Tsp-Pogc-Nigc T.T.F

TSP-POGC-NIGC T.T.F.
COURSE OIL AND GAS TECHNOLOGY CODE

SUBJECT GAS SWEETENING P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
Objectives: Upon completion of the unit, the trainees should be able to:
• Describe the Natural Gas and Gas Specification for transportation and sales
• Describe the Gas Sweetening Process
• Explain the Chemical Absorption
• Explain the MEA Process
• Explain the DEA Process
• Explain the MDEA Process
• Explain the Operational Control
Contents:
1. General
1.1. Natural Gas

1.2. Gas Transportation
1.3. Sales Gas
2.Gas Sweetening Process
2.1. Chemical Absorption

2.1.1. MEA Process
2.1.1.1. Criteria for selection of MEA Process
2.1.1.2. Process Description
2.1.1.3. Flow Description
1) Feed gas/ inlet separator
2) MEA solution concentration
3) Absorber
4) Flash Drum
5) Lean/Rich Amine Exchanger
6) Stripper
7) Surge Tank
8) Lean Solution Pump
9) Filtration
10) Lean solution cooler
11) Reclaimer
12) MEA Solution Preparation and storage
2.1.2. DEA Process
2.1.2.1. Criteria for selection of DEA process
2.1.2.3. Points to consider for unit design
2.1.2.4. Improved Process
2.1.3. Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) process
3.Operational Control
A) Control of acid gas in outlet gas stream

B) Solution concentration control
C) Control of heat input to stripper reboiler
D) Corrosion control
E) Summary
Prepared B. Yousefian Checked by Yeganeh Approved by T.T.F

by Larijani
Date 29.Juin.2000 Date 29.Jun.2000 Date
1
COURSE GAS SWEETENING CODE
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
1. GENERAL
Use of natural gas, as fuel was already known in ancient times. According to Aristotle the
Greek philosopher, the kings of Persia would have installed their kitchen in locations where
fires went out from the ground. However the practical use of natural gas as fuel remained
limited until the beginning of the 20th century.
Natural gas is the most sought after fuel source because of its clean combustion (reduction
of the atmosphere pollution). It is also a base for LPG (propane, butane) manufacture. It
can be used also as a feedstock to petrochemical plants.
Production and distribution of natural gas are non-negligeable agents of the world
economy.
The gas is a mixture of hydrocarbon components, which can be produced from a reservoir
rock (original natural gas designation) or from a crude production (associated gas).
Natural gas or associated gas produced with crude oil-contain acid components, mainly
carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and sometimes traces of other
compounds: Carbonyl sulfide (COS) carbon disulfide (CS2) and mercaptans.
Gas or oil produced from a well that contains hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or other obnoxious
sulfur compounds is called “sour” gas or oil. The process used to remove the H2S or sulfur
compounds is called “Sweetening”.
H2S must be removed from the gas before it can be used for fuel. It is highly corrosive, and
deadly toxic. The products formed when it burns are also highly toxic. Other sulfur
compounds are also corrosive and toxic, but not to the degree of H2S.
In order to obtain a commercial product, gaseous or liquefied, the gas shall be treated to
eliminate these sour components for safety or process reasons:
- Safety: H2S is a very toxic gas (see table 1)
- Process: Risk of plugging mainly with CO2
Another aspect of gas sweetening is linked with the development of the CO2 injection to
improve oil recovery. In this case CO2 is extracted by a selective process.
1.1 Natural Gas
A natural gas (original term) is a hydrocarbon gas which is produced from a gas reservoir. It
means that at reservoir conditions the hydrocarbon mixture is gaseous or at its hydrocarbon
dew point.
Table 2 shows the compositional analysis of several natural gases.
Natural gas often contains hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide in concentrations, which
make the gas unsuitable for use as fuel. The gas may also contain other sulfur materials,
which must be removed before the gas can be utilized as fuel. Gas which is produced
during the refining of crude oil often contains complex sulfur compounds which must be
removed before the gas can be used for fuel.
2
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
TABLE 1
TOXICITY OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE TO MEN

