylene glycol, 118°C
(244°F) for triethylene and 149°C (300°F) for tetraethylene glycol.

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3.2.2. Glycol Level

Three phase glycol-hydrocarbon separators shall have a minimum liquid
hydrocarbon depth of 460 mm (18 in). Internal baffling shall be provided to
permit the glycol level control to operate on a glycol-gas interface. A
hydrocarbon skimming connection shall be provided above the glycol
operating level.

3.2.3. Gas Makeup

The glycol-hydrocarbon separator shall be equipped with a regulated gas
makeup (blanket gas).

3.2.4. Glycol-Hydrocarbon Separator

The glycol-hydrocarbon separator shall be designed as a pressure vessel
(refer to T1201C01 of the Mobil Data Sheets).

3.2.5. Sweet Gas Application

For sweet gas applications, flash gas vapors removed from the glycol in the
glycol-hydrocarbon separator are usually piped to the fuel gas system to
supply fuel to the reboiler and also to potentially be used as a source of
stripping gas. For sour service, this might not be acceptable without first
directing the flash gas to a treating unit.

3.3. Glycol Filters

A full-flow sock (particulate) filter shall be located immediately downstream of the
glycol-hydrocarbon separator. The vendor shall quote an identical unit in parallel, as an
option.

 Each filter housing shall have manual inlet and outlet block valves, relief
valves and bypass piping. The filter housing shall be designed as pressure vessels.
(Refer to T1201C01 of the Mobil Data Sheets.)

 A side-stream charcoal (activated carbon) filter shall be installed immediately

downstream of the sock filter. A "Y" strainer shall be installed immediately
downstream of the charcoal filter. The charcoal filter shall use basket-type
replacement cartridges.

 For glycol injection units, a charcoal filter meeting the above specifications
shall be quoted as an optional item.

 Each filter case shall be equipped with a vapor disengagement device.

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3.4. Reboiler
The reboiler shall be horizontal. The vessel shall be leak tested full of water, as a
minimum. The reboiler design pressure shall not exceed 100 kPag (14.5 psig). (Refer to
T1101C01–T1101C04 of the Mobil Data Sheets.)

3.4.1. Types of Reboilers

The reboiler shall be either direct gas fired (natural draft, provided air can be
drawn from a safe place or forced draft) or indirectly heated by circulating
heating medium or waste heat recovery. Electrically heated reboilers may be
considered, subject to Mobil approval.

3.4.2. Reboiler Features

 The maximum heat flux shall not exceed 23.66 w/cm 2 (7500 Btu/hr
ft2), regardless of the heat source. The reboiler temperature shall not
exceed 165°C (329°F) for ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, 207°C
(404°F) for triethylene glycol and 204°C (400°F) for tetraethylene
glycol.

 Direct gas fired reboilers shall be supplied with fire box breaching
and a flame arrestor on each burner to permit stable firing operation at
the maximum design wind velocity. Burners shall be equipped with
electronic spark type ignition.

 The fire tube bundle shall be removable for servicing.

 For direct gas fired reboilers, if a turbulator is requested for quote,

then the turbulator manufacturer specifications and pressure drop at full
firing rate shall be stated in the quotation. The minimum acceptable
thermal efficiency with a turbulator is 70 percent.

 The reboiler stack height shall be sufficient to provide a positive

draft with all optional equipment installed.

 The burner design shall limit the oxides of nitrogen and effluent
impurities to levels as necessary to meet or exceed national or local
pollution control standards.

 If a stripping gas feature is included, it shall use a packed column

located between the reboiler and the surge tank. The vendor shall furnish
a curve of stripping gas consumption versus glycol concentration at
design glycol circulation rate.

 The reboiler shall include a minimum of two fire tube inspection

openings: one located at the burner end and the other at the return bend.

 The reboiler shall have a drain for hydrocarbon skimming.

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 The reboiler shall contain an overflow weir to maintain a glycol level

above the top of the heating tubes.

 The reboiler shall be protected from overpressure by a relief valve.

3.5. Still Column

The glycol still column shall be a packed column mounted on top of the reboiler. It shall
be removable, with provisions to allow for easy packing replacement.

 Cold glycol shall be used to condense reflux in the top of the still, with
bypass piping provided to permit condenser throughput adjustment.

