About the Fundamentals of Natural Gas Processing Course

Time Training Center’s 5-day (30-hour) Fundamentals of Natural Gas Processing course provides an in-depth exploration of key processes for converting raw natural gas into a market-ready product. This program guides participants through the entire natural gas value chain, from initial exploration and extraction to the final distribution to consumers, highlighting the critical purification steps required.

The course covers key processing techniques such as gas compression, dehydration, acid gas removal, sulphur recovery, cryogenic extraction of natural gas liquids (NGLs), and the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG). It emphasises understanding the technical processes, regulatory frameworks, economic considerations, and the necessary infrastructure, including compressor stations and pipelines, essential for efficient and safe operations.

Through theoretical lessons, interactive workshops, and real-world case studies, participants will learn about natural gas composition, purification technologies, and its role in the hydrocarbon value chain. This course equips professionals with a foundational understanding of the industry's technical, economic, and safety aspects, enhancing their ability to contribute effectively to the natural gas sector.

Fundamentals of Natural Gas Processing Course Objectives

​By the end of this Fundamentals of Natural Gas Processing training course, participants will be able to:​

• Understand the chemical composition and characteristics of natural gas.
• Describe the fundamental processes and technologies used in natural gas purification.
• Interpret technical drawings and schematics used in natural gas processing.
• Discuss the extraction and development processes of gas wells.
• Identify the primary methods of gas purification and conditioning.
• Explain the role of natural gas processing within the broader hydrocarbon value chain.
• Comprehend the regulatory and safety requirements for gas processing facilities.
• Explore the market needs for NGLs, LPGs, ethane, propane, and butane.
• Understand the operational dynamics of natural gas transportation systems and compressor stations.

Training Methodology

We employ a comprehensive and applied learning strategy, integrating theory with real-world implementation:

• 30% Conceptual Learning: Expert-led sessions on catalytic theory and engineering principles
• 20% Interactive Workshops: Group exercises, presentations, and technical discussion forums
• 30% Case-Based Learning: Industry-specific examples and troubleshooting scenarios
• 20% Technology Integration: Digital tools, simulations, and catalyst modeling applications

Note: Instructors may adjust the training approach to fit technical requirements or participant engagement levels.

Course Instructor:

Our courses are delivered by highly qualified instructors with extensive experience in both industry and academia. With decades of hands-on expertise across a wide range of technical disciplines, our instructors are dedicated to providing high-quality, impactful training that equips participants with practical knowledge and skills they can immediately apply. Full instructor profiles are available upon request.

Course Fees

The course fee includes the following:

• Course Materials: Comprehensive participant materials, including lecture notes, slides, and case study documents. (Tablet or IPAD)
• Coffee/Tea: Provided on arrival and during morning and afternoon breaks to keep participants refreshed.
• Buffet Lunch: Served daily to ensure participants have an opportunity to network and recharge during lunch breaks.

Who Should Attend Our Fundamentals of Natural Gas Processing Course?

This course is ideal for professionals across technical, operational, and managerial roles in the natural gas industry who seek a solid foundation in gas processing and its technologies. Participants may include:

• Engineers (Process, Chemical, Mechanical, etc.)
• Operators and Technicians in gas processing facilities
• Maintenance personnel involved in gas processing and transportation
• Managers and Supervisors overseeing gas production and refining operations
• Sales and Legal professionals requiring an understanding of natural gas processing
• Anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of natural gas, its processing, and related technologies

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Natural Gas Processing

• Pre-test assessment of existing knowledge
• Overview of Natural Gas
  • Background and History of Natural Gas
  • Key Natural Gas Resources and Uses
  • The Journey of Natural Gas from Wellhead to Market
• Exploration and Extraction
• Exploration Techniques and Technologies
• Gas Well Development and Drilling
• Raw Gas Extraction and Initial Separation
• Processing and Production
  • The Role of Gas Processing in the Value Chain
  • Key Processing Operations: Dehydration, Removal of Contaminants, and NGL Recovery
  • Introduction to Gas Purification Processes
• Transportation, Storage, and Distribution
• Gas Compression and Pipeline Systems
• Gas Storage Technologies (Surface vs. Underground)
• Distribution to Consumers and Market Considerations

