Case Study Preventing hydrate formation in natural gas storage

Product catalog summary

Introduction
Exakta, an expert in industrial processes, was approached by Europe's largest natural gas storage player to provide a metering pump solution to prevent hydrate formation in natural gas storage operations. This case study highlights the solution provided by Exakta to ensure sustainable management of energy resources.

Background
The customer, a subsidiary of a multi-billion-euro gas utility, stores natural gas underground to maintain supply during disruptions, supplement pipeline supply during peaks, and conserve excess gas. The storage method involves injecting gas into porous rock of depleted reservoirs, which avoids further environmental disruption.

Challenge
A major challenge faced by the operator is the formation of hydrates, ice-like solids that form when water and gas combine, potentially blocking and rupturing pipelines. To prevent this, methanol injection into the gas was required.

Solution
Exakta supplied Nexa KN API 675 metering pumps, capable of operating in ATEX-classified areas, to dose methanol at 30 litres per hour at 86-bar pressure. The pumps feature wetted parts in 316L stainless steel and ANSI-standard flanges for chemical compatibility and durability. The ATEX rating ensures safe operation in explosive atmospheres.

Benefits
The solution prevents hydrate formation, ensuring maximum process efficiency and reducing gas flaring. The Nexa KN pumps offer flexibility in motor mounting and modularity for future system extensions.

Technical Specifications

Capacity range up to 7800 l/h with single head
Flow-rate adjustment options: manual, electrical, pneumatic, SMART servomotor, or frequency converter drives
Adjustable seal for flushing or leakage recovery
Operating pressure: up to 350 barg (hydraulic diaphragm) and 650 (plunger diaphragm)
Wetted parts: SS 316L, PP, PVDF, PTFE
Motor positioning: vertical or horizontal
Flow rate: up to 655 l/h
Compliance with API 675 and ATEX 2014/34/EU

Conclusion
Exakta's solution demonstrates high performance and durability, helping customers achieve long-term, cost-effective improvements in their operations.

Catalog excerpts

Case Study Preventing hydrate formation in natural gas storage

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Exakta pumps help ensure sustainable management of energy resources When Europe’s largest player in the natural gas storage sector required a metering pump solution for a key part of its operations, industrial processes expert Exakta was approached to provide a superior solution. The customer, a subsidiary of a multi-billion-euro gas utility, stores natural gas underground in order to offer a strategic reserve that helps suppliers: • Maintain supply in the event of disruption to production or transmission • Supplement pipeline supply during daily and seasonal peaks • Conserve excess gas that...

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Case Study Preventing hydrate formation in natural gas storage-3

The quality finish of the Nexa surface, wetted parts in 316L stainless steel and ANSI-standard flanges offered outstanding chemical compatibility and durability which was essential in such a demanding heavy-industrial process. This robustness was complemented by Nexa ATEX rating for use in potentially-explosive atmospheres - a non-negotiable element of the client's design specification. Meanwhile, the pump offered the flexibility of vertical or horizontal motor mounting and its modularity would allow the system to be easily extended in the future. By avoiding the threat of hydrate formation in...

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Case Study Preventing hydrate formation in natural gas storage-4

www.seko.com www.exakta.com Exakta reserves the right to amend and change specifications without prior notice. All pictures shown are for illustration purpose only. Actual product may vary due to product enhancement. Published data may be subject to change. © 2021 EXAKTA, Layout and origin: UK, CASEST GASSIP EN V01

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Case Study Preventing hydrate formation in natural gas storage

Case Study Preventing hydrate formation in natural gas storage

Catalog excerpts

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