SABR Deep Cut Process
for NGL Recovery
The latest advancement in deep-cut natural gas processing to recover Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs).
- SABR Overview
The Split ABsorber Reflux Process
The Split Absorber Reflux (SABR) family of processes are the latest advancement in deep-cut natural gas processing to recover Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs). SABR is developed and licensed by Gas Liquids Engineering. SABR combines ultra-deep propane (C3) or ethane (C2) extraction with high energy efficiency, and high turndown capability.
For propane recovery, SABR breaks the recovery limits of conventional shallow-cut gas processing, without the need for turboexpanders or brazed aluminum heat exchangers. SABR can also maintain very high recovery rates even when turned down to low flowrates, with an attainable turndown of 60%.
The process has a range of potential applications, including large scale facilities, where energy consumption is a primary concern, and small scale facilities. Moderately deep recovery of propane or ethane can also be obtained with SABR using no refrigeration at all, enabling liquids recovery with reduced equipment requirements, where high pressure natural gas is available.
Split Absorber Reflux
Process Type
Two tower process
Expansion
No turboexpansion required
Cooling
Propane refrigeration + shell & tube HX
Turndown
60% attainable
C3 Recovery
Up to 99%
C2 Recovery
Optional 99%
- Process Flow
SABR Ethane Extraction Using Propane Refrigeration
- Inlet Gas
- Sales Gas
- C₂+
Figure 1: SABR Ethane Extraction Using Propane Refrigeration
- Applications
Modified Versions for Diverse Applications
A number of modified versions of SABR have been developed to suit a variety of applications including:
- Reduced energy consumption and GHG emissions
- Improved recovery on large and small scale gas processing facilities
- High propane or ethane extraction from rich, lean, or high CO₂ gas streams
- Retrofits for increased recovery
- Small scale deep-cuts
- Straddle / City gate applications
- Multi-train applications to maintain high recovery despite variable flowrates
- Performance Comparison
Recovery Performance vs. Compression
SABR can achieve high recovery rates with low compression requirements relative to conventional turboexpander processes.
An advancement on the conventional shallow-cut gas plant, SABR breaks the limits of recovery without requiring costly turboexpanders or brazed aluminum heat exchangers.
- Get in Touch
Full Service EPCM Company
GLE is a full service EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management) company with four decades of gas processing experience.
Please contact an application specialist to discuss how GLE can increase your gas liquids revenue with advanced or off-patent processes.
"Decades of Expertise Driving Innovative Engineering Solutions"
Building Smarter Energy Infrastructure
To engineer reliable, forward-thinking energy solutions with safety, sustainability, and client value at the core of everything we do.
- Fast Project Delivery
- Cost-Effective Solutions
Gas Liquids Engineering Ltd. is a multi-disciplinary engineering firm specializing in oil & gas, power generation, and industrial facility solutions. With a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and technical excellence, we deliver tailored engineering, procurement, and project management services across North America and globally. Trusted by industry leaders, GLE combines innovation and proven expertise to power complex projects from concept to completion.
Gas Liquids Engineering (GLE)