Module 2: Understanding Natural Gas

• Characteristics of Natural Gas
  • Basic Composition and Variability of Natural Gas
  • Raw Gas Contaminants (Water, H2S, CO2, etc.)
• Chemical Composition and Behavior
  • Molecular Structure of Natural Gas
  • Properties Affecting Gas Processing (Density, Viscosity, etc.)
• Sales Gas and Product Specifications
  • Specifications for Commercial Natural Gas
  • Market Standards for Quality and Safety
• Separation and Treatment
  • Vapor/Liquid Separation Principles
  • Role of Separators in Gas Processing
• Industry Terminology
  • Common Terminology Used in Gas Processing
  • Glossary of Key Terms

Module 3: Gas Processing Technologies

• Water and Contaminant Removal
  • Dehydration Techniques and Equipment
  • Acid Gas Removal (AMINES, MEA, DEA)
  • Mercury and Nitrogen Removal
  • Gas Sweetening and Sulfur Recovery
• Techniques for Removing H2S and CO2
• Sulfur Recovery Units (SRU) Design and Operation
• Acid Gas Re-Injection
• Overview of Acid Gas Re-injection Techniques
  • Benefits and Challenges of Re-injection

  • Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) and Dew Point Control

• NGL Recovery Methods (Cryogenic, Absorption, etc.)
• Techniques for Controlling Dew Point and Hydrocarbon Recovery

Module 4: Nitrogen Rejection and Separation Processes

• Cryogenic Processes
  • Operating Principles of Cryogenic Distillation
  • Use of Cryogenic Units for NGL Recovery and Nitrogen Rejection
• Absorption Processes
  • Absorption Using Lean Oil or Solvents
  • Role in Nitrogen Rejection and Gas Conditioning
• Membrane Separation
  • Membrane Technologies for Gas Separation
  • Application in Nitrogen Rejection and Purification
• Adsorption with Activated Carbon
  • Activated Carbon and Molecular Sieve Adsorption Techniques
  • Benefits of Removing Specific Contaminants

Module 5: Natural Gas Storage and Sampling

• Storage Systems
  • Types of Natural Gas Storage Tanks (Surface and Underground)
  • Design Considerations for Storage Facilities
  • Vapor Recovery Systems for Gas Storage
• Sampling and Monitoring
  • Techniques for Gas Sampling and Analysis
  • Sampling Stations and Laboratory Procedures

Module 6: Natural Gas Transportation Systems

• Pipeline Components
  • Key Components of Gas Pipelines: Valves, Compressors, Metering Stations
  • Compressor Station Design and Operation
• Compressor Stations
  • Role of Compressor Stations in Gas Transportation
  • Station Architecture and Components (Compressor Units, Piping, Cooling Systems, etc.)
• Pipeline Regulation and Control
  • Overview of Control Systems for Gas Transportation
  • Metering and Regulation of Gas Flow

Module 7: Business and Market Economics of Natural Gas

• Industry Structure

  • Key Stakeholders in the Gas Industry: Producers, Transporters, and Consumers
  • Regulatory Bodies and Market Influences

• Supply and Demand Dynamics

  • Global and Regional Gas Supply and Demand Trends
  • Factors Affecting the Price and Distribution of Natural Gas

• Economics of Gas Processing

  • Cost Structures in Gas Processing Plants
  • Economic Considerations for Plant Design and Operations

Module 8: Introduction to Compressor Stations

• Compressor Station Components and Operations
  • Architecture and Layout of Compressor Stations
  • Functioning and Operation of Compressor Units
  • Methods for Maintaining Gas Pressure and Flow
• Re-pressurizing Pipelines
• Techniques and Equipment for Re-pressurization
• Monitoring and Control of Pressure Levels in Pipelines

Module 9: Safety and Regulatory Considerations

• Safety in Compressor Station Operations

  • Key Safety Protocols for Operation and Maintenance
  • Emergency Shutdown Systems and Safety Valves

• Regulatory Framework

  • Environmental and Safety Regulations Affecting Compressor Stations
  • Local, National, and International Standards for Gas Processing

• Maintenance and Inspection 

  • Regular Inspection Procedures for Equipment and Infrastructure
  • Addressing Maintenance Challenges in Gas Processing Facilities

Module 10: Capstone and Assessment

• Review of Core Topics and Key Learnings
• Final Group Discussion and Q&A
• Post-Test Evaluation
• Certificate Presentation

Course Completion Certificate

Upon completing your course at Time Training Center, you will be awarded an official Course Completion Certificate, recognizing your achievement and the skills you've gained. This certificate validates your expertise and reflects the high standards of training you've undergone.