Midstream Operator – Coyanosa Texas, Mar 2022- Problem – The operator identified high levels of black powder contamination in their condensate production. The contamination was reducing the quality and sale price of the condensate along with increased costs from conventional filter change-outs and shutdowns.
Butane and Low Ethane Propane (LEP) feedstocks contain sub micron Black Powder contamination that leads to costly unplanned maintenance and repairs. Previously, the Black Powder was removed using inefficient conventional bag filters, requiring over 50 filter change-outs each month. In addition, these bag filters are ineffective at removing Black Powder particles under 10 microns. This enables contamination to flow through the loading process causing damage to pumps, compressors, cooling systems and loading equipment.
High levels of Black Powder contamination (iron oxide, iron sulfide, silica and salts) from feed stock were bypassing filtration, contaminating compressor lube oil and damaging pumps, bearings, and seal faces. Two filtration methods were in use – a cone strainer upstream of the pump and high pressure cartridge filters upstream of the compressor.
Off-loading Natural gas condensate (C5H12+), from the 1st stage of natural gas field compression.
Excessive Filter Costs and Offloading Stoppage.
NGL product has high levels of Black Powder contamination coming out of the stabilizer column. The contamination was causing damage to the pumps, meters, and valves downstream…
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