4 replies to this topic

[Alchemes]

Hello All,

 

Asking your expertise in LPG treating systems, in our case the initial treatment for the LPG is the amine absorber tower wherein H2S in the LPG feed is captured by amine solution (25% DEA) and for past months the rich amine quality specifically the amine loading (mol H2S/mol DEA) have been out of spec (greater than 0.4).

 

The initial correction is to increase the amine flow in the tower however it is reaching the maximum limit.

Hoping for your insights in this matter on possible mitigations and optimization of amine demand.

 

Thank you very much!

 

[Pilesar]

If the lean amine is in spec, then perhaps you are feeding higher quantity of H2S than indicated and are nearing capacity.

[Alchemes]

If the lean amine is in spec, then perhaps you are feeding higher quantity of H2S than indicated and are nearing capacity.

thank you for the reply, yes it is. what can be probable mitigations to this while amine flow adjustment is limited.

[Pilesar]

Debottlenecking a process system is a common task. I list the general steps below:

1) Confirm a business need to increase production capacity.

2) Solicit and receive funding to study the process system.

3) Identify the parameters restricting the process.

4) Determine what needs changing to reach the targeted capacity.

5) Estimate the cost, schedule, and resources needed for the changes.

6) Submit proposed project to the business for funding and planning.

 

The above are the general steps to improving a process system. Sometimes the steps are hidden. For example, if capacity can be increased by just opening a valve from the control system, then the low cost allows many of the steps to be assumed -- just open the valve. If the valve needs replacing with a larger model then more planning and approvals are needed.

[Bobby Strain]

Once you identify the items that limit flow, you should contact suppliers of other amines. It's likely that activated MDEA could solve your problem.

 

Bobby