 Vapors from the still to atmosphere shall pass through a liquid separation
device to disengage condensables. Condensed liquids shall be disposed of in
accordance with applicable environmental regulations. The unit shall be designed to
minimize back pressure on the reboiler.

3.6. Heat Exchangers

The glycol/glycol heat exchangers shall be of the hairpin fintube type, external to the
surge tank.

 The tube bundle shall be removable.

 The length of the exchanger shall be selected such that the exchanger does
not overhang the skid.

 The vendor may quote alternate exchanger types as options.

 Exchangers shall cool the lean glycol to at least 11°C (20°F) below the
maximum allowable temperature recommended by the pump manufacturer. (Refer to
T1310C01 of the Mobil Data Sheets.)

3.7. Glycol Pumps

A minimum of two pumps shall be installed, with one being a standby. The standby pump
shall be capable of being put on-line before the main pump is taken off-line.

 The vendor shall quote, as an option, an automatic startup system for the
standby pump on signal of low-glycol flow.

 Pumps may be of either reciprocating or rotary gear positive displacement

type. Glycol-gas powered pumps shall include an estimate of gas consumption per
unit volume of fluid pumped. Centrifugal pumps are also appropriate when the glycol
flow rate requirement is within their flow range. Electrically driven pumps shall have
explosion-proof motors. (Refer to T3317C01–T3317C02 of the Mobil Data Sheets.)

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 The rate of flow shall be adjustable. For electrically driven pumps, this may
be accomplished by either bypass control or motor speed control.

 Reciprocating pumps shall be equipped with suction and discharge pulsation

dampeners. (Refer to T1517C01 of the Mobil Data Sheets.)

 Rotary gear pumps shall comply with API STD 676.

 Centrifugal pumps shall be in accordance with T1501C01 of the Mobil Data

Sheets.

3.8. Glycol Surge Tank

The tank shall have capacity above its normal operating level to hold glycol rundown
from the contactor.

 The surge tank shall be gas blanketed with its pressure equalized to that of
the reboiler.

 The surge tank may be either integral with the reboiler or supplied as a
separate vessel. Vessel configuration shall be horizontal.

 The surge tank shall be leak tested full of water, as a minimum. The surge
tank design pressure shall not exceed 100 kPag (14.5 psig). Refer to MP 11-P-01 for
integral surge tanks.

3.9. Glycol Storage Tank

For field dehydration units, the storage tank shall be located to permit gravity feed to the
surge tank. For in-plant units, glycol transfer can be accomplished by use of a centrifugal
pump.

 A positive displacement meter with flow totalizer installed on the glycol

storage tank outlet shall be quoted as an option.

 The storage tank shall be designed, fabricated, inspected and tested in

accordance with the requirements of API STD 650.

3.10. Insulation
The still, reboiler and surge tank shall be thermally insulated with calcium silicate
insulation with a minimum thickness of 1.5 in.

Other surfaces with a temperature of 71°C (160°F) or hotter shall be insulated for
personnel protection, as given in the Appendix to this MEP.

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4. Glycol Contactor Unit

4.1. General
Each glycol contactor unit shall include a gas scrubber, a contactor and a glycol cooler.

Mist eliminator elements shall be installed in the scrubber and contactor. Wire mesh mist
eliminators are common and various vane pack mist eliminators are acceptable. Wire
mesh mist eliminators shall be designed to remove 99.9 percent of 10  droplets
minimum. Mist eliminator thickness is 6 in (150 mm). For more information on design
and installation of wire mesh eliminators, refer to MP 12-P-21. Vane packs shall remove
99.9 percent of 20  droplets. Vane packs require two support rings, one above and one
below the vanes. Material of construction shall be 304 or 316 SS.

4.1.1. Scrubber
The scrubber shall be located upstream of the contactor. If an integral
scrubber is used, a leakage test of the chimney tray shall be made to verify a
proper seal. Note that the chimney tray shall be seal-welded at site. The
chimney tray shall have sufficient volume to prevent glycol overflow into the
scrubber during shutdown. A centrifugal type separator may be used, subject
to Mobil approval.

4.1.2. Contactor
The base unit shall use either structured packing or bubble cap trays.
Structured packing is preferred and will reduce the diameter and height of the
contactor. Acceptable packing includes Sulzer Mellapak 250Y, Koch
Flexipak 2Y, Norton Intalox 2T, Nutter BSH-250 or equivalent. Packing
shall be selected based on the vapor/liquid loadings, physical properties and
desired efficiency. Bubble cap trays shall only be used for dirty services.
Please refer to MP 12-P-21 for additional packing and tray specifications.

