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Pipeline Drying Calculator

Methanol for Drying & Slug Treatment

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Methanol Drying Calculator
Calculate methanol requirements to reduce water content in gas pipelines after hydrostatic testing. Based on GPSA water content charts with hydrate formation analysis.
Calculation Type:

Pipeline Parameters

inches
miles

Operating Conditions

psig
°F
°F
%
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Key Formulas

MMeOH = (Wvapor + Wresidual) / (0.7 × P)
MMeOH = Methanol mass (lb)
Wvapor = Vapor-phase water to remove (lb)
Wresidual = Residual free water after pigging (lb)
0.7 = Absorption capacity (lb H₂O/lb MeOH)
P = Methanol purity (fraction)

Water content from GPSA Figure 20-3. Residual water assumes 1.5% pipe volume after pigging. Hydrate temp is a conservative approximation for 0.6 SG gas.

Standards & References

  • GPSA
    Section 20 - Water Content of Gas
  • API RP 1110
    Pressure Testing of Steel Pipelines
  • ASME B31.8
    Gas Transmission and Distribution

Engineering Notes

  • Typical dewpoints: Gathering 40-60°F, transmission -20°F to -40°F
  • Methanol density: 6.63 lb/gal at 60°F (SG = 0.792)
  • Absorption limit: 0.7 lb water per lb pure methanol
  • Slug sizing: Typically 20-40% of pipeline volume
  • Safety: Methanol is toxic and flammable - full PPE required
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