Demethanizer

Demethanizers are typically operated at high pressure and low (cryogenic) temperature. Koch-Glitsch provides advanced mass transfer and separation technologies engineered to meet the unique challenges of high pressure distillation. We have successfully employed both trays and packing in Demethanizer columns. With trays, properly sizing the downcomer to account for the physical properties of a high pressure system is paramount to successful operation. With packing, specific care must be taken in designing distribution equipment in order for the packing to obtain the expected performance. 

Installation of INTALOX® Packed Tower Systems in demethanizer columns provides several benefits to the operator. Well-designed INTALOX® Packed Tower Systems take into account the close liquid and vapor densities and low surface tensions of this system. High performance INTALOX® tower internals in combination with INTALOX® ULTRA high-performance packing provide maximum separation efficiency. Increased efficiency permits operation at lower reflux ratios, reducing the condenser refrigeration requirement. 

In addition, INTALOX® ULTRA packing provides increased capacity or throughput with low pressure drop. For new construction, the column diameter is minimized, reducing the required capital investment. In revamp projects, the use of INTALOX® ULTRA packing allows maximum throughput for the existing column. INTALOX® ULTRA packing is available in a wide range of materials, including aluminum, and in sizes ranging from N to X. 

In some cases, the benefits of INTALOX® Packed Tower Systems can be extended to deethanizer columns as well. Koch-Glitsch has extensive experience packing hundreds of light hydrocarbon distillation towers to maximize performance

Key Offerings

• High-Capacity Trays and High-Performance Packings: Engineered for cryogenic temperatures, these solutions deliver efficient separation, low pressure drops, and high throughput.
• Mist Eliminators: Our mist elimination technologies minimize hydrocarbon losses and prevent contamination, ensuring process integrity and environmental compliance.
• Custom Column Internals: Precision-engineered internals optimize fluid distribution and mass transfer, improving methane separation from heavier hydrocarbons.

Benefits for Demethanizer Operations

• Increased separation efficiency and methane recovery
• Lower operating costs through reduced energy consumption
• Reliable equipment performance under cryogenic conditions
• Low maintenance requirements and extended equipment lifespan

Koch-Glitsch’s innovative solutions ensure that demethanizers operate efficiently and reliably, facilitating the separation of methane from heavier components. With proven technologies and a commitment to excellence, Koch-Glitsch empowers performance optimization for this critical application.