Premium
Retrofit of a H 2 S selective amine absorber using MellapakPlus structured packing
Author(s) -
Shiveler Glenn,
Solis Geronimo Sixtos,
Peña Gonzalez Luis Horacio,
Bueno Marcelo Lara
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
asia‐pacific journal of chemical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.348
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1932-2143
pISSN - 1932-2135
DOI - 10.1002/apj.15
Subject(s) - amine gas treating , sour gas , natural gas , sweetening , chemistry , selectivity , solvent , materials science , chemical engineering , organic chemistry , engineering , food science , sweetening agents , catalysis
A major natural gas amine sweetening plant was retrofitted with high‐performance MellapakPlus structured packing in place of valve trays in its 1219 mm (48 inch) diameter amine absorber in order to increase gas capacity and to selectively remove H 2 S and improve slippage of CO 2 using generic methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) amine solvent. The retrofit of the amine absorber was successful, and it achieved the primary objective of improved gas handling capacity and increased H 2 S selectivity. During the six months of operation, the unit regularly achieved 80% slippage of CO 2 while selectively removing H 2 S to pipeline specification. This paper provides an overview of the gas sweetening plant operation following the retrofit, with performance data obtained for variable inlet feed conditions. This paper includes observations regarding changes in amine quality, reduction of amine consumption, issues with amine degradation, amine salt contamination, experience with minor amounts of fouling and the utilization of an anti‐foaming agent. Copyright © 2007 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.