How to Remove Paraffin From Natural Gas

A long-standing problem in the production, handling, storage and transportation of natural gas is the condensate containing insoluble hydrocarbons, such as waxes, asphaltenes and resins (paraffins) that form as the temperature of the natural gas is lowered. This accumulation restricts natural gas flow through the equipment, resulting in partial or complete plugging.



The method of eliminating paraffin from natural gas is two-fold. First, prevent paraffins from natural gas from adhering to equipment by "wetting" the equipment with aqueous solution. This prevents paraffins from blocking the tubing before they can be filtered out. Second, install molecular sieves in the equipment to adsorb paraffins, removing them from the natural gas.

Things You'll Need

  • Sulfur trioxide
  • Hydroxyl containing liquid
  • Heat sensors
  • Molecular sieve
  • Carrier gas
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Instructions

  1. Prevent Paraffin Adhesion

    • 1

      Place heat sensors outside natural gas tubes. Any paraffin deposits will serve as an insulator between natural gas and equipment, decreasing heat transfer.

    • 2

      Wet the equipment surfaces that will be in contact with natural gas with sulfur trioxide, then wash with less concentrated, sulfur trioxide-containing fluid. This renders the surfaces "water-wettable," making it more difficult for hydrocarbons to adhere to equipment.

    • 3

      Add an aqueous hydroxyl-containing solution to the natural gas stream, in an amount sufficient to inhibit paraffin deposits. Preferably, the hydroxyl concentration is between 0.0025 moles per liter and 2.5 moles per liter.

    • 4

      Check heat sensors to verify that there has been no decrease in heat transfer and that you have successfully blocked paraffin deposits.

    Filter Out Paraffin

    • 5

      Obtain molecular sieves with pore sizes appropriate for the hydrocarbons (paraffins) that you are filtering out. Size 5A molecular sieves will adsorb the majority of paraffins.

    • 6

      Place sieves inide the natural gas tubing.

    • 7

      Regenerate the adsorptive power of the sieves, should they become clogged. Heat the sieve and purge it with gas. Replace the sieves, allowing them to further filter gas, until they stop becoming clogged. You have successfully purged your natural gas of paraffins.

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