Calculators › Condensate Stabilization
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Condensate Stabilization

GPSA · API 2000 · ASTM D323

Condensate Stabilization Calculator
Calculates reboiler duty and operating conditions to achieve target Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) for safe condensate storage and transport. Uses enthalpy balance and flash separation principles per GPSA.

Feed Conditions

bbl/day
psi
Pipeline: 10-12 psi  |  Storage: 7-10 psi
°F

Operating Conditions

psig
Typical: 50-100 psig

Quick Reference

Design Temp Limit 375°F
Max Safe Temp 400°F
Typical Trays 10-18
Liquid Yield 85-95%
Purpose: Remove C1-C4 light ends to reduce vapor pressure for safe storage and pipeline transport.

📚 Learn the Theory

Vapor pressure, RVP specifications, flash calculations, and stabilizer column design

Read Engineering Guide →

Engineering Notes

  • Reid Vapor Pressure: RVP per ASTM D323 measures vapor pressure at 100°F with 4:1 V/L ratio. Pipeline spec: 10-12 psi; storage: 7-10 psi.
  • Temperature Limits: Max 375°F design, 400°F absolute to prevent thermal cracking and coking.
  • Liquid Yield: Typical 85-95%. Lower RVP = more light ends removed = higher shrinkage.
  • Trade-off: Lower RVP requires more heat input but recovers valuable NGLs.

Design Guidelines

  • Column Pressure 50-75 psig: Easier separation, lower reboiler temp, larger diameter.
  • Column Pressure 100-150 psig: Smaller column, higher reboiler temp, better heat integration.
  • Feed Location: Mid-column (tray 4-6 of 10-15) for optimal separation.
  • Reflux Ratio: Typical 0.5-2.0; higher improves C3/C4 split but increases duty.

Limitations

  • Simplified 3-class composition model (light/medium/heavy)
  • Assumes typical feed light ends distribution
  • Does not model tray-by-tray calculations
  • Use rigorous simulation (HYSYS, ProMax) for final design

About This Calculator

Estimates stabilizer reboiler duty and operating conditions to achieve target Reid Vapor Pressure using enthalpy balance methods from GPSA.

Calculation Method

  • Duty: Enthalpy balance (latent + sensible heat)
  • Temperature: Vapor pressure correlations
  • Sizing: Souders-Brown flooding correlation
  • Trays: Fenske minimum stages

Limitations

  • Simplified composition model (3 classes)
  • Assumes typical feed light ends content
  • Use rigorous simulation for final design

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