GPSA · Plant Processing of Natural Gas Ch. 9 · Distillation Design
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NGL Fractionation Column Sizer
Sizes deethanizer, depropanizer, and debutanizer columns for NGL separation. Determines theoretical stages, reflux ratio, column diameter, and reboiler/condenser duties per GPSA methodology.
Column Type & Feed
BPD
psia
Product Specifications
%
%
Pipeline spec: C₃ min 95%, C₄ min 95%
Feed Composition
mol%
mol%
Simplified binary separation
Column Sizing Results
Theoretical Stages-
Actual Trays-
Reflux Ratio-
Column Diameter-
Column Height-
Reboiler Duty-
Condenser Duty-
About NGL Fractionation
NGL fractionation separates mixed NGLs into pure products (ethane, propane, butane, gasoline) using distillation columns. The sequence typically progresses from lightest to heaviest components.
Typical Column Sequence
Deethanizer: Separates C₂ from C₃+
Depropanizer: Separates C₃ from C₄+
Debutanizer: Separates C₄ from C₅+
Butane Splitter: Separates iC₄ from nC₄
Typical Operating Parameters
Deethanizer: 350-450 psia, 35-50 trays
Depropanizer: 200-300 psia, 30-45 trays
Debutanizer: 100-150 psia, 25-40 trays
Butane Splitter: 100-140 psia, 80-120 trays
Design Considerations
Higher reflux ratio improves separation but increases energy