Q578. Do dehydrators which are used to dry a liquid stream meet the definition of dehydrator?

A578. No, the definition of dehydrator in 40 CFR 98.6 specifies that a dehydrator is a device that absorbs or removes water vapor from natural gas. Until December 31, 2024 (i.e., through Reporting Year 2024), a dehydrator is defined as "a device in which a liquid absorbent (including desiccant, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, or triethylene glycol) directly contacts a natural gas stream to absorb water vapor." The definition was clarified in the May 14, 2024, amendments to indicate that, effective January 1, 2025 (i.e., beginning with Reporting Year 2025), a dehydrator is “a device in which a liquid absorbent (including ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, or triethylene glycol) or desiccant directly contacts a natural gas stream to remove water vapor.”