Process Initiatives to Boost Ethane Recovery

In this paper Ethane recovery increase in Phases 4 & 5 of Assalouyeh is studied. Ethane yield is defined as the objective function for optimization. The optimum operating conditions to maximize ethane recovery are proposed. Unit has been simulated according to actual operating conditions. Then a comprehensive study has been carried out to select the influencing operating parameters. These include: columns pressures, split fraction, minimum approach temperature in the LNG exchanger and expander power. The effect of selected parameters has been examined on the ethane recovery and finally the sensitivity analysis is investigated. Influence of the parameter variation on the neighboring unit shows that a considerable energy saving for compressor power consumption could be achieved. Furthermore a 6% increase of ethane recovery yield corresponding to 199,000$ more revenue per month could be gained at zero investment cost.

Keywords:

Ethane recovery unit , Simulation , Optimization