Targa Resources Corp. was encountering a number of issues at their Galena Park LPG loading terminal linked to black powder contamination, a small and highly pervasive form of particulate contamination. This case study reviews results from the installation and operation of a patented magnetic separator system manufactured by Black Powder Solutions Inc. for the removal of the black powder contamination.

Targa was experiencing high levels of Black Powder™ (black powder) contamination at its Galena Park terminal in purity NGL products and loading, vapor handling and facility lubrication systems. Black powder is a type of particulate contamination that is common in hydrocarbons and it consists of both ferrous and non-ferrous elements and compounds, in varying amounts, typically in high concentrations of particles under 10 microns in size. It is difficult and expensive to remove with conventional filtration, and as a result it has significant negative impacts on oil and gas equipment and facilities; this includes pipelines, pumps, compressors, meters and so on, as well as product quality.

Since installation, the lube oil system has functioned at a significantly higher level due to the removal of the black powder contamination. The cost of the magnetic separator was $19,989, and the total quantifiable annual savings have been in excess of $300,000 per year.