Definitions of words and terms used in the gas processing industry.
For questions regarding incorrect/outdated entries or suggestion for adding additional terms, please contact Martin Erne
The process of separating a multiple component feed of differing boiling points using selective vaporization and condensation into two or more products.
In lean oil absorption plants, the term is used to describe the separation of product components from lean absorption oil.
Refer to definition of "ASTM distillation."
The ASTM D-86 distillation test is commonly used for product specification.
A horizontal device in a tower that holds liquid and provides a vapor-liquid contact.
Types of distillation trays include bubble-cap, perforated, or valve trays.
Any system of pipelines and other equipment by which natural gas or other products are distributed to customers, lease operations, or other points of consumption.
An example of a distribution system is the pipeline system by which natural gas is delivered to commercial and residential customers.
Chemical compounds containing a sulfur-sulfur linkage.
Disulfides are colorless liquids completely miscible with hydrocarbons and insoluble in water. Mercaptans are converted to disulfides in treating processes employing oxidation reactions.
A pipe intended for the downward transportation of fluids.
Most commonly a part of a system of distillation or contact trays. It is the passageway for fluids from an upper tray to the tray(s) below.
The valves and piping connected to vessels, process piping and other equipment for the purpose of emptying or removing undesired liquids.
Typically drain systems are designed to be "open" or "closed". A sump or trench drain is an example of an open system. Closed systems are typically pressurized and terminate in a "slop" or "recycle" tank.
Hydrocarbon liquid that separates in a pipeline transporting gas into equipment from which the liquid can be removed. Refer to definition of "condensate."
The drip gasoline is often collected upstream of compression facilities.
A vapor containing only components that will not condense under expected operating conditions.
One should refer to the presence of hydrocarbon liquids in natural gas as "lean" or rich" in contrast to the presence of water in gas as "wet" or "dry". The terms are interspersed many times and making the distinction during a conversation can allay confusion.
A process employed in the liquefication of natural gas where two or more refrigerants are mixed and used in conjunction with multiple stages of compression to produce liquified natural gas (LNG) as efficiently as possible.
Any one refrigerant is not efficient enough to produce temperatures low enough to liquify and maintain liquified natural gas at the required low temperature of typically -162C. Therefore, dual mixed refrigerants are used in large scale facilities because of its ability to achieve the required low temperatures.
The act of a component leaving a chromatographic column.
Using a chromatograph, methane typically elutes before ethane.
The dispersion of fine particles of an immiscible liquid and/or solids with another liquid in which the particles are suspended.
Water and crude oil may be mixed to the point an emulsion is created resembling foam.
The maximum temperature observed on the thermometer during an ASTM distillation test.
The end point of the D-86 distillation is often used as a specification for some products.
A recovery technique that alters the chemical composition of the oil that makes it easier to extract.
EOR is employed after primary and secondary recovery means.
A thermodynamic property equaling the sum of a system's internal energy and the product of its pressure and volume.
The heating value is the negative of the enthalpy of combustion at 60 °F (15 °C) and 14.696 psia (101.325 kPa).
Gas in the vapor phase trapped within a liquid because of the pressure and temperature surrounding the fluids.
An example of entrained gas would be in a carbonated beverage bottle where you can see the bubbles forming in the bottle per the change in pressure.
Mist-sized liquid droplets suspended in a vapor.
Entrained liquids can be a real detriment to the accuracy of gas flow meters.
The measure of a system's thermal energy per unit temperature that is not available for useful work.
Flow through a control valve does not change a fluid's entropy, however flow through a turbine meter reduces the fluid's entropy.
A paraffinic compound having the formula C2H6.
Ethane can describe a hydrocarbon stream when it is primarily composed of ethane.
An operating mode or contractual term used in a gas processing plant where the majority of ethane is directed into the liquid stream.
Ethane recovery is chosen when it is more beneficial from an economic or commercial perspective, and/or necessary from a contractual perspective to sell as a liquid rather than a vapor.
An operating mode or contractual term used in a gas processing plant where the majority of ethane is directed into the gas stream.
Ethane rejection is chosen when it is more beneficial from an economic or commercial perspective, and/or necessary from a contractual perspective to sell as a vapor rather than a liquid.
A product defined by specifications in GPA 2108.
EP mixes are primarily composed of ethane and propane.
A colorless, flammable, volatile liquid compound of disagreeable odor.
Ethyl mercaptan is used as an odorant in LPG and fuel-gas systems to act as a warning agent.
An olefinic compound having the formula C2H4.
Ethylene's formal IUPAC name is "ethene."
The decrease in volume due to product volatility.
Evaporative loss must be accounted for in marine cargos.
