num="0039">In one or more embodiments, the flash tank may have a pressure ranging from about 9 to about 13 bars, such as about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12 and about 13. In further embodiments, the flash drum may have a pressure in a range having a lower limit of any of 9, 10, 11, and 12, to an upper limit of any of 10, 11, 12, and 13 bars, where any lower limit may be used in combination with any mathematically-compatible upper limit.

In one or more embodiments, the flash tank is maintained at a temperature less than the absorber system, such a temperature differential being in a range of from about 0.1 Δ° C. to about 3 Δ° C., such as about 1 Δ° C., about 1.5 Δ° C., about 2 Δ° C., and about 3 A° C. This differential is due in part to the flashing effect that occurs in the flash tank.

The flashed rich amine stream 122 of one or more embodiments, may include similar components to the rich amine stream 114 from which it originates. For example, the flashed rich amine stream may be primarily composed of rich amine solution and water.

In one or more embodiments, the make-up water stream 120 may be sourced from fresh water, demineralized water, recycled water from liquid recovery plants, and the like. The make-up water stream of one or more embodiments may originate from a single source or plurality of sources, where water from the plurality of sources may be supplied to a mixing tank or a holding tank prior to entering an amine-based gas treating system or may enter into the amine-based gas treating system directly from each respective source.

In one or more embodiments, the flashed gas stream 118 may have a C_1-6concentration that is a significant portion of the total composition of the flashed gas stream. In one or more embodiments, the flashed gas stream may be comprised of C_1-6in a concentration having a range of from about 80 mol % to about 90 mol %. In one or more embodiments, the flashed gas stream may be comprised of C_1-6concentration in a range having a lower limit of any one of 80, 82, and 84 mol %, and an upper limit of any of 86, 88, and 90 mol %, where any lower limit may be used in combination with any mathematically-compatible upper limit.

The flashed gas stream may have an H₂S concentration that is a substantial portion of the total composition of the flashed gas stream. In one or more embodiments, the flashed gas stream may be comprised of hydrogen sulfide in a concertation having a range of from about 10 mol % to about 20 mol %. In one or more embodiments, the flashed gas stream may have a hydrogen sulfide concentration in a range having a lower limit of any one of 10, 12, and 15 mol %, and an upper limit of any of 17, 19, and 20 mol %, where any lower limit may be used in combination with any mathematically-compatible upper limit. The flashed gas stream may have a CO₂concentration that is an incidental portion of the total composition of the flashed gas stream.

Keeping with FIG. 1, the flashed rich amine stream 122 is then sent to a filtration system 124 and a filtered rich amine stream 126 is produced. The filtered rich amine stream 126 is sent to a lean-rich heat exchanger 128 and a pre-heated rich amine stream 132 is produced.

The filtration system 124 of one or more embodiments may include any filtration system known in the art, for example, a cartridge filter, a high capacity cartridge filter, a bag filter, a string wound filter, or the like.

The filtered rich amine stream 126 of one or more embodiments, may include similar components to the flashed rich amine stream 122 and the rich amine stream 114 from which it originates. For example, the flashed rich amine stream may be primarily composed of rich amine solution and water.

The lean-rich heat exchanger 128 of one or more embodiments may be any suitable heat exchanger known in the art. For example, the lean-rich heat exchanger may be a finned tube heat exchanger, an air cooled heat exchanger, a shell and tube heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger or a gasket plate heat exchanger, or combinations thereof.

Keeping with FIG. 1, the pre-heated rich amine stream 132 then enters a regenerator system 138 where additional H₂S an CO₂are removed from the pre-heated rich amine stream 132, producing a regenerated lean amine stream 140 and a regenerated gas stream 166.

In one or more embodiments, the regenerator system 138 is configured such that the streams entering the regenerator system 138 intimately intermingle to allow absorption of acid gases. The structure and operation of the regenerator system 138 may be like that of the absorber system 110 except for the operating conditions, which are at reduced conditions comparatively. At least a portion of the acid gases, such as hydrogen sulfide and CO₂, contained in the pre-heated rich amine stream 132 is extracted and absorbed by anamine solution in the lean amine absorber. The dissolved hydrogen sulfide and CO₂then reacts with the amine and prevents it from coming out of solution. The resultant products of the exchange are regenerated lean amine stream 140 and a regenerated gas stream 166.

The regenerator system 138 is operated at a reduced temperature compared to the absorber system 110. In one or more embodiments, the regenerator system 138 may have a temperature ranging from about 30 to about 45° C. In further embodiments, the regenerator system 138 may have a temperature in a range having a lower limit of any of 30, 33, 36, 39, and 42° C., to and an upper limit of any of 33, 36, 39, 42, and 45° C., where any lower limit may be used in combination with any mathematically-compatible upper limit. In some embodiments, the temperature differential across the regenerator system 138 may be about 10 Δ° C.

The regenerator system 138 is operated at a reduced pressure compared to absorber system 110 and the flash tank 116. In one or more embodiments, the regenerator system 138 may have a pressure ranging from about 7 to about 11 bar. In further embodiments, the regenerator system 138 may have a pressure in a range having a lower limit of any of 7, 8, 9, and 10 bar, to an upper limit of any of 8, 9, 10, and 11 bar, where any lower limit may be used in combination with any mathematically-compatible upper limit. In some embodiments, the pressure differential across the regenerator system 138 may be about 1 Δbar.

