NGL Stabilization
Stabilization | Process Overview | Major Equipment

Major Equipment

DPC has designed a standard unit to stabilize a nominal 500 BPD of NGL production to 9# Reid vapor pressure (RVP), with an easily operated system in a very energy efficient manner. The heat source is an electric resistance process type immersion heater, procured along with its control system, from an "old-line" process heater manufacturer. The electric heat allows for a simple installation, a stable and safe operation and avoids producing any air emissions associated with direct-fired equipment.

The maximum allowable operating design pressure (up to 1000 psig) and temperature ratings (650°F) of the system components are far in excess of the anticipated operating conditions. In other words the equipment is over-designed and under-stressed in operation. This is deliberately done for enhanced safety and durability.

The stabilizer is a top feed quench, center heated feed tower design. Bubble cap trays are used to give the tower a stable operation over a wide range of flow conditions. The stabilizer tower has both top and middle tray liquid feed points. Multiple heat exchangers are used to recover the heat from the stabilized hot bottom product and return the energy to the middle feed tray for maximum energy conservation and product cooling.

The stabilization system is built on two process skids. The tower is mounted on a stand-up skid that then bolts to the heat exchanger and control skid for a quick and simple installation. The skids are designed to be set on stabilized ground. Concrete foundations are not typically required.

Some fabrication pictures of a stabilization unit:

Stand-up Distillation Tower after application of insulation

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 Exchanger and Control Skid after application of insulation


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Pre-piping Unit Set-up


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