Abstract:
In this work, Techno-Thermoeconomic Analysis has been performed for an entire Natural Gas
Processing Plant (NGPP) to analyze and evaluate the potential scenarios for improving the
economic and energy conditions of the unit. The interest is driven by the need to optimize the
quality and yield of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) without hampering the Sales of gas
conditions. Sales gas is the primary consumer product of the GPP. The steady-state model has
been developed and validated using ASPEN HYSYS. ASPEN Economic Analyzer has been
employed to identify cost intensive areas of the unit and to explore options to maximize profits
from the Plant. ASPEN Energy Analyzer (AEA) was then utilized to determine energy
exhaustive operating units of the plant, and alternatives to reduce energy consumption were
suggested based on rigorous Pinch Analysis (PA). Exergy Analysis is executed to determine
the exergy efficiency, which, being an indicator of thermal performance, assists in locating the
in-efficient operating units having the highest exergy destruction. Economic Analysis indicates
improvement in overall product sales when feed gas temperatures are decreased for the NGL
Recovery section. Similarly, Exergy analysis showcases significant efficiency improvement
potential in the NGL Fractionation train. The exergy efficiency of the base case can be
improved by 68%, and the exergy destruction is reduced by 62% when the stream entering the
recovery section is pre-heated.