 The contactor shall be designed for a maximum flood of 80 percent

with a foaming factor of 1.3 (system factor of 0.75).

 Couplings and plugs shall be provided at every tray or above and

below each packed bed for troubleshooting.

 MP 12-P-21 shall be used as a reference for designing internals such

as support plates, bed limiters, chimney trays and distributors. This MEP
shall be supplied to vendors as it explains Mobil's requirements for
design and testing.

 Only gravity flow trough type distributors are acceptable for tower
diameters >36 in. For tower diameters <36 in, drio tube orifice pan

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distributors shall be used. Minimum drip orifice diameter is 1/8 in (3

mm). Spray nozzle type distributors are not acceptable.

 Orifices shall be located at least 2 in (50 mm) above trough

distributor floor. Orifices can be located in the trough wall or in the drip
tubes.

 Minimum drip point density is 5–6 points/ft2.

 Dual-flow strainers shall be furnished at the glycol inlet feed

connection. The mesh size of the strainers shall be equal to or smaller
than 1/4 of the orifice diameter to avoid distributor plugging.

 All distributors shall be equipped with leveling devices.

 Distributors shall be water-tested at the vendor's shop and meet or

exceed the performance criteria specified in MP 12-P-21.

 The vendor shall include the following in the quotation:

a) Minimum packing wetting rate in liters per minute per m 2 (or gallons
per minutes per ft2) of vessel cross sectional area
b) Number of distribution points per m2 (or ft2) of vessel cross sectional
area
c) Packing, type, height and number of glycol redistribution intervals (if
any)
d) Vapor and liquid distribution type
e) Percent of flood and pressure drop
f) Packing thickness

 A manual oil skimmer shall be provided in the bottom of the

contactor if a level controller is used to remove glycol from the vessel.

 The liquid residence time (LLL–HLL) in the bottom of the contactor

shall be 3–5 minutes at design rate.

 If the rich glycol is taken from the bottom head of the contactor, a
grating vortex breaker shall be included. See MP 12-P-21 for additional
information.

4.2. Glycol Cooler

The glycol cooler shall be external to the contactor. A maximum design approach
temperature (the difference between gas inlet and glycol outlet temperatures) of 11C
(20F) shall be used at the exchanger gas inlet.

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5. Glycol Injection

5.1. Injection Points

If glycol is to be injected into heat exchangers, it shall be injected through spray nozzles
located in the heat exchanger head in such a manner that the glycol spray covers the entire
tube sheet.

 The spray nozzle shall be inserted through flanged openings, so that nozzles
may be installed or removed without removing the heat exchanger head.

 Mobil shall approve spray nozzle selection and geometry before spray nozzle
openings are located in the heat exchanger head.

 Subject to Mobil approval of the specific application, injection into the

piping upstream of the exchanger may be considered.

 The temperature of glycol entering the injection point shall be at least 10°C
(50°F).

 Glycol injection into pipelines shall be done in such a manner that uniform
distribution is ensured.

5.2. Strainers
A "Y" strainer shall protect each glycol injection point. Each strainer shall be sized for
full flow. One strainer may serve several spray nozzles. Strainer openings shall be 1/4 to
1
/2 of the freepassage area of the spray nozzles.

6. Instrumentation
All instrumentation devices with visual indication shall be located facing the active area for ease of
observation.

6.1. Thermowells
Thermowells with temperature indicating devices shall be installed at the following
locations, as a minimum:

1. Inlet and outlet of each stream in each heat exchanger

2. Contactor gas inlet

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3. Reboiler
4. Still outlet
5. Inlet and outlet of the still reflux coil
6. Reboiler stack or, for indirectly heated reboilers, the heating medium inlet and outlet

6.2. Pressure Gauges

Pressure gauges shall be installed at the following locations, as a minimum:

1. Contactor gas inlet

2. Discharge line of each glycol pump
3. Filter housings
4. Glycol/hydrocarbon separator
5. Reboiler

6.3. Level Controls

Level controls shall be of the external float type and shall be installed at the following
locations, as a minimum:

1. Contactor rich glycol level (omit with glycol/gas-powered pumps)

2. Scrubber liquid level
3. Glycol/hydrocarbon separator glycol and hydrocarbon liquid levels
4. Surge tank glycol level
5. Alternate level control devices can be recommended by the vendor

6.4. Gauge Glasses

Gauge assemblies with gauge cocks shall be supplied at each controlled interface and on
the reboiler and glycol storage tank.

