Water treating requirements for gas processing plants depend upon
(1) the quality of the source or makeup water,
(2) the manner in which the water is used,
(3) environmental regulations,
(4) site climatic conditions governing wastewater disposal.
These factors should be considered in selecting the overall plant process and utility systems. Many gas processing plants, especially smaller plants, are designed “water free”, utilizing air for all cooling services, a heating medium for process heat requirements, and electric motor drivers. Such plants have essentially no makeup water requirements and wastewater treatment requirements are minimized.