Natural Gas Coalescing Filter Cartridge: Protecting Pipelines & Process Equipment
A Natural Gas Coalescing Filter Cartridge is an engineered filtration element designed to remove liquid aerosols (water, hydrocarbon condensate, glycol) and fine particulate matter from natural gas streams. In pipelines, processing plants, and end-use applications, these contaminants cause corrosion, equipment damage, measurement errors, and safety hazards. This cartridge is the replaceable heart of a filtration vessel, ensuring the gas meets pipeline specifications and protects sensitive downstream equipment. Lefilter supplies high-efficiency, reliable Natural Gas Coalescing Filter Cartridges for gas transmission, distribution, and processing.
The Imperative for Clean Natural Gas
Raw or wet natural gas contains harmful contaminants:
Liquid Aerosols: Water, compressor lube oil, amine, or glycol carryover.
Solids: Pipeline rust, sand, welding slag, desiccant dust.
Our cartridges protect turbines, compressors, meters, valves, and CNG stations by ensuring gas is clean and dry.
How It Works: Coalescence in Action
Installed within a pressure vessel, the cartridge performs a critical two-step process:
Coalescence: Contaminated gas flows from the outside of the cartridge inward through a dense matrix of fine microglass or synthetic fibers. Sub-micron liquid droplets and aerosols impinge on the fibers and coalesce into larger droplets.
Separation & Drainage: These enlarged droplets are carried by the gas stream to the inner core of the cartridge. They are then shed, fall by gravity into the vessel sump, and are automatically drained. Clean, dry gas exits the cartridge center.
Key Benefits of Our Natural Gas Coalescing Cartridges
High-Efficiency Removal: Achieves >99.9% removal of liquid aerosols and solids down to 0.3 micron, protecting equipment and ensuring accurate gas measurement.
Prevents Hydrate Formation: Removing water is key to preventing ice-like hydrate blockages in pipelines and instruments, especially in cold environments or high-pressure applications.
Extends Equipment Life: Protects costly assets like gas turbines, CNG compressors, and control valves from corrosion, erosion, and fouling.
Optimized Performance: Low, stable pressure drop and high contaminant-holding capacity minimize energy costs and maintenance frequency.
Direct OEM Replacement: We offer 100% compatible, high-performance cartridges for all major OEM vessels (Pall, Parker, Donaldson, etc.), providing significant cost savings without compromising quality.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
Parameter | Specification |
|---|
Primary Function | Removal of Liquids & Solids from Natural Gas |
Efficiency | >99.9% on 0.3 µm liquid aerosols (per ISO 29461). |
Standard Connections | Double Open End (DOE), Single Open End (SP/TC). |
Standard Lengths | 10", 20", 30", 40", 60". |
Media Type | Borosilicate Microglass or High-Performance Synthetic. |
Core & Construction | Stainless Steel Core. End Caps: Metal or Polymer. Seals: Buna-N, Viton, EPDM. |
Operating Pressure | Up to 300 PSIG (standard); higher ratings available. |
Applications | Pipeline Scrubbers, Gas Metering Skids, CNG Stations, Gas Turbine Inlets, Process Gas. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where in the gas system should this cartridge be installed?
A: Key locations include: upstream of gas turbines/compressors, before custody transfer meters, at city gate stations, and at CNG fueling station compressors. It acts as final protection for critical equipment.
Q: What’s the difference between a “gas” and “liquid” coalescer cartridge?
A: A Natural Gas Coalescing Cartridge is designed for gas-phase service: it separates liquid droplets from a continuous gas stream. Media and construction are optimized for gas flow and liquid drainage.
Q: How do I know when to change the cartridge?
A: Monitor the differential pressure (ΔP) across the filter vessel. Replace the cartridge when ΔP reaches the recommended change-out value (typically 7-10 psid). A sudden increase in liquid drainage can also indicate media loading.
Q: Can it handle “sour gas” (H2S) applications?
A: Yes. We offer cartridges constructed with H2S-resistant materials (special seals, coatings) for sour service applications. Please specify your gas composition.
Q: Do you offer cartridges for high-pressure applications (>1000 PSIG)?
A: Absolutely. We engineer and manufacture cartridges with reinforced construction for high-pressure and ASME-coded vessel applications. Contact us with your specific pressure and flow requirements.