H2S 0-2 2-15 15-30 30 Min 1-4 4-8 8-48
% Min Min Min 1Hr Hr Hr Hr
0.005 Mild
0.010 conjunctivitis;
50-100 ppmV respiratory tract
irritation
0.010 Coughing; Disturbed Throat irritation Salivation and Increased Hemorrhage
0.015 irritation of eyes; respiration; Pain mucous Symtoms and death
100-150 ppmV loss of sense of in eyes; discharge;
smell Sleepiness sharp pain in
eyes; Coughing
0.015 Loss of sense of Throat and eye Throat and eye Difficult Serious Hemorrhage
0.020 smell. irritation. irritation breathing; irritating and death
150-200 ppmV blurred vision; effect
Light shy
0.025 Irritation of eyes; Irritation of eyes. Painful secretion Light shy; nasal Hemorrhage
0.035 loss of sense of of tears; catarrh; pain in and death
250-350 ppmV smell Weariness eyes; difficult
breathing;
conjunctivitis
0.035 Irritation of eyes; Difficult Increased Dizziness; Death
0.045 Loss of sense of respiration; irritation of eyes Weakness; in -
350-450 ppmV smell Coughing and nasal tract; creased
irritation of eyes. dull pain in head; irritation, death
weariness light
shy
0.050 Coughing Respiratory Serious eye Severe pain in
0.060 collapse and disturbances; irritation; light eyes and head;
500-600 ppmV unconscious- Irritation of eyes; shy; palpitation dizziness;
ness collapse. of heart, a few trembling of
cases of death. extremities; great
weakness and
death
0.060 Collapse; Collapse;
0.070 unconscious- Unconsciousness;
0.080 ness; Death.
0.100 Death.
0150
600-1.500 ppm
3
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
TABLE 2
COMPOSITIONAL ANALYSIS OF NATURAL GASES
(From Natural Reservoirs)
Country Iran
Field Kangan Nar Khangiran Assaluyeh Sarkhon
Components Mole% Mole% Mole% Mole% Mole%
N2 5.95 4.61 0.55 3.474 4.89
CO2 1.83 1.46 6.41 1.860 0.65
H2 S 681 ppm 59.6 ppm 3.85 0.555 0.02
COS --- --- 17 ppm 3.1 ppm ---
C1 85.29 87.98 88.35 85.086 87.76
C2 4.14 3.65 0.56 5.448 3.75
C3 1.32 1.09 0.09 1.991 1.39
IC4 0.29 0.24 0.02 0.379 0.32
NC4 0.40 0.32 0.03 0.573 0.48
IC5 0.20 0.16 0.02 0.178 0.19
NC5 0.14 0.11 0.02 0.159 0.15
C6 + 0.44 0.38 0.01 0.273 0.21
RSH 59.6 ppm 17.1 ppm --- 159.4 ppm ---
4

P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
1.2. Gas Transportation
Natural gas from gas well is a raw product which in almost generally for satisfying given
specifications (transportation specifications, commercial specifications), as shown in
Table 3.
Natural gas generally is saturated with water at its reservoir conditions. When the gas is
produced, its temperature and pressure will decrease. Temperature decrease will
promote the condensation of the water. Once water under liquid form is present in the
gas transportation line two problems can arise:
• If the gas contains acid gases (CO2 and /or H2S) corrosion will occur.
• If the gas temperature is low, light hydrocarbon of the gas with free water can
form hydrates (solids) which when present in the line, can block the production
system.
In addition to the problems linked with the presence of free water in the pipe line,
additional operating problems can arise due to the condensation of heavy hydrocarbons
from the gas flowing through the line. Two-phase flow ( gas and hydrocarbon liquids)
regime can induce intermittent flow in the pipe line and then operating problems in
downstream processing facilities.
a) To fight against hydrate formation, hydrate inhibitors (methanol, glycols) can be

injected in the line. This will inhibite the free water but will not dehydrate the gas.
b) To fight against corrosion (which is a more important long term concern than hydrate
formation) injection of hydrate inhibitor will not solve the problem. Corrosion inhibitor can
be considered. It will be injected at the inlet of the line.
However the best solution is the gas dehydration. The most common process for gas
dehydration is the physical absorption using triethylene glycol (TEG). The objective of this
dehydration is to decrease the gas water dew point some 5ºC below the lowest
temperature of the transportation line to avoid any water condensation. If no water
condenses, hydrate and/ or corrosion problems will not occur.
c) To fight against hydrocarbon liquid condensation, the gas will have to be processed
before entering the pipeline. The process will include hydrocarbon liquid removal.
5

P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
TABLE 3
RAW GAS CONTAMINANTS
COMPONENT PROBLEMS
Water Vapor Hydrates
CO2 Solidification
(At low temperatures)
ACID GASES
H2S Toxicity
CO2 Corrosion
And /or (With free water)
H2S
Condensation
Solidification
Heavy Ends (At low temperatures)
6

