Largest modular cryogenic gas processing plant introduced

Honeywell announced its UOP Russell business has introduced a high-recovery cryogenic gas processing plant that is 50% larger than other pre-engineered plants currently available. With a capacity of 300 million standard cubic feet per day, the SC-30 gas plant employs technology designed to recover more than 99% of high-value ethane from natural gas.

The plant is prefabricated and delivered in modular form, and uses an advanced cycle process to extract high-value ethane from residue gas. Ethane is used almost exclusively as a petrochemical feedstock to produce ethylene, which is a primary component of plastics.

"Market dynamics that are increasing demand for larger-scale gas plants is being driven by the processors, who are increasing their scale and looking for ways to lower their costs," said Neil Eckersley, UOP Russell general manager at Honeywell. "A larger plant such as the SC-30 can do the job of two, for little more than the cost of one."

To make the SC-30 possible, UOP Russell created a new engineering design that included larger pumps, coolers, tanks and piping contained on modular skids. Each of these skids are manufactured in factory conditions, ensuring high manufacturing quality and on-time delivery. The entire plant can be transported on truck beds and assembled on site, anywhere natural gas is being produced.

Moreover, the SC-30’s RSV technology recovers more than 99% of the high-value ethane present in natural gas, far more than standard Gas Subcooled Process plants that are limited to about 90 percent recovery.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. production of ethane is forecast to increase from an average of 1.25 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2016 to 1.7 million b/d in 2018. The EIA predicts that increased ethane production will be consumed in the petrochemical industry domestically, in addition to exports to other countries, particularly in Europe and Asia.

Honeywell UOP

www.uop.com 

– Edited from a Honeywell UOP press release by CFE Media.

Original content can be found at Oil and Gas Engineering.

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