High-Flow Filters for Gas Processing: Selection & Specification
Process & background
Gas processing plants run several liquid loops — glycol dehydration (TEG), produced water and utility fluids — each of which needs particulate control to protect contactors, pumps and heat exchangers.
High-flow filter elements consolidate these duties into compact housings. Their large area handles the high circulation rates typical of dehydration and produced-water systems while keeping pressure drop low.
Filtration requirements
- Glycol (TEG) filtration at 5–10 µm to control fouling and foaming
- Produced-water solids removal ahead of injection or disposal
- Media compatible with warm, hydrocarbon-bearing fluids
- Outside-to-inside flow for capacity
Recommended specification
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Micron rating | 5–20 µm |
| Media | PP or glass fibre |
| Length | 40" or 60" |
| Flow direction | Outside-to-inside |
| Interface | 226 / O-ring (housing-dependent) |
Common selection pitfalls
- Neglecting carbon-bed protection on glycol loops
- Selecting media that swells or degrades in hydrocarbon-bearing fluids
- Ignoring peak flow surges during regeneration cycles
Frequently asked questions
What is filtered in glycol dehydration?
TEG loops carry hydrocarbons, salts and degradation products. A 5–10 µm particulate filter upstream of the carbon bed controls foaming and fouling of the contactor and reboiler.
Can one element cover produced-water duty?
Large-format high-flow elements handle high produced-water rates with fewer housings than standard cartridges, simplifying maintenance in remote facilities.
Which media for gas-processing fluids?
PP suits most warm aqueous and glycol duties; glass fibre is used where a tighter absolute rating is required.
Other sub-applications
How to specify high-flow filter elements for amine treating units: micron rating, media, flow direction and pitfalls in MDEA/MEA/DEA gas-sweetening service.
High-Flow Filters for Condensate Filtration: Selection & SpecificationSpecify high-flow elements for gas and steam condensate: micron rating, absolute vs nominal media and pitfalls when protecting downstream equipment.
Specify the right element for this duty
Send us your operating conditions and we will recommend a compatible high-flow filter element.