GPSA Ch. 16
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Still Pressure | 30–75 psig |
| Reboiler Temperature | 350–450°F |
| Theoretical Stages | 4–12 |
| NGL Retention Target | 1–3% |
| Steam Rate | 0.3–1.0 lb/gal |
| Oil Loss | 0.02–0.10% |
Stripping Efficiency:
Typical stripping efficiency 85–98% depending on stages, temperature, and steam usage. Steam stripping allows lower reboiler temperatures while maintaining high NGL recovery.
Function: The oil purification still strips absorbed NGL (C₃+) from demethanized rich oil, producing lean oil for recirculation to the absorber and NGL product from the overhead.
Understand oil purification still design, steam stripping, and oil degradation prevention
An oil purification (stripping) still removes absorbed NGL (Cā+) from demethanized rich oil, regenerating lean oil for recirculation to the absorber in lean oil absorption plants. It is sized per GPSA Ch. 16.
The calculator supports both reboiler-only and steam stripping configurations. Steam stripping provides additional driving force for light component removal and is used when higher lean oil purity is required per GPSA Ch. 16.
Reboiler duty is determined from the heat required to vaporize absorbed NGL components from the rich oil, plus sensible heat and heat losses. The calculator computes duty based on oil flow rate, NGL loading, and operating temperatures.
The calculator provides column diameter, number of trays, reboiler duty, NGL product rate, steam requirements (if applicable), lean oil quality, and estimated vessel weight per ASME VIII and GPSA Ch. 16.