Amine Units (Gas Sweetening)

The Amine Treating Unit removes CO2 and H2S from sour gas. Specific types and blends of amines and solvents such as MEA, DEA, MDEA, DGA, and proprietary chemicals such as Sulfinol - Shell, Ucarsol – Union Carbide, GAS/SPEC® - INEOS Oxide, FLEXSORB® - ExxonMobile, together with specific process designs provide different combinations of CO2 and H2S removals according to client requirements and specifications.

AMR Process provides the analysis, recommending the most cost effective solution.

Process Description

H2S & CO2 are removed from the gas stream in the Amine Contactor. The Amine is regenerated in the Amine Regenerator, and recycled to the Amine Contactor. The sour gas streams enter the bottom of the Amine Contactor. The cooled lean amine is trim cooled and enters the top of the contactor column. The sour gas flows upward counter-current to the lean amine solution. An acid-gas-rich-amine solution leaves the bottom of the column at an elevated temperature, due to the exothermic absorption reaction. The sweet gas, after absorption of H2S by the amine solution, flows overhead from the Amine Contactor.

The Rich Amine Surge Drum allows separation of hydrocarbon from the amine solution. Condensed hydrocarbons flow over a weir and are pumped to the drain.

The rich amine from the surge drum is pumped to the Lean/Rich Amine Exchanger.

The stripping of H2S and CO2 in the Amine Regenerator regenerates the rich amine solution. The Amine Regenerator Reboiler supplies the necessary heat to strip H2S and CO2 from the rich amine, using steam as the heating medium.

Acid gas, primarily H2S and water vapor from the regenerator is cooled in the Amine Regenerator Overhead Condenser. The mixture of gas and condensed liquid is collected in the Amine Regenerator Overhead Accumulator. The uncondensed gas is sent to Sulfur Recovery.

The Amine Regenerator Reflux Pump, pumps the condensate in the Regenerator Accumulator, mainly water, to the top tray of the Amine Regenerator. A portion of the pump discharge is sent to the sour water tank.

Lean amine solution from the Amine Regenerator is cooled in the Lean/Rich Exchanger. A slipstream of rich amine solution passes through a filter to remove particulates and The lean amine is further cooled in the Lean Amine Air Cooler, before entering the Amine Contactor.