 Gauge glasses shall be the armored reflex type for absolute levels and the
armored transparent type to indicate interfaces.

 Gauge glasses shall be constructed according to API RP 550. In addition,

level gauge glasses shall be top and bottom connected. Maximum pressure ratings
specified by the vendor shall not be less than those shown in Table 1.

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Table 1: Minimum Ratings for Gauge Glasses and Gauge Cocks

Rating

40C 100F 315C 600F 540C 1000F

kPa psig kPa psig kPa psig

gauge gauge gauge

Reflex glasses 12,400 1,800 9,240 1,340

Transparent glasses 6,900 1,000 5,100 740
Gauge clocks 10,300 1,500 3,950 500

 A glycol flow-indicating device shall be provided on the lean glycol at the

contactor inlet or, for injection systems, at each injection point.

 If stripping gas is to be used in the design, an orifice meter shall be installed

on the stripping gas supply.

 Differential pressure gauges shall be supplied on each filter case and on the
contactor gas inlet/outlet and between packed beds (if applicable).

6.5. Level Alarms

Liquid level alarms shall be of the external float type.

Alarms shall be provided to indicate the following, as a minimum:

1. Contactor high-rich glycol level

2. Scrubber high and low liquid level
3. Surge tank high and low liquid level
4. Glycol/hydrocarbon separator high and low liquid level
5. Glycol low flow at each flow indicating device
6. Differential pressure for each filter case
7. Reboiler high and low liquid level
8. Reboiler high temperature
9. Reboiler flame failure
10. Stack high temperature

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MP 60-P-70 Glycol Dehydration Units July 1998

6.6. Shutdown
As a minimum, any one of the following conditions shall initiate a reboiler shutdown:

1. Stack high temperature

2. Flame failure
3. Reboiler high temperature
4. Reboiler low liquid level
Reboiler flame failure alarm shall initiate a main fuel gas shutdown and automatic
relighting sequence. The relighting sequence shall include a time delay to allow venting
of the fire box before and between relighting attempts. The number of relighting attempts
shall be limited to three.

Sampling nozzles shall be provided at the following locations, as a minimum:

1. Contactor gas inlet

2. Contactor gas outlet
3. Contactor glycol inlet
4. Contactor glycol outlet
5. Glycol/hydrocarbon separator gas phase
6. Glycol/hydrocarbon separator liquid hydrocarbon (if three phase)
7. Glycol inlet to the reboiler
8. Scrubber liquid
9. Reboiler stack gas

6.7. Filter Regulators

Filter regulators, complete with isolating valves, shall be installed on or as near as
possible to controllers.

6.8. Chemical Injection Points

For offshore applications and potentially for in-plant service, chemical injection points
shall be provided at the surge tank and on the glycol inlet to the contactor.

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MP 60-P-70 Glycol Dehydration Units July 1998

7. Shipping and Transportation

The vendor shall provide protection of the unit and preservation of the equipment, including
instrumentation and electrical items, suitable for the transport of the unit to the destination.

 All instruments and other equipment that might be damaged in shipment shall be removed,
packed separately, individually tagged and match marked for field assembly. Detailed field
assembly instructions shall be provided for such items.

 In no instance shall equipment and/or auxiliaries extend beyond the base plate of the shipping
pallet edge.

 All spare parts furnished by the vendor shall be wrapped and packaged so that they are
preserved in original condition and properly tagged and coded so that they can later be identified.
They shall be packaged separately and shipped at the same time as the equipment. Packing lists
shall be furnished so that the parts can be handled without uncrating, if desired.

8. Data Sheets, Drawings and Documentation

Vendor information to be submitted with proposals shall be as indicated on the Documentation
Requirements Sheet (see the Mobil Data Sheets for this MEP).

9. Final Documentation
The documentation required shall include the items indicated on the DRS (see the Mobil Data Sheets
for this MEP).

10. General Design and Fabrication

The unit shall be skid mounted and completely shop piped, including drains and instrumentation.
Prior to shipping, all vessels and piping shall be hydrostatically tested according to the applicable
ASME and piping specifications.