In one or more embodiments, the regenerator system 138 may remove about 99.95 to about 99.99 mole % of the hydrogen sulfide introduced with pre-heated rich amine stream 132. In further embodiments, the regenerator system 138 may remove an amount of hydrogen sulfide on a mole basis in a range having a lower limit of any of 99.95, 99.96, 99.97 and 99.98 mole %, to an upper limit of any of 99.96, 99.97, 99.98, and 99.99 mole %, where any lower limit may be used in combination with any mathematically-compatible upper limit.

The regenerated lean amine stream 140 of one or more embodiments includes amine, water, residual light hydrocarbon gases, and residual free H₂S. The regenerated gas stream 166 of one or more embodiments includes primarily light hydrocarbons.

Keeping with FIG. 1, the regenerated gas stream 166 enters a first air cooled heat exchanger 168, producing a cooled, regenerated gas stream 170 which enters a reflux system 172. The reflux system 172 produces arecycle gas stream 174 and a condensed liquid stream 176. The condensed liquid stream 176 is pumped by a first pump 178 to a condensed liquid recycle stream 180 which enters the regenerator system 138.

The first air cooled heat exchanger 168 of one or more embodiments may be any suitable air cooled heat exchanger known in the art. For example, the air cooled heat exchanger may be an induced draft unit, a forced draft unit, or any other device known in the art.

The cooled, regenerated gas stream 170 of one or more embodiments includes similar components to the regenerated acid gas stream 166 from which it originates. For example, the cooled, regenerated acid gas stream 170 of one or more embodiments includes primarily light hydrocarbons.

The condensed liquid stream 176 and the condensed liquid recycle stream 180 of one or more embodiments includes primarily condensed water and condensed amine solution.

In one or more embodiments, the reflux system 172 may include a condenser, an accumulator, and a pump. In a conventional reflux system, a fluid is removed from a vessel, condensed, and returned to the vessel to enhance the process. Overhead vapor from the stripper mainly consisting of water vapor and acid gases passe through the reflux condenser which condenses a majority of the water vapor and small amount of amine solution, which may vaporize in the stripper. This two phase stream flows to the reflux accumulator where the acid gases are separated from the condensed liquid. The acid gases may be sent either to flare stack or sulfur recovery plant depending on the amount of hydrogen sulfide present. The condensed liquids are pumped to the top of the stripper to reflux. The reflux system of one or more embodiments accomplishes two things in the overhead system of the stripper-first it causes vapor in the top of the stripper to reduce amine carryover, and second, it cools the acid gas in the top of the stripper to reduce its corrosiveness.

In one or more embodiments, the recycle gas stream 174 may contain primarily light hydrocarbons.

The first pump 178 of one or more embodiments is any suitable pump known in the art. For example, the first pump 178 may be a centrifugal circulating pump.

Keeping with FIG. 1, the regenerated lean amine stream 140 is split into a first split amine stream 146 and a second split amine stream 156. The first split amine stream 146 enters a reclaimer system 148 which is heated by a first steam source 152. The reclaimer system 148 produces a reclaimed liquid stream 150 and a reclaimed gas stream 154.

The first split amine stream 146 of one or more embodiments may include similar components to the regenerated lean amine stream 140 from which it originates. For example, the second split amine stream may be primarily composed of rich amine, water, residual light hydrocarbon gases, and residual free H₂S.

In one or more embodiments, the reclaimer system 148 may include a basic solution, soda ash, and/or caustic soda. The reclaimer system of one or more embodiments helps remove degradation products from solution and aids in the removal of heat-stable salts, suspended solids, acids, and iron compounds. Reclaimer systems generally operate on a side stream of 1-3% of the total amine circulation rate. Reclaimer sizing depends on the total inventory of the plant and the rate of degradation expected. The reclaimer system of one or more embodiments may perform vacuum distillation on batches of spent amine mixed with sufficient caustic ability to neutralize the excess acidity. The reclaimer system may also use ion exchange resin beds to remove heat-stable salts.

The first steam source 152 of one or more embodiments may have a temperature and pressure sufficient to vaporize the first split amine stream 146 in the reclaimer system 148. Upon vaporizing the first split amine stream 146, a reclaimed liquid stream 150 is produced. The reclaimed liquid stream 150 of one or more embodiments includes water and residual light hydrocarbons. The reclaimed gas stream 154 of one or more embodiments includes amine and residual light hydrocarbon gases.

Keeping with FIG. 1, the second split amine stream 156 enters a reboiler system 158 which is heated by a second steam source 160. The reboiler system 158 produces a reboiled liquid stream 164 and a reboiled gas stream 162. The reclaimed gas stream 154 and the reboiled gas stream 162 are combined into a combined gas stream 163. The combined gas stream is fed back into the regenerator system 138. The reboiled liquid stream 164 is pumped by a second pump 142 to a lean amine recycle stream 144 which enters the lean-rich heat exchanger 128, producing a pre-cooled lean amine recycle stream 130. The pre-cooled lean amine recycle stream 130 enters a second air cooled heat exchanger 134 producing a lean amine stream 136. The lean amine stream 136 enters the absorber system 110.

