World's First Arsenic in Condensate Removal for Oil & Gas Industry and its Universal Applications for Adsorption Facilities
Authors: Piromchart Taradon , Watanapanich Supaluck , Limprachaya Siripong , Limpanachaipornkul Patara , Sanitmuang Thirawat , Jaiyen Jutiporn , Iamtanasinchai Noppadol , Somroop Ekkalak , Pimthaweepol Worachet , Choktheeraworachai Udom , Moonrat Warapong , Yormin Prakarn , Arayachukiat Sunatda , Chinkiri Kittichai , Thunmasarnrit Urissa , Hayook Chiradej , Sakpunjachotti Thanapong , Kaoluan Thawich , Buranaboonwong Natavut , Jiravasanaich Nattaporn 
Published: March 2022

Arsenic (As) and Mercury (Hg) are impurities unique to condensate produced from reservoir in the Gulf of Thailand and thus, the treatment process is critical to meet PTTEP's sale obligation. Mercury has been successfully removed by filtration, but no proven technology exists for arsenic removal until now. Normally, there are 3 condensate tankers to transfer offloading condensate to Petrochemical plant. In case any batch of condensate is rejected by customer. Trader is generally required at least 2 weeks to manage the tanker holding the high As condensate. Thus, the business impact of this project is cost saving from reducing the frequency of tanker demurrage. The major financial ramification is a key driver for exploring the alternative treatment techniques for As removal. Several techniques to remove As content in condensate have been explored and tested to find a suitable solution to this major challenge.

Several technologies were tested in-house, and solid bed adsorption is found to be the most effective with approximately 90% removal efficiency. The scaled-up unit is developed for pilot test with operating conditions designed to simulate actual site conditions for further large-scale development.

The Arsenic Removal Mobile Unit is designed for a capacity of 4,670 BPD located at the Condensate Tank Terminal prior to installation at offshore facilities. Basic engineering was performed in-house by PTTEP according to adsorbent specifications with modular fabrication for flexibility of installation and relocation. Detailed engineering and construction were performed by contractor under PTTEP supervision. The engineering and procurement of long lead equipment were performed by PTTEP. Furthermore, in parallel, the engineering team are also performed to provide a basis design facility, plan & schedule for installing a permanent arsenic removal unit at Offshore locations (Full-scale). This test result will prove the performance of selected adsorbent and how the adsorbent reacts with actual condensate in full scale.

PTTEP is the only company who have been studied about arsenic removal technology from condensate. This initiative has been carried through from preliminary conception to prototype field trials for practical application with an ambitious end-goal of commercialization. The success of this project will provide confidence for large-scale ARU investment to support the condensate management strategy. The expected benefit gain is saving revenue loss of each relevant party. Once this unit is installed at offshore. It will unlock field potential and increase operating flexibility. For downstream industry, it will reduce the adverse impact on downstream petrochemical plants. The service life of catalyst can be prolonged and reduce a toxicity risk to personnel. The high arsenic contaminated in disposal water shall be resolved.