Investigation and Analysis into MEG Pump Discharge System Failures

Abstract Mono-Ethylene Glycol (MEG) is used as a thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor. The MEG is regenerated in the regeneration and reclamation systems, where it undergoes treatment to remove salts, acid gases, water and other dissolved substances. The two systems contain critical equipment such as MEG pumps and MEG Exchanger. The pumps are used to transfer MEG from reboiler to the exchanger, whilst the exchanger used to cool down the lean MEG as it warms up the Rich MEG. This equipment is prone to a variety of damage mechanisms including localized pitting, chloride stress corrosion cracking, and galvanic corrosion. This paper investigates the reoccurring failures in MEG transfer pump discharge systems, with a particular focus on identifying the root cause and proposing appropriate countermeasures through a comprehensive analysis of historical records, on-site observation, and technical evaluations. To identify the root cause data related to previous occurrences of failures in the discharge line were gathered and examined. Furthermore, Field investigations were conducted at various locations to assess the functionality of equipment as well as investigate the utilization of proposed protective measures. Additionally, Technical evaluations, which involve examining the properties of the service medium in relation to material compatibility factors, were conducted in order to gain a deeper comprehension of the failure mechanism. These measures will be highlighted and discussed along with practical solutions.