The second split amine stream 156 of one or more embodiments includes similar components to the regenerated lean amine stream 140 from which it originates. For example, the second split amine stream may be primarily composed of rich amine, water, residual light hydrocarbon gases, and residual free H₂S.

The second steam source 160 of one or more embodiments has a temperature and pressure sufficient to vaporize the second split amine stream 156 in the reboiler system 158. Upon vaporizing a second split amine stream 156, a reboiled gas stream 162 and a reboiled liquid stream 164 are produced. The reboiled gas stream 162 of one or more embodiments may be an acid gas stream including similar components to the second split amine stream 156 from which it originates. For example, the second split amine stream may be primarily composed of rich amine, water, residual light hydrocarbon gases, and residual free H₂S.

The reboiled liquid stream 164, the lean amine recycle stream 144 and the pre-cooled lean amine recycle stream 130 of one or more embodiments include similar components to the lean amine recycle stream 144 from which it originates. For example, the lean amine recycle stream and the pre-cooled lean amine recycle stream may include amines configured for having reversible reactions with hydrogen sulfide or carbon dioxide, or both. The aqueous fluid of the lean amine solution may include at least one of fresh waters, condensate, and mixtures thereof. The combined gas stream 163 of one or more embodiments includes similar components to those of streams 154 and 162, which mix to produce the combined gas stream 163. For example, the combined gas stream 163 may be primarily composed of rich amine, water, residual light hydrocarbon gases, and residual free H₂S.

The lean amine stream 136 may be an aqueous solution comprising one or more amines configured for having reversible reactions with hydrogen sulfide or carbon dioxide, or both. The aqueous fluid of the lean amine solution may include at least one of fresh waters, condensate, and mixtures thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the reboiler system 158 is any suitable reboiler system known in the art which is capable of removing acid gas and recycling a rich amine mixture into a clean stream that is again ready for processing. For example, the reboiler system may be a thermal fluid heating system, a process bath heater system, or an electric process heater system.

The second pump 142 may be any of the pump types as described above. The second air cooled heat exchanger 134 may be any suitable heat exchanger known in the art, as described above.

FIG. 2A illustrates an overall system for automating addition of make-up water according to one or more embodiments. The system 200 of FIG. 2A includes a gas treating system 100; for example, the gas treating system described in FIG. 1. The system 200 also includes a water collection system 222, an adjusted make-up water line 208, and a computer system 202.

The gas treating system 100 of FIG. 2A includes an inlet gas line 216 entering the gas treating system 100. In some embodiments, the inlet gas line 216 includes a plurality of inlet gas lines, depending on the specific gas treating system 100 to which make-up water is added. In the example of FIG. 1, an inlet gas line 216 is depicted as the sour gas feed stream 102. The inlet gas line 216 may include, for example, H₂, H₂S, “light” hydrocarbons (C_1-6), and any other component entering the specific gas treating system. As noted previously, the example streams and stream components of FIG. 1 are merely an example and are not to be taken as limiting.

The gas treating system 100 of FIG. 2A includes an outlet gas line 220 exiting the gas treating system 100. In some embodiments, the outlet gas line 220 includes a plurality of outlet gas lines, depending on the specific gas treating system 100 to which make-up water is added. The example of FIG. 1 shows a plurality of outlet gas lines, including a sweet gas stream 112, a flashed gas stream 118, and an acid gas stream 174. The outlet gas line 220 of FIG. 2A, therefore, may include H₂, H₂S, light hydrocarbons, and the like. As noted previously, the example streams and stream components of FIG. 1 are merely an example and are not to be taken as limiting.

The inlet gas line 216 includes an inlet gas sensor 214 and the outlet gas line 220 includes an outlet gas sensor 218. The inlet gas sensor 214 and the outlet gas sensor 218 are configured to measure at least one physical property of a gas. When the gas treating system 100 includes a plurality of inlet gas lines and/or a plurality of outlet gas lines, each of the gas lines may also include a gas sensor configured to measure at least one physical property. Additionally, there may be more than one gas sensor on each of the gas lines, each configured to measure one or more physical properties of the gas.

In one or more embodiments, a gas sensor refers to a component configured to measure at least one physical property including a gas temperature, a gas pressure, and a gas flowrate. After observing a change in physical property, the gas sensor sends the detected input to a microcontroller or microprocessor. The gas sensor produces a readable output signal, which can be either optical, electrical, or any form of signal that corresponds to changes in input signal. The gas sensor may include any sensor known in the art which is configured to measure at least one physical property of a gas. For example, the gas sensor may be an active sensor, a passive sensor, an analog sensor, a digital sensor, or combinations thereof.

The gas treating system 100 shown in FIG. 2A is fluidly connected to an inlet water line 213 entering the gas treating system 100. In one or more embodiments, the inlet water line 213 of FIG. 2A is the make-up water stream 120 shown in FIG. 1. The inlet water line 213 includes a flow control valve 212 configured to adjust a water flow rate of water in the inlet water line 213.

