The Handbook of Natural Gas Transmission and Processing (4th Edition) by Mokhatab and Poe is the primary industry reference for gas gathering, treatment, and transmission. This comprehensive guide covers unconventional gas processing and thermodynamic efficiency, with additional specialized options available from ASTM and Hydrocarbon Processing. For details on the 4th edition, visit Elsevier.
Petroleum Refining and Natural Gas Processing Handbook ... - ASTM
This report synthesizes industry-standard knowledge, recent technological advances, and operational best practices, formatted as an executive-level overview.
1. Executive Summary
The Gas Processing Handbook – Exclusive Edition consolidates state-of-the-art methodologies for treating raw natural gas to meet pipeline, LNG, or petrochemical specifications. This report highlights critical unit operations, emerging decarbonization techniques, and economic optimization strategies. Key findings:
- Modern gas processing integrates membrane separation, cryogenic expansion, and solvent-based acid gas removal.
- CO₂ and H₂S management now emphasizes carbon capture, sequestration, or enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
- NGL recovery targets ethane, propane, butanes, and pentanes+ for highest value.
- Digitalization (AI, digital twins) reduces operational expenditure by 12–18%.
4. "Exclusive" Operational Insights
This section details the proprietary nuances often omitted from standard engineering textbooks but essential for the Handbook's exclusive utility.
Section 2: Dehydration Dynamics – TEG vs. Molecular Sieves
Water removal is critical for preventing hydrates and pipeline corrosion. The Gas Processing Handbook Exclusive shifts the paradigm from "routine operation" to "predictive control."
B. Dehydration Technologies
Preventing hydrate formation is critical. The handbook outlines three primary methods:
- Triethylene Glycol (TEG) Absorption: The industry standard. The handbook notes that reconcentrator temperatures should approach 400°F to achieve high glycol purity, though this risks thermal degradation.
- Molecular Sieves: Required for cryogenic processes (temps below -40°F) where TEG cannot achieve the necessary dew point suppression.
- Enhanced Membrane Separation: Emerging technology for bulk water removal upstream of TEG units.




