Desidratação de gás natural com glicóis: avanços tecnológicos e desafios operacionais
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21712/lajer.2026.v13.n1.p1-16Keywords:
Gás natural, Desidratação, Trietilenoglicol, Simulação de processos, Otimização.Abstract
O processo de desidratação do gás natural (GN) é mandatório para prevenir a formação de hidratos e corrosão em dutos. A absorção com trietilenoglicol (TEG) é o método industrial padrão, mas apresenta desafios de consumo energético e emissões de poluentes (BTEX). O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o estado da arte do processo de desidratação de GN com TEG, identificando avanços tecnológicos e gargalos operacionais. Para isso, realizou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura, seguindo o método PRISMA, com 25 artigos selecionados das bases Web of Science e SciELO no período de 2021 a 2025. A análise dos resultados foi estruturada em três pilares metodológicos identificados: (1) a consolidação da simulação computacional (Aspen Hysys®) para modelagem de processo; (2) a ascensão da Inteligência Artificial (Gêmeos Digitais, Machine Learning) para otimização e diagnóstico em tempo real; e (3) o desenvolvimento de tecnologias emergentes, como Leitos Rotativos (RPB) e membranas híbridas, visando a intensificação e a sustentabilidade. A revisão também quantificou o trade-off central do processo, onde a busca pela máxima pureza do TEG (exigindo altas temperaturas, ~204°C, e baixas pressões) conflita diretamente com o consumo de energia e a geração de emissões. Conclui-se que as perspectivas de inovação no setor apontam para a integração de soluções híbridas, combinando a predição de modelos de IA com hardwares intensificados, de modo a otimizar simultaneamente a eficiência, os custos e o desempenho ambiental.
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