The flow control valve 212 may be any flow control valve known in the art. In one or more embodiments, the flow control valve may be an automatic flow control valve which is configured to receive instructions related to adjust a flow rate, for example, from a computer system, and may be automatically operated to adjust the flow rate of a fluid stream according to the received instructions. In one or more embodiments, the flow control valve may be manually operated. A flow control valve may also be referred to as a flow regulator or flow controller, and these terms are to be understood according to one or more embodiments as referring to the same device. The flow control valve of one or more embodiments may include, for example, a ball valve, a check valve, a butterfly valve, a globe valve, a gate valve, a needle valve, and combinations therein. The flow ratio controller of one or more embodiments may include any suitable flow ration controller known in the art. The flow control valve may include a valve, or the flow control valve may be a flow control system, which may include both a flow control valve and a flow ratio controller configured to operate the flow control valve based on instructions received from a computer system.

The system 200 for automating addition of make-up water of one or more embodiments also includes a water collection system 222. The water collection system 222 includes a level-indicating transmitter 224 configured to measure a water level of the water collection system 222. The water collection system 222 includes a water source 226 fluidly connected to an upstream side of the water collection system 222. The water collection system 222 also includes a make-up water line 204 exiting the water collection system 222.

In one or more embodiments, the water source 226 includes fresh water, demineralized water, recycled water from liquid recovery plants, and the like. The water source 226 of one or more embodiments may originate from a single source or plurality of sources prior to entering the water collection system 222.

The make-up water line 204 exiting the water collection system 222 includes a level control valve 206, configured to maintain a desired water level in the water collection system 222. The level control valve 206 is located on the make-up water line 204 at an upstream position from an adjusted make-up water line 208, such that a flow rate of water in the make-up water line 204 may be adjusted to produce an adjusted flow rate of water in the adjusted make-up water line 208.

The adjusted make-up water line 208 of one or more embodiments includes a flow meter 210, configured to measure a water flow rate. The flow meter 210 is located at a position between the water collection system 222 and the flow control valve 212. Specifically, the flow meter 210 is located on the adjusted make-up water line 208 downstream from the level control valve 206 and upstream from the flow control valve 212.

The level control valve 206 may be any level control valve known in the art. In one or more embodiments, for example, the level control valve 206 is a mechanical float mechanism which operates a pilot valve to maintain a water level when a change in water level is detected.

The flow meter 210 may be any flow meter known in the art capable of measuring a fluid flow rate. The flow meter of one or more embodiments may be an ultrasonic flow meter, a vortex flow meter, a magnetic flow meter, a turbine flow meter, a paddle wheel flow meter, and the like.

The system 200 for automating addition of make-up water of one or more embodiments also includes a computer system 202. The components of the computer system 202 will be described in more detail in FIG. 3.

The computer system 202 of one or more embodiments is in electrical communication with the elements of the system 200 for automating addition of make-up water of one or more embodiments. Electrical communication according to one or more embodiments may be physical, for example hardwired, or wireless, for example by Bluetooth. Electrical connections are depicted in FIG. 2A by dashed lines and, as is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the dashed lines represent an electrical communication between the computer system 202 and/or other elements and may be a mixture of physical and wireless communication methods. In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is electrically connected to the flow meter 210 by a first electrical communication 228. In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is electrically connected to the inlet gas sensor 214 by a second electrical communication 230. In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is electrically connected to the outlet gas sensor 218 by a third electrical communication 232. In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is electrically connected to the flow control valve 212 by a fourth electrical communication 234. In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is electrically connected to the level-indicating transmitter 224 by a fifth electrical communication 236. In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is electrically connected to the level control valve by a sixth electrical communication 238.

In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is configured to receive a water flow rate from the flow meter 210 and at least one physical property from the inlet gas sensor 214 and the outlet gas sensor 218. Once the water flow rate and the physical properties from the inlet gas sensor 214 and the outlet gas sensor 218 are received by the computer system 202, the computer system may calculate a total volume of water to be added to the gas treating system 100. In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is further configured to produce instructions to adjust, using the flow control valve 212, the water flow rate as measured by the flow meter 210 based on the total volume of water to be added to the gas treating system 100.

In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is further configured to calculate, using the at least one physical property from the inlet gas sensor 214, a mol % of water present in the inlet gas line 216 and a total volume of water added to the gas treating system 100 from the inlet gas line 216. The computer system 202 may be further configured to calculate, using the at least one physical property from the outlet gas sensor 218, a mol % of water present in the outlet gas line 220 and a total volume of water lost from the gas treating system 100 from the outlet gas line 220. The computer system 202 may then calculate a total volume of water to be added to the gas treating system 100, where the total volume of water to be added to the gas treating system 100 is a difference between the total volume of water lost from the outlet gas line 220 and the total volume of water added from the inlet gas line 216.

Upon calculating the total volume of water to be added to the gas treating system 100, the computer system 202 may be further configured to receive a water level from the level-indicating transmitter 224 on the water collection system 222. In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 provides instructions to the level control valve 206 to maintain a desired water level in the water collection system 222. The desired water level may be maintained by adjusting a water source flow rate from the water source 226 to match the water flow rate from the flow meter 210 to maintain a constant desired water level in the water collection system 222.

