There are two principle techniques used for removing NGLs from the natural gas stream: the absorption method and the cryogenic expander process.In NGL absorption, an absorbing oil is used as opposed to a chemical agent like glycol.Although absorption methods can extract almost all of the heavier NGLs, lighter hydrocarbons like ethane are more complex.The absorption method of NGL extraction is very similar to using absorption for dehydration.Cryogenic processes are also used to extract NGLs such as ethane from natural gas.