P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
1.3. SALES GAS
Natural gas from wells is a raw product, which is generally far from satisfying commercial
specifications.
Table 4 shows the IRAN specifications of a sales gas. Processing facilities to be provided to
allow a raw feed gas to meet the required specifications are as follows:
a) Water dew points: Gas dehydration will be mandatory (physical absorption or gas
refrigeration). Physical absorption generally uses TEG (triethylene glycol) as solvent.
b) Hydrocarbon dew point: Gas refrigeration removes heavy ends from the gas. This
process will also allow removing water (which will condense) from the gas.
It is to be noted that during gas cooling, hydrates are likely to occur. This process must
come with hydrate inhibitor injection. To save hydrate inhibitor consumption, a closed loop is
provided to regenerate the hydrate product. In processing facilities, glycol is preferred to
methanol.
c) Acid gas content: CO2 is an inert gas which only affects the gross calorific value
of the gas. H2S is a toxic component of the gas which must be removed when it exceeds
4 ppm V.
When the raw gas acid gas content of the feed gas exceeds the specified range, a gas
sweetening unit will have to be provided. The process is generally based on a chemical
absorption using amine aqueous solutions.
Physical absorption process (which use dry solvents) can be also envisaged depending
upon the gas pressure and the acid gas partial pressures. Moreover they are generally
suited to H2S removal (CO2 removal is more difficult to achieve with these processes).
When gas refrigeration is found to be the relevant process to allow the treated gas to meet
the required specifications, the process will generate a by-product: the hydrocarbon liquids
(extracted from the gas). This product when it comes in large quantity cannot be burnt
(environmental constraints). In addition, it is a valuable product, which could be used as a
raw material to produce a commercial natural gasoline. This is why when a gas producer is
looking for a sales gas contact, he can be led also to look for a hydrocarbon liquid contract
to get rid of the treated gas associated condensate.
7
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
TABLE 4
IRAN SALES GAS SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications Units Values
H2S Content Mg/sm3 Lower than 4.8
RSH (mercaptans) Mg/sm3 Lower than 15
Total Sulfur Content Mg/sm3 100
CO2 Content Mole % Lower than 2
Water Dew point Deg. c -10º c at 45kg/cm2
Hydrocarbon Dew point Deg. c -10 +/- 5ºc at 56kg/cm2
8
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
2. GAS SWEETENING PROCESSES
Numerous processes are available:

-Chemical absorption
-Physical absorption
-Solid bed adsorption
Absorption processes are the most utilized.
2.1. Chemical Absorption
In this type of process, the chemical solvent absorbs the acid components
present in the feed gas by chemical reaction and releases them by heating at
low pressure.
A chemical reaction processes mixes a chemical with the gas stream in order to
neutralize hydrogen sulfide, or “sweeten” the gas.
The most common of these processes is called “amine sweetening”.

Alkanolamines (or simply, amines) are substances which are weak bases. They
react chemically with acid gases like hydrogen sulfide to form salt complexes.
These salt complexes can be broken down so the amines are relieved of acid
gases and can be recycled. An acid gas is a gas that forms an acid when
combined with water. Examples of acid gases include hydrogen sulfide and
carbon dioxide.
9
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
The main chemical solvents are:
- The Alkanolamines (see Figure 1)
. MEA (Monoethanolamine)
. DEA (Diethanolamine)
. TEA (Triethanolamine)
. MDEA (Methyldiethanolamine)
Alkanolamines cannot be used pure for different reasons:
- Close to solid state at ambient conditions (see Table 5)
- Low stability at high temperature (heating is needed to extract the absorbed

acid gases) with generation of highly corrosive products by decomposition.
10
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
FIGURE 1
CHEMICAL STRUCTURAL FORMULAS FOR ALKANOLAMINES OF
INTEREST IN GAS SWEETENING
11
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
TABLE 5
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ALKANOLAMINES
USED FOR GAS SWEETENING
PROPERTY Monoethanol Diethanol Triethanol Methyldiethanol