FIG. 2B shows a system 240 for automating make-up water to a plurality of gas treating systems, according to one or more embodiments. The system 240 in FIG. 2B shows an example where four gas treating systems are presented, however, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the system may be applied to any number of gas treating systems.

The system 240 of FIG. 2B may include some of the same components of the system 200 of FIG. 2A. For example, the system 240 may include as a first gas treating system 100, the gas treating system 100 as described in FIG. 1. The system 240 also includes a water collection system 222, an adjusted make-up water line 208, and a computer system 202.

The first gas treating system 100 shown in FIG. 2B includes components as described with regard to FIG. 2A, including an inlet gas line 216 with an inlet gas sensor 214 entering the first gas treating system 100 and an outlet gas line 220 with an outlet gas sensor 218 exiting the first gas treating system 100. In some embodiments, the inlet gas line 216 includes a plurality of inlet gas lines, and the outlet gas line 220 includes a plurality of outlet gas lines, as previously discussed.

The inlet gas sensor 214 and the outlet gas sensor 218 are configured to measure at least one physical property of a gas. When the gas treating system 100 includes a plurality of inlet gas lines and/or a plurality of outlet gas lines, each of the gas lines also includes a gas sensor configured to measure at least one physical property, including a gas temperature, a gas pressure, and a gas flowrate. Additionally, there may be more than one gas sensor on each of the gas lines, each configured to measure one or more physical properties of the gas. The gas sensors of FIG. 2B may be any of the sensors described previously and are configured to measure at least one physical property of a gas.

The system 240 of FIG. 2B includes a second gas treating system 242, a third gas treating system 258, and a fourth gas treating system 276. Each of the second 242, third 258, and fourth 276 gas treating systems may include an inlet gas line including an inlet gas sensor entering the gas treating system and an outlet gas line including an outlet gas sensor exiting the gas treating system. The second gas treating system 242 may include a second inlet gas line 246 with a second inlet gas sensor 244 and a second outlet gas line 250 with a second outlet gas sensor 248. The third gas treating system 258 may include a third inlet gas line 262 with a third inlet gas sensor 260 and a third outlet gas line 266 with a third outlet gas sensor 268. The fourth gas treating system 276 may include a fourth inlet gas line 280 with a fourth inlet gas sensor 278 and a fourth outlet gas line 284 with a fourth outlet gas sensor 282.

The first gas treating system 100 shown in FIG. 2B is fluidly connected to a first inlet water line 213 entering the gas treating system 100. In one or more embodiments, the first inlet water line 213 of FIG. 2B is the make-up water stream 120 shown in FIG. 1. The first inlet water line 213 includes a first flow control valve 212 configured to adjust a first water flow rate of water in the first inlet water line 213.

The second gas treating system 242 is fluidly connected to a second inlet water line 239 entering the second gas treating system 242. The second inlet water line 239 includes a second flow control valve 237 configured to adjust a second water flow rate of water in the second inlet water line 239.

The third gas treating system 258 is fluidly connected to a third inlet water line 256 entering the third gas treating system 258. The third inlet water line 256 includes a third flow control valve 254 configured to adjust a third water flow rate of water in the third inlet water line 256.

The fourth gas treating system 276 is fluidly connected to a fourth inlet water line 274 entering the fourth gas treating system 276. The fourth inlet water line 274 includes a fourth flow control valve 272 configured to adjust a fourth water flow rate of water in the fourth inlet water line 274.

The first 212, second 236, third 254, and fourth 272 flow control valves may be any flow control valve known in the art, as previously described. The flow control valves may include a valve, or the flow control valve may be a flow control system, which may include both a flow control valve and a flow ratio controller configured to operate the flow control valve based on instructions received from a computer system.

The system 240 for automating addition of make-up water shown in FIG. 2B may also include a water collection system 222. As previously described, the water collection system 222 may include a level-indicating transmitter 224 configured to measure a water level of the water collection system 222. The water collection system 222 includes a water source 226 fluidly connected to an upstream side of the water collection system 222 and a make-up water line 204 exiting the water collection system 222. The make-up water line 204 exiting the water collection system 222 includes a level control valve 206, configured to maintain a desired water level in the water collection system 222. The level control valve 206 is located on the make-up water line 204 at an upstream position from an adjusted make-up water line 208, such that a flow rate of water in the make-up water line 204 may be adjusted to produce an adjusted flow rate of water in the adjusted make-up water line 208. The level control valve 206 and may be any level control valve known in the art, as previously described.

The adjusted make-up water line 208 of the system 240 may be split into multiple water lines, each of which enters a gas treating system. As shown in the system 240 of FIG. 2B, the adjusted make-up water line 208 is split into a first inlet water line 213, a second inlet water line 239, a third inlet water line 256, and a fourth inlet water line 274. The first inlet water line 213 includes a first flow meter 210 located immediately upstream of the first flow control valve 212. The first flow meter 210 is configured to measure a first water flow rate. The second inlet water line 239 includes a second flow meter 235 located immediately upstream of the second flow control valve 237. The second flow meter 235 is configured to measure a second water flow rate. The third inlet water line 256 includes a third flow meter 252 located immediately upstream of the third flow control valve 254. The third flow meter 252 is configured to measure a third water flow rate. The fourth inlet water line 274 includes a fourth flow meter 270 located immediately upstream of the fourth flow control valve 272. The fourth flow meter 270 is configured to measure a fourth water flow rate. The first 210, second 234, third 252, and fourth 270 flow meters may be any flow meter known in the art capable of measuring a fluid flow rate, as previously described.