 Skid design shall take into account lifting requirements. The unit may be mounted on more
than one skid, if necessary, for space and weight considerations.

 The skid shall be designed to hold the full weight of the equipment with the reboiler reservoir
full of glycol and the tower full of water. The runners and cross pieces shall be of the same depth.

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MP 60-P-70 Glycol Dehydration Units July 1998

The design shall provide for ease of loading and unloading. The tower shall not be attached to
the skid while in transit to or from locations. All equipment shall be bolted to the skid and piping
shall be clamped to the skid.

 Where standby equipment is installed, bypass piping and/or valving shall be provided to
allow isolation of the equipment without interrupting normal unit operation. This includes, but is
not limited to, pumps, filters, strainers and control valves.

10.1. Relief Valves

All pressure vessels, filter cases, pumps, equipment and piping sections, where pressure
can exceed the design pressure between isolating block valves, shall be relief-valve
protected for either full rated capacity or relief of thermal expansion.

 ASME SEC VIII D1 shall be the minimum acceptable where local codes do
not cover pressure relief valves or are less stringent.

 Pressure relief valves shall be provided, sized and installed in accordance

with API RP 520 PT I, API RP 520 PT II and API RP 521. Each relief valve shall be
fitted with a stainless steel tag indicating the Mobil tag number.

 All pressure relief valves shall be the manufacturer's standard type

recommended for specified services. These valves shall conform to the following
ASME and API standards: ASME SEC VIII D1; API STD 526 for materials and
sizes of flanged valves; API STD 527 for seat tightness.

 Pressure relief valves shall be of carbon steel with stainless steel trim and
carbon steel springs. Construction materials for sour gas service shall conform to
NACE MR0175.

 Pressure relief valves shall be tested for set pressure and leakage in the
manufacturer's shop. Cold differential set pressures shall be given on the valve data
sheet and stamped on the nameplate in accordance with API STD 526.

10.2. Sandblasting
All equipment and piping, including skid members, shall be sandblasted to near-white
condition and painted in accordance with the job specifications. Special care shall be
taken not to sandblast or paint instrumentation, controls, valve stems, nameplates or any
other prepainted and/or stainless steel equipment.

10.3. Design and Layout

The design and layout of all unit piping shall conform to MP 16-P-01, MP 16-P-30A and
MP 16-P-40. All piping in glycol service shall be welded and glycol service piping 38
mm (1.5 in) and smaller shall be socket welded. All piping for Mobil tie-in shall
terminate at skid edge, preferably flanged. Where possible, piping shall be gathered on

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MP 60-P-70 Glycol Dehydration Units July 1998

the skid to a header to allow a single tie-in. Each line feeding the drain header shall be
provided with a check valve.

 The unit shall be designed for continuous, unattended operation for the
conditions detailed on the Mobil Data Sheets. If not otherwise stated, the gas shall be
assumed to be water saturated, as a minimum.

 In non-tropical locations, the unit shall be supplied with winterizing.

 All piping, vessels and equipment operating below the ambient dew point,
stated on the Mobil Data Sheets, shall be thermally insulated.

 The design and construction of all equipment shall conform to all applicable
regulatory requirements of the government bodies having jurisdiction.

 Mobil reserves the right to inspect vessels and piping at any time during their
fabrication to assure that the materials and workmanship are in accordance with this
Practice and the governing codes.

10.3.1. Glycol Losses

Glycol losses shall not exceed 0.933 liters/million std m3 (0.1 gallon per
MMSCF) of gas dehydrated. Unit guaranteed maximum glycol losses at the
conditions in the Mobil Data Sheets shall be specifically stated in the quote,
as well as that in vendor supplied alternates.

10.3.2. Pressure Vessel Design

All vessels that operate at 100 kPag (15 psig) or above shall be designed as
pressure vessels according to ASME SEC VIII D1. Pressure vessels
operating in sour service shall also be designed and constructed to NACE
MR0175. (Refer to T1201C01 of the Mobil Data Sheets.)

10.3.3. Electrical Facilities

Electrical facilities shall meet or exceed the requirements of the following
codes and regulations:

1. Within the United States: NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, local codes/regulations
and as applicable, API RP 500.
2. Within the Outer Continental Shelf of the United States: API RP 500B,
API RP 14F and as applicable, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S.
3. Outside the United States: Codes and regulations of the locality where
installed. In the absence of recognized codes or regulations, the
requirements of items 1 and 2 (above) shall be applied.

