Gas Processing Thermodynamics and Phase Behaviour

Overview

Every gas processing operation, from inlet separation and dehydration to NGL recovery, dew point control and acid gas removal, depends on the thermodynamic behaviour of natural gas and its liquids. Engineers who understand phase behaviour can predict when liquids will drop out, when hydrates will form, how much refrigeration is needed and how changes in feed composition will affect plant performance. Simulation software performs these calculations quickly, but its results are only reliable when users understand the underlying principles, choose the right property methods and recognise when answers do not make physical sense.

This course provides a practical understanding of thermodynamics and phase behaviour for gas processing engineers. Participants learn the properties of natural gas components, ideal and real gas behaviour, compressibility, phase diagrams and the behaviour of multicomponent mixtures. The course covers equations of state such as Peng-Robinson and Soave-Redlich-Kwong, K-values, flash calculations, dew point and bubble point estimation, and water and hydrate equilibria. It also explains enthalpy and entropy calculations for compressors, expanders and heat exchangers, Joule-Thomson effects, the thermodynamics of refrigeration cycles, the selection of property packages in process simulators and practical checks on simulation results.

Objectives

• Describe natural gas component properties and real gas behaviour
• Interpret phase diagrams for pure components and multicomponent mixtures
• Apply equations of state and K-values to gas processing calculations
• Perform flash, dew point and bubble point calculations
• Predict water content and hydrate formation conditions for natural gas
• Calculate enthalpy and entropy changes for compressors, expanders and exchangers
• Select property packages and check process simulation results critically

Who should attend

Training methodology

The course combines clear explanation of thermodynamic principles with hand calculations, spreadsheet exercises and process simulation examples. Participants calculate compressibility factors, perform flash calculations, estimate dew points and hydrate temperatures, and evaluate compressor and expander performance using enthalpy and entropy data. Simulation results from different property packages are compared to show their effect on predicted liquid recovery and refrigeration duty. Real plant data is used to check whether simulation predictions match operation. Each day ends with a short quiz and discussion of thermodynamic problems at participants' plants.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Certificate

Frequently asked questions