A technological solution combining Turbo expander and Joule-Thomson valve to enhance LPG recovery efficiency at the Dinh Co gas processing plant

  • Phan Tan Hau Petrovietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation (PV GAS)
  • Bui Cong Hung Petrovietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation (PV GAS)
  • Tran Dang San Petrovietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation (PV GAS)
  • Vo Phong Hai Bang Petrovietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation (PV GAS)
  • Bui Thanh Dung Petrovietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation (PV GAS)
Keywords: Dinh Co Gas Processing Plant, Joule-Thomson effect, low temperature separation, turbo expander

Abstract

This paper presents the application of a low-temperature hydrocarbon recovery system that combines a turbo expander (TE) with a Joule- Thomson (JT) valve at the Dinh Co Gas Processing Plant. This is an advanced cryogenic cooling technology, widely applied in modern natural gas processing plants, LNG complexes, and petrochemical facilities that require high liquid recovery efficiency.
The implementation at Dinh Co Gas Processing Plant demonstrates that the combined TE-JT system achieves significantly deeper gas cooling compared to the JT valve-only configuration. As a result, propane (C3) recovery efficiency has consistently exceeded 85%, contributing to improved economic performance of the plant. The hybrid TE-JT solution not only proves its high practicality amid the volatility of energy and LPG markets but also represents a substantial advancement in the modernization of Vietnam's gas processing technologies, aligning with global trends toward energy efficiency improvement and emission reduction.

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Published
2025-11-28
How to Cite
Phan, T. H., Bui, C. H., Tran, D. S., Vo, P. H. B., & Bui, T. D. (2025). A technological solution combining Turbo expander and Joule-Thomson valve to enhance LPG recovery efficiency at the Dinh Co gas processing plant. Petrovietnam Journal, 4, 35-44. https://doi.org/10.47800/PVSI.2025.04-04