Amine amine amine amine
Formula HOC2H4NH2 (HOC2H4)2NH (HOC2H4)3N (HOC2H4)2NCH3
Molecular Wt 61.08 105.14 148.19 119.17
Boiling Point 338.9 516.2 680 477
@ 760 mmHg,
ºF
Freezing Point, 50.9 82.4 72.3 -5.8
ºF
Critical 868 474.7 355 562.3
Constants 662 827.8 957.7 611.6
Pressure, psia
Temperature,
ºF
Density 1.018 1.095 1.124 1.0426
@ 20ºC gr/cc
Weight,IB/gal 8.48 9.09 9.37 8.69
@ 60ºF @60ºF @68ºF
Specific 1.0179 1.0919 1.1258 1.0418
Gravity
20ºC/20ºC
Specific heat 0.608 0.6 0.7
@ 60º, Btu/ @68ºF
IbºF
Thermal 0.148 0.127
Conductivity
@68ºF
Heat of 355 288 230 233
Vaporization @ 760 MM Hg @73mmHg @760mmHg
Btu/Ib
Viscosity, 24.1 350 1013 101
Cp @68ºF @68ºF @68ºF @20ºC
Flash Point,ºF 200 280 395
Constance for
Antoine
Equation
A 8.02401 8.12303 9.6586 16.23
B 1921.6 2315.46 4055.05 7456.8
C 203.3 173.3 237.67 311.71
12
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
Therefore these products are utilized in aqueous solutions with the following
concentrations:
MEA 15 to 20 % weight
DEA 25 to 35 % weight
MDEA 30 to 50 % weight
Table 6 shows the advantages and disadvantages associated with these processes.
The process is actually quite simple. Sour gas (or natural gas with acid gas in it), is
subjected to a stream of amines, which absorbs the acid gas, leaving sweet gas (or
natural gas without acid in it). The amine solution containing the acid gas then goes
through a process of distillation to remove the acid gas. The lean amine is then reused.
H2S gas becomes concentrated during the distillation process. Typically, it is burned in a
flare stack. If the volume of H2S is very large, then the H2S must be converted to sulfur
and recovered for environmental reasons. The recovered sulfur can be sold to help offset
operating costs.
13
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
2.1.1. MEA PROCESS
2.1.1.1.Criteria for selection of MEA Process
MEA solution was the first solvent used for gas sweetening and is still widely used.
Generally a 15% weight solution is utilized.
a) Advantages of the MEA process
- High reactivity (see Figure 2)
- Good chemical stability
- Low solvent cost
- In the public domain (no licensing fees)
b) Disadvantages of the MEA process
- Irreversible degradation into corrosion products by sulfur components such

as COS,CS2.
- Irreversible degradation for the solvent by Oxygen (Direct contact with air
must be avoided).
- Ineffectiveness for removing mercaptans.
- High utility requirements.
- Need of a reclaimer.
- High vaporization losses.
- No selectivity for absorption between H2S and CO2.
14
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
TABLE 6
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ABSORPTION PROCESS BY
CHEMICAL SOLVENT
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Low sensitivity to acid gas partial pressure Exothermal Chemical reaction requiring high
energy quantity for regeneration (to extract acid
gases from the solution)
Slight Incidence of the operating pressure on the Risk of foaming when the solution is polluted
treated gas purity. (hydrocarbons, suspends solids)
Very slight absorption of heavy hydrocarbons Corrosion problems resulting from solution
possibly present in the feed gas. oxidation (contact with air) or from solution
superheating during regeneration
Most of the processes available in the public Pure water required to dilute the solvent
domain ( no licensing fees)
Acid gas/solvent equilibrium data available in the High water content of the treated gas
literature
Reasonable cost of solvents Heating required for solvent storage
c) Fields of utilization
The MEA process is the appropriate treatment for gases without sulfur compounds.
General use guidelines: MEA can be utilized for gases containing from 60ppm to 15%
volume acid gases without COS, CS2, mercaptans and with acid gas partial pressure-up
to 100 psia.
Currently the maximum capacity for a MEA unit around 250 MMSCFD.
2.1.1.2 Process description
Figure 2 shows typical process flow diagrams.

Diagrams are quite similar for other processes using chemical absorption.
The feed gas enters the bottom of the absorber column and flows upwards in intimate
counter current contact with the lean MEA solution (“lean” meaning low content of acid
gases)
During these contacts the MEA solution flowing downward absorbs the acid gases by a
complex chemical reaction (see Figure 3).
Sweetened (i.e. on specification) gas leaves the top of the absorber and is routed to
downstream section (dehydration, compression or other).
The heat of the chemical reaction increases the temperature of the gas which will be
water saturated when leaving the absorber.
Rich amine solution (“Rich “meaning high content of acid gases) is then generally flashed
in a degassing drum at a lower pressure and then routed to the regenerator (tray or
packed column) operating at low pressure.
After heating in a reboiler, the rich solution releases the acid gases. The steam
associated with the acid gases passes overhead through a condenser where it is
15
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
condensed, while the separated acid gases are routed to the acid flare or to a sulfur
recovery unit.
The lean solution from the bottom of the regenerator releases its heat to the rich solution
through an heat exchanger (this lowers the steam requirements for reboiling) and is
collected in a surge-tank. The lean solution is then pumped and routed to the absorber,
after water or air-cooling, at a temperature slightly higher than temperature of the feed
gas.
A reclaimer operating on 1 to 3% of the solution circulation rate is used to maintain the