The system 240 for automating addition of make-up water of one or more embodiments also includes a computer system 202. The components of the computer system 202 will be described in more detail in FIG. 3. As previously described, the computer system 202 of one or more embodiments is in electrical communication with the elements of the system 240 for automating addition of make-up water of one or more embodiments. Electrical communication is defined as described previously with regard to FIG. 2A and are also shown by dashed lines in the system 240 of FIG. 2B.

In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is electrically connected to the first flow meter 210 by a first electrical communication 228, to the first inlet gas sensor 214 by a second electrical communication 230, the first outlet gas sensor 218 by a third electrical communication 232, and to the first flow control valve 212 by a fourth electrical communication 234. In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is electrically connected to the level-indicating transmitter 224 by a fifth electrical communication 236 and to the level control valve by a sixth electrical communication 238.

In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is electrically connected to the second flow meter 235 by a seventh electrical communication 243, to the second inlet gas sensor 244 by an eighth electrical communication 245, the second outlet gas sensor 248 by a ninth electrical communication 247, and to the second flow control valve 237 by a tenth electrical communication 249.

In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is electrically connected to the third flow meter 252 by an eleventh electrical communication 251, to the third inlet gas sensor 260 by a twelfth electrical communication 253, the third outlet gas sensor 268 by a thirteenth electrical communication 255, and to the third flow control valve 254 by a fourteenth electrical communication 257.

In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is electrically connected to the fourth flow meter 270 by a fifteenth electrical communication 259, to the fourth inlet gas sensor 278 by a sixteenth electrical communication 261, the fourth outlet gas sensor 282 by a seventeenth electrical communication 263, and to the fourth flow control valve 272 by an eighteenth electrical communication 265.

In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is configured to receive a first water flow rate from the first flow meter 210, a second water flow rate from a second flow meter 235, a third water flow rate from a third flow meter 252, and a fourth water flow rate from a fourth flow meter 270. The computer system 202 is also configured to receive at least one physical property from the first inlet gas sensor 214, the first outlet gas sensor 218, the second inlet gas sensor 244, the second outlet gas sensor 248, the third inlet gas sensor 260, the third outlet gas sensor 268, the fourth inlet gas sensor 278, and the fourth outlet gas sensor 282. Once the water flow rates and the physical properties from are received by the computer system 202, the computer system may calculate a total volume of water to be added to each of the first 100, second 242, third 258, and fourth 276 gas treating systems.

In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is further configured to produce instructions to adjust, using the first flow control valve 212, the first water flow rate as measured by the first flow meter 210 based on the total volume of water to be added to the first gas treating system 100. In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is also configured to produce instructions to adjust, using the second flow control valve 237, the second water flow rate as measured by the second flow meter 235 based on the total volume of water to be added to the second gas treating system 242. In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is further configured to produce instructions to adjust, using the third flow control valve 254, the third water flow rate as measured by the third flow meter 252 based on the total volume of water to be added to the third gas treating system 258. In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 is further configured to produce instructions to adjust, using the fourth flow control valve 272, the fourth water flow rate as measured by the fourth flow meter 270 based on the total volume of water to be added to the fourth gas treating system 276.

Upon calculating the total volume of water to be added to the first 100, second 242, third 258, and fourth 276 gas treating systems, the computer system 202 may be further configured to receive a water level from the level-indicating transmitter 224 on the water collection system 222. In one or more embodiments, the computer system 202 provides instructions to the level control valve 206 to maintain a desired water level in the water collection system 222. The desired water level may be maintained by adjusting a water source flow rate from the water source 226 to match a first, second, third, and fourth water flow rate from the first 210, second 234, third 252, and fourth 259 flow meters, respectively to maintain a constant desired water level in the water collection system 222.

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of a computer system 202 used to provide computational functionalities associated with described networks, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures as described in this disclosure, according to one or more embodiments. The illustrated computer 302 is intended to encompass any computing device such as a server, desktop computer, laptop/notebook computer, wireless data port, smart phone, personal data assistant (PDA), tablet computing device, one or more processors within these devices, or any other suitable processing device, including both physical or virtual instances (or both) of the computing device. Additionally, the computer 302 may include a computer that includes an input device, such as a keypad, keyboard, touch screen, or other device that can accept user information, and an output device that conveys information associated with the operation of the computer 302, including digital data, visual, or audio information (or a combination of information), or a GUI.

The computer 302 can serve in a role as a client, network component, a server, a database or other persistency, or any other component (or a combination of roles) of a computer system for performing the subject matter described in the instant disclosure. The illustrated computer 302 is communicably coupled with a network 330. In some implementations, one or more components of the computer 302 may be configured to operate within environments, including cloud-computing-based, local, global, or other environment (or a combination of environments).

