Cryo-Gas℠ Process

Cryo-Gas℠ Process

Abstract

Fluor’s Cryo-Gas Process portfolio of patented propane and ethane recovery technologies is applicable for both conventional gas and unconventional gas. The NGL recovery units are modular designs and can be deployed expediently to the site. For conventional gas plants, they are turbo-expander based processes configured to recover propane and ethane contents efficiently from a variety of feed gases. For unconventional gas, non-expander, transportable standard modules are designed for rich gas, to reject ethane or to recover moderate levels of ethane. The recovery technologies can be integrated to produce residue gas to LNG plant and ethane for petrochemical plant production.

Fluor's propane recovery process can economically recover 99% propane and 95% ethane recovery process while maintaining high propane recovery. The process is switchable between ethane rejection to ethane recovery modes, while maintaining high recoveries and efficiencies. The NGL recovery processes are suitable for grass root and retrofitting installation. The single train capacities are as high as 1500 MMscfd, and smaller modular plants are as low as 60 MMscfd.

Client Benefits

Fluor offers clients solutions to optimize their gas plants, with efficient modules incorporating:

  • Capital efficient designs
  • Minimized environmental impact
  • Flexible operation and energy efficiency
  • Innovative designs based on proven plant operations
  • Patented technologies not available from other licensors
  • Modular execution approach, saving space, capital and operating costs
  • Optimized project schedules for installation, commissioning and startup
  • Enhanced process performance

Related Technologies

Deep Dewpointing Process (DDP):
DDP is a standard module designed for shale gas applications, with ethane liquid contents of 6 to 12 GPM, and feed pressure ranging from 500 psig to 900 psig. The process can achieve 95% propane recovery in full ethane rejection mode, and can recover 60% ethane in ethane recovery mode. Process has a high turndown capability, similar to conventional MRU plants, and does not require the use of turbo expander.

In 2019, Fluor's DDP technology won Best Gas Processing/LNG Technology at the Hydrocarbon Processing 2019 Awards gala event.

Vapor Reflux Absorption Process (VRAP):
VRAP has a low capital cost, weight, and footprint. It is ideal for offshore applications requiring propane recovery of over 99% without external refrigeration.

Two-Column, High-Pressure Absorber Process (TCHAP):
TCHAP is a high-pressure absorber operation that avoids CO2 freezing issues and can produce high pressure residue gas suitable for pipeline operation and feed gas to LNG liquefaction plants. It can be designed to fully reject ethane without loss in propane recovery, and can achieve less than 500 ppmv CO2 in the ethane product. TCHAP is suitable for high-pressure feed gas over 1,000 psig, and ethane recovery of more than 80% with propane recovery of 99%.

Twin-Reflux Absorption Process (TRAP):
TRAP is an integrated ethane and propane recovery design utilizing deethanizer overhead for refluxing during propane recovery and ethane reabsorption during ethane recovery. When used in retrofitting for ethane recovery, only piping modification is required without the need for re-wheeling of the turbo-expander. TRAP can achieve over 90% ethane recovery with 99% propane recovery and is ideal for revamping existing NGL plants for ethane recovery.

Sub-cooled Absorption Reflux Process (SARP):
SARP is a sub-cooled lean absorption configuration that can avoid CO2 freezing during high ethane recovery. It is designed for feed gases with a high CO2 content, and is capable of achieving ethane recovery in excess of 90% with propane recovery of more than 99%.

Enhanced Residue Gas Recycle (ERGR):
The process is designed to recover 99% propane during propane recovery and 95% ethane during ethane recovery using equipment of the propane recovery process. The design is switchable from propane recovery to ethane recovery by an enhanced by residue gas recycle configuration, which has been demonstrated suitable for variable nitrogen content feed gases.