purity of the lean solution.
16
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
FIGURE 2
AMINE TYPE SWEETENING PLANT
17
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
FIGURE 3
AMINES/ACID GASES
CHEMICAL ABSORPTION REACTION
18
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
19
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
2.1.1.3 Flow Description
1. Feed Gas/ Inlet Separator
To avoid operating problems on the absorber and regenerator encountered with

MEA/hydrocarbons mixtures (foaming in the absorber, amine losses in the flash drum,
coking in the reboiler) the feed gas must be free of liquid hydrocarbons when entering the
absorber.
An inlet separator will be provided to this effect upstream the absorber. It will be of
conventional type with mist eliminator pad. Cartridge filters will be installed to remove
possible solid particles. The sizing of the separator will take into account the possible
condensation of water when the feed gas in wet or water saturated.
2. MEA Solution Concentration
Most commonly 15% MEA solutions are used. Higher concentrations are not
recommended.
3. Absorber (Contactor)
Refer to Figure 2 to follow the process flow. The inlet sour gas stream enters the bottom
of the contactor, and flows up the tower. As it passes up the vessel, it mixes with the
amine solution that flows down the tower. The acid gases are removed from the gas by
the solution, and become a part of the solution. The gas, which passes out the top of
the contactor has very little acid gas left in it.
The solution that flows down the contactor collects in the bottom of the vessel. It
contains the acid gases that were removed from the gas. It also contains some natural
gas that liquefied and dissolved in the solution. The amount of gas that liquefied will
increase as the temperature in the contactor decreases. The quantity of dissolved gas
will also depend upon the type of solution used. Of the solutions already listed, less gas
will dissolve in MEA than in the other solutions.
The solution in the bottom of the contactor is called rich solution. It flows out the bottom
of the vessel to the flash tank.
It could be either a tray column (15 to 25) or a packed column operating at the feed gas
pressure. The aim is to obtain a good contact between the feed gas and the amine
solution.
The temperature of the lean solution entering the top of the absorber shall be 6ºC
higher than that of the feed gas of feed gas to avoid hydrocarbon condensation and
related foaming problems. The treated gas leaving the column is at the lean solution
temperature.
The installation of a mist eliminator pad on the top of the column will reduce amine
losses by carry-over. A scrubber on the treated gas will collect carried-over amine if any
(mandatory if downstream dehydration by mol. Sieves).
20
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
4. Flash Tank (Flash Drum)
The flash tank is used when the pressure in the contactor is high enough for a
significant amount of gas to dissolve in the solution. A flash drum is often installed
between the absorber and the amine /amine exchangers. Generally, a flash tank will be
used if the contactor pressure is above 35 bars [500 psig]. The flash tank operates at a
pressure of about 6 bars [75 psig]. When the pressure of the rich solution leaving the
contactor is reduced from contactor pressure to flash tank pressure, most of the
dissolved gas in the solution vaporizes. In addition, a small amount of the acid gas
contained in the solution will also vaporize. The purpose of the flash tank is to separate
the gas from the solution, so that the gas can be recovered and used for fuel. (see
figure 4)
Since the gas in the flash tank is a mixture of natural gas and acid gas, it may be
unsuitable for use as fuel gas. It may contain an excessive quantity of carbon dioxide,
which will reduce its heating value; or it may contain hydrogen sulfide, which may cause
air pollution when the fuel is burned. Consequently, a small contactor is often located on
the gas outlet end of the flash tank.
A small stream of lean solution is fed into the top of the contactor and as the solution
flows down the tower. It absorbs most of the acid gases in the flash gas, which flows up
tower. The gas stream leaving the contactor is suitable for use as fuel gas.
The solution, which flows into the contactor, drops to the bottom of the flash tank and
mixes with rich solution from the main contactor. Rich solution in the bottom of the flash
tank flows to the solution exchanger. The rate of flow is regulated with a level controller
on the flash tank.
5. Lean / Rich Amine Exchanger
The purpose of the exchanger is to recover a portion of the heat contained in the lean
solution, which leaves the stripper. If the exchanger were not used, the fuel requirement
in the stripper reboiler would increase approximately 50%. The heat contained in the hot
lean solution is transferred to the cold rich solution in the exchanger. The exchanger is
usually a shell and tube or U-tube type exchanger with countercurrent flow. The rich