At a high level, the computer 302 is an electronic computing device operable to receive, transmit, process, store, or manage data and information associated with the described subject matter. According to some implementations, the computer 302 may also include or be communicably coupled with an application server, e-mail server, web server, caching server, streaming data server, business intelligence (BI) server, or other server (or a combination of servers).

The computer 302 can receive requests over network 330 from a client application (for example, executing on another computer 302) and responding to the received requests by processing the said requests in an appropriate software application. In addition, requests may also be sent to the computer 302 from internal users (for example, from a command console or by other appropriate access method), external or third-parties, other automated applications, as well as any other appropriate entities, individuals, systems, or computers.

Each of the components of the computer 302 can communicate using a system bus 303. In some implementations, any or all of the components of the computer 302, both hardware or software (or a combination of hardware and software), may interface with each other or the interface 304 (or a combination of both) over the system bus 303 using an application programming interface (API) 312 or a service layer 313 (or a combination of the API 312 and service layer 313). The API 312 may include specifications for routines, data structures, and object classes. The API 312 may be either computer-language independent or dependent and refers to a complete interface, a single function, or even a set of APIs. The service layer 313 provides software services to the computer 302 or other components (whether or not illustrated) that are communicably coupled to the computer 302. The functionality of the computer 302 may be accessible for all service consumers using this service layer. Software services, such as those provided by the service layer 313, provide reusable, defined business functionalities through a defined interface. For example, the interface may be software written in JAVA, C++, or other suitable language providing data in extensible markup language (XML) format or another suitable format. While illustrated as an integrated component of the computer 302, alternative implementations may illustrate the API 312 or the service layer 313 as stand-alone components in relation to other components of the computer 302 or other components (whether or not illustrated) that are communicably coupled to the computer 302. Moreover, any or all parts of the API 312 or the service layer 313 may be implemented as child or sub-modules of another software module, enterprise application, or hardware module without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

The computer 302 includes an interface 304. Although illustrated as a single interface 304 in FIG. 3, two or more interfaces 304 may be used according to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 302. The interface 304 is used by the computer 302 for communicating with other systems in a distributed environment that are connected to the network 330. Generally, the interface 304 includes logic encoded in software or hardware (or a combination of software and hardware) and operable to communicate with the network 330. More specifically, the interface 304 may include software supporting one or more communication protocols associated with communications such that the network 330 or interface's hardware is operable to communicate physical signals within and outside of the illustrated computer 302.

The computer 302 includes at least one computer processor 305. Although illustrated as a single computer processor 305 in FIG. 3, two or more processors may be used according to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 302. Generally, the computer processor 305 executes instructions and manipulates data to perform the operations of the computer 302 and any networks, methods, functions, processes, flows, and procedures as described in the instant disclosure.

The computer 302 also includes a memory 306 that holds data for the computer 302 or other components (or a combination of both) that can be connected to the network 330. For example, memory 306 can be a database storing data consistent with this disclosure. Although illustrated as a single memory 306 in FIG. 3, two or more memories may be used according to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 302 and the described functionality. While memory 306 is illustrated as an integral component of the computer 302, in alternative implementations, memory 306 can be external to the computer 302.

The application 307 is an algorithmic software engine providing functionality according to particular needs, desires, or particular implementations of the computer 302, particularly with respect to functionality described in this disclosure. For example, application 307 can serve as one or more components, modules, applications, etc. Further, although illustrated as a single application 307, the application 307 may be implemented as multiple applications 307 on the computer 302. In addition, although illustrated as integral to the computer 302, in alternative implementations, the application 307 can be external to the computer 302.

There may be any number of computers 302 associated with, or external to, a computer system containing computer 302, wherein each computer 302 communicates over network 330. Further, the term “client,” “user,” and other appropriate terminology may be used interchangeably as appropriate without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, this disclosure contemplates that many users may use one computer 302, or that one user may use multiple computers 302.

One or more embodiments disclosed herein relate to a computer-implemented method automating addition of make-up water. In general, water content in gas streams is a function of pressure and temperature. The computer-implemented method automating addition of make-up water incorporates a pressure-temperature correlation to accurately determine the amount of water lost or added by different gas streams. The method of one or more embodiments may include acquiring pressure and temperature transmitter readings (PI tags) of feed gas, sweet gas, flash gas and acid gas streams in real-time and developing an overall water mass balance program which incorporates a pressure-temperature correlation. The method of one or more embodiments determines the quantities of water lost from treated and acid gas streams of an amine-based gas treating system.

FIG. 4A is a flowchart of a computer-implemented method automating addition of make-up water according to one or more embodiments. The method 400 of one or more embodiments shown in FIG. 4A includes, in step 402, receiving a water flow rate from a flow meter and physical property data from an inlet gas sensor and an outlet gas sensor, where the physical property data includes at least one of a gas flow rate, a gas temperature, and a gas pressure, and where the flow meter is located on an inlet water line, the inlet gas sensor is located on an inlet gas line, and the outlet gas sensor is located on an outlet gas line.

