Techno-economic evaluation of a novel NGL recovery scheme with nine patented schemes for offshore applications

A novel configuration of natural gas liquid (NGL) recovery process is proposed for offshore applications. Nine representative patented NGL recovery processes were chosen and their heat integration was modified for offshore applications. Detail techno-economic analysis of the proposed configuration was performed on these selected conventional NGL recovery processes. The results suggest that the proposed NGL configuration is most efficient among all the processes considered in terms of the operating and capital cost. The cold residue recycle and flashed vapor reflux process had the highest and lowest capital cost requirement among other processes. The excellent heat integration and sharp separation efficiency of the heavier components are the main highlights of the proposed NGL recovery process.