Process simulation and evaluation of ethane recovery process using Aspen-HYSYS

Abstract

In this work, the process of ethane recovery plant was simulated for the purpose of Front End Engineering Design. The main objective is to carry out a series of simulation using Aspen HYSYS to compare recovery of ethane from Joule Thomson (JT) Valve, Turbo-Expander and Twister Technology. Twister technology offers high efficiency, more ethane recovery and lower temperature than JT valve and turbo-expander process. It lies somewhere between isenthalpic and isentropic process due to its mechanical configuration. Three processes were compared in terms of recovery of ethane. To conduct the simulations, a real gas plant composition and design data were utilized to perform the study for comparison among chosen technologies which are available for ethane recovery. The same parameters were used for the comparisons. Effect of operating conditions including pressure, temperature, and flow rate as well as carbon dioxide on the recovery of ethane was examined.