The method 400 of one or more embodiments shown in FIG. 4A includes, in step 404, calculating, using a computer system and using the physical property data, a total volume of water to be added to a gas treating system, where the inlet water line and the inlet gas line enter the gas treating system and the outlet gas line exits the gas treating system. In some embodiments, the method 400 also includes calculating, using the physical property data, a mol percent (mol %) of water in the inlet gas line and the outlet gas line using equation 1:

$\begin{matrix} m = ⁠ 0.002108 (\frac{1}{P_{f} + 1 4.7}) * EXP (- \frac{6 859.74}{T_{f} + 3 7 6.5 8 8} + 2 5.1 0 9 3 1) + EXP (- \frac{7 89.07}{T_{f} + 4 5 9.7} + 15.38136), & (Equation 1) \end{matrix}$

- where P_fis a gas pressure, T_fis a gas temperature, and m is the mol % of water present in a gas line. According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, P_fand T_fare acquired using a plurality of sensors coupled to a gas stream. Equation 1 provides a value having units of mol % of water. Therefore, the method of one or more embodiments further includes converting a mol % of water to a volume of total water lost using the molar mass of water and Avogadro's number, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, the method 400 also includes calculating, using the computer system, the physical property data, equation 1 and equation 2, a total volume of water lost from outlet gas line exiting the gas treating system,

$\begin{matrix} V_{L} = \sum_{0}^{x_{o u t}} \frac{m_{x}}{100} F_{x} \frac{M W_{H_{2} O}}{ρ_{H_{2} O}}, & (Equation 2) \end{matrix}$

- where V_Lis the total volume of water lost from the outlet gas line exiting the gas treating system, x_outis a total number of outlet gas lines exiting the gas treating system, m_xis a mol % of water present in an xth gas stream (calculated using equation 1), and F_xis a gas flow rate of an xth gas line, MW_H2Ois a molecular weight of water, and ρ_H2Ois a density of water assuming standard temperature and pressure.

In some embodiments, the method 400 also includes calculating, using the computer system, the physical property data, equation 1, and equation 3, a total volume of water added from the inlet gas line entering the gas treating system:

$\begin{matrix} V_{A} = \sum_{0}^{x_{i n}} \frac{m_{x}}{100} F_{x} \frac{M W_{H_{2} O}}{ρ_{H_{2} O}}, & (Equation 3) \end{matrix}$

- where V_Ais the total volume of water added from the inlet gas line entering the gas treating system, x_inis a total number of inlet gas lines entering the gas treating system.

In some embodiments, the method 400 also includes calculating, using the computer system, a total volume of water to be added to the gas treating system, using equation 4:

$\begin{matrix} V_{T} = V_{L} - V_{A}, & (Equation 4) \end{matrix}$

- where V_Tis the total volume of water to be added to the gas treating system, V_Lis the total volume of water lost from the outlet gas line, and V_Ais the total volume of water added from the inlet gas line.

The method 400 also includes, in step 406, producing instructions to adjust, using a flow control valve, the water flow rate based on the total volume of water to be added to the gas treating system, where the flow control valve is located on the inlet water line at a downstream position from the flow meter, where the computer system is in electrical communication with the flow meter, the inlet gas sensor, the outlet gas sensor, and the flow control valve. In some embodiments, the method 400 further includes receiving a water level from a level-indicating transmitter located on a water collection system and providing instructions to a level control valve to maintain a desired water level in the water collection system by adjusting a water source flow rate of a water source to match the total volume of water to be added to the gas treating system, where the water source is fluidly connected to an upstream side of the water collection system and the level control valve is located on a make-up water line exiting the water collection system, and where the computer system is in electrical communication with the level-indicating transmitter and the level control valve.

FIG. 4B is a flowchart of a computer-implemented method for automating addition of make-up water according to one or more embodiments. The method 420 of one or more embodiments shown in FIG. 4B includes, in step 422, receive a plurality of water flow rates from a plurality of flow meters and physical property data from a plurality of inlet gas sensors and a plurality of outlet gas sensors. The physical property data includes at least one of a gas flow rate, a gas temperature, and a gas pressure, and each of the plurality of flow meters is located on an inlet water line. Each of the plurality of inlet gas sensors is located on an inlet gas line, and each of the plurality of outlet gas sensors is located on an outlet gas line.

The method 420 also includes, in step 424, calculating, using a computer system and using the physical property data, a total volume of water to be added to a plurality of gas treating systems. The inlet water line and the inlet gas line enter each of the plurality of gas treating systems and the outlet gas line exits each of the plurality of gas treating systems.

In some embodiments, the method 420 includes calculating, using the computer system and the physical property data for each of the plurality of gas treating systems, a mol % of water in the inlet gas line and the outlet gas line using equation 1:

$\begin{matrix} m = 0.0 02108 (\frac{1}{P_{f} + 1 4.7}) * EXP (- \frac{6 859.74}{T_{f} + 3 7 6.5 8 8} + 2 5.1 0 9 31) + EXP (- \frac{7 89.07}{T_{f} + 4 5 9.7} + 15.38136), & (Equation 1) \end{matrix}$

- where P_fis a gas pressure, T_fis a gas temperature, and m is the mol % of water present in a gas line.

In some embodiments, the method 420 includes calculating, using the computer system and the physical property data for each of the plurality of gas treating systems, a total volume of water lost from the outlet gas line exiting a yth gas treating system, using equation 1 and equation 5,

V

L
,
y

=

∑

1
y

⁢

∑