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MP 60-P-70 Glycol Dehydration Units July 1998

10.3.4. Noise Level

The unit noise level shall not exceed 85 dBa at one-meter distance from any
noise generating equipment or combination thereof.

11. Inspection and Testing Requirements

The vendor shall afford Mobil's inspector access to vendor's facilities during fabrication of the unit.

 Unless waived in writing, Mobil or its authorized representative shall witness all hydrostatic
testing. Hydrostatic tests shall be performed in accordance with ASME SEC VIII D1 or ASME
B31.3, as applicable.

 For equipment to be inspected by Mobil, inspection hold or witness points and

communication and notification procedures shall be established prior to the start of fabrication.

 The vendor shall facilitate the Mobil inspector's work by furnishing copies of specified
certifications for materials, shop test data, etc., to verify compliance with specifications. The
vendor shall maintain for the inspector's review such other records as are needed to insure
compliance with material and fabrication specifications.

 Prior to pressure testing, equipment shall be thoroughly cleaned internally and external
surfaces shall be free of weld spatter, scale and other foreign material. Gasket compounds other
than graphite, oil or grease shall not be used.

 For hydrostatic tests or surface inspections of equipment, all exterior surfaces and welds
subject to pressure shall be clean and dry.

 New gaskets shall be installed in equipment joints that are opened for any reason after
assembly or pressure test, except that ring-type joint gaskets may be reused if undamaged.

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Appendix: Insulation for Personnel Protection
Table A–: Metal-Jacketed Insulation—Metric Units

Nominal *25 38 51 64 76 89 102 114 127 140 152

Insulation
Thickness (mm)

Nominal Pipe Maximum Fluid Temperature (°C)

Size (in)
1
/2 363 519 613 702
3
/4 345 493 584 669
1 328 468 555 636 788
1
1 /2 303 430 510 586 727
2 290 409 485 557 692
21/2 279 393 464 533 663
3 268 376 445 510 634 693
4 256 357 422 483 600 655
6 240 332 390 446 552 603 652
8 230 316 370 423 523 570 617 706
10 223 304 356 406 500 546 590 675
12 217 296 346 393 484 528 570 652
14 215 292 340 387 476 519 560 640 679
16 211 286 333 378 465 506 546 624 661
18 208 281 327 371 455 495 534 610 647 682
20 205 276 3212 364 447 486 524 598 634 669
24 200 269 312 354 433 471 508 579 613 647 680
30 195 261 302 342 418 454 489 557 590 622 653
48 185 246 284 320 390 423 455 517 547 576 605
96 173 227 261 294 356 385 414 469 495 521 547
144 166 217 249 280 339 366 393 445 470 495 519
Flat 154 199 227 254 305 330 353 399 421 442 463

Version 0
MP 60-P-70 Glycol Dehydration Units July 1998

Table A–: Metal-Jacketed Insulation—Customary Units

Nominal *1 11/2 2 21/2 3 31/2 4 41/2 5 51/2 6

Insulation
Thickness (in)

Nominal Pipe Maximum Fluid Temperature (°F)

Size (in)
1
/2 693 931 1149 1350
3
/4 661 887 1095 1288
1 630 884 1042 1277
1
1 /2 584 778 961 1132 1294
2 559 742 915 1078 1232
21/2 539 713 878 1034 1182 1323
3 520 685 842 990 1132 1268
4 498 653 799 939 1073 1201
6 468 608 741 868 990 1107 1219
8 450 582 706 825 939 1049 1155 1258
10 437 561 680 792 901 1005 1106 1203
12 427 547 661 769 873 973 1070 1164 1255
14 422 539 651 757 859 957 1051 1143 1232
16 415 529 637 740 839 934 1026 1115 1202
18 409 520 626 726 823 915 1005 1091 1176 1258
20 404 513 616 714 808 899 986 1071 1154 1234
24 396 501 600 695 785 872 957 1038 1117 1194 1269
30 386 487 582 672 759 842 923 1000 1076 1150 1221
48 368 460 548 631 710 787 860 931 1000 1067 1132
96 345 428 506 580 651 719 785 848 909 969 1027
144 334 411 485 555 622 686 748 807 865 921 975
Flat 311 380 444 505 564 620 675 727 777 826 874

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