Glycol treating during pipeline transport of natural gas

C. Gassen, BHS-Sonthofen GmbH, Sonthofen, Germany The recovery of glycol, which is added to natural gas for transport, is playing an ever-increasing role in the efficient and environmentally friendly operation of gas pipelines. A new process has been developed to recover significantly more glycol, at a lower cost, compared with previously used processes. It requires only low maintenance and is completely automatic, making it especially suitable for offshore operation. Monoethylene glycol (MEG) is usually added to natural gas for transport in pipelines. It absorbs the water in the gas, thereby lowering its freezing point. In addition, it acts as a corrosion inhibitor. The glycol is removed