solution usually flows through the tubes, and the lean solution flows in the shell. (see
figure 4)
6. Stripper (Regenerator)
The purpose of the stripper is to remove the acid gas contained in the rich solution. In
an amine type sweetening plant, the stripper usually contains 18 to 24 trays. The feed
enters the vessel 2 to 4 trays below the top tray. As the solution flows down the tower, it
is contacted with stripping steam from the reboiler, which flows up the tower. As the up
flowing steam bubbles through the solution on each tray, it strips the acid gas from the
solution so that the gas vaporizes and passes out the top of the tower. The amount of
acid gas removed from the solution will increase as the amount of steam passing up the
tower increases.
The vapor leaving the top of the stripper is a mixture of steam and acid gas. It passes
through a condenser, where the steam is condensed to water. The condenser can be a
shell and tube exchanger using cooling water inside the tubes or it can be air cooler with
the vapor stream flowing through the tubes.
21
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
In either case, the stream leaving the condenser, which is a mixture of water and acid
gas, enters the reflux accumulator. The accumulator, is simply a gas-liquid separator.
The gas passes out the top of the vessel and flows through a pressure control valve. It
is acid gas that is removed in the contactor. It will usually enter a vent line, or
incinerator, or sulfur plant.
Water, which entered the reflux accumulator, falls to the bottom of the vessel and flows
to the reflux pump, which returns it to the top tray of the stripper.
The liquid that accumulates in the bottom of the stripper flows to the reboiler. In the
reboiler, heat is transferred from a heat source to the solution. Part of the solution
vaporizes. The vapors leave the top of the reboiler and flow to the bottom of the stripper
and pass up the tower. (See figure 5)
22
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
FIGURE 4
FLASH TANK AND AMINE EXCAHNGER
23
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
FIGURE 5
STRIPPER REBOILER
24
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
The reboiler usually has a weir to the left of the heating coil. It maintains a level of liquid
in the heating chamber above the heating tubes. The liquid which spills over the top of
the weir to the left side of the vessel is lean solution with its acid gases removed. The
solution is hot. It flows out the reboiler, through the solution exchanger, and into the
surge tank.
7. Surge Tank
The surge tank is simply a storage tank for lean solution. During the course of time,
some of the solution is lost in the gas which leaves the contactor and stripper. In
addition, these will also be small solution losses in pump packing, and other leaks. As
the level of solution in the surge tank drops, fresh solution is added to the vessel.
If the amine type solutions contact air, they will react with the oxygen contained in the
air and lose their ability to remove acid gases. Consequently, it is essential that air does
not contact the lean solution.
Air is prevented from entering the surge tank by holding a blanket of inert gas in the
surge tank. A stream of fuel gas is usually used as blanket gas.
Amine surge tank
25
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
8. Lean Solution Pump (Circulation Pump)
Liquid from the surge tank passes into the lean solution pump, which increases the
pressure of the solution so that it will flow into the contactor. The pump is usually a
positive displacement type.
There is usually one pump (plus one spare) to circulate the solution. When the absorber
operates at high pressure, booster pump is added upstream to avoid cavitation
problems.
Turbo driven (on rich solution) pumps are also used for large amine flow.
9. Filtration
As the solution circulates through the system, it picks up dirt and debris, and products of
corrosion. The solid particles can cause foaming in the contactor and stripper.
Consequently, a filter is included in the lean solution stream, which enters the contactor
to remove the particles.
The quantity of particles contained in the solution will vary with the type of acid gas,
which enters the contactor. In some cases, a larger quantity of material will be formed
than in others. Consequently, some solutions require more filtration than others.
Solutions in which the particle formation rate is relatively high will usually have a filter on
the total solution stream as shown in Figure 2.
If the particle formation is severe, different types of filters may be used to clean up the
lean solution. In solutions, which have a low rate of particle formation, it is usually not
necessary to filter the full flow of solution, and a bypass arrangement is provided so that
only part of the total solution flow passes through the filter.
A filter is commonly installed on the regenerated solution line at the storage outlet,
downstream of the circulating pump. Usually the filter is used on 10 to 20 percent of the
solution circulation to maintain the solid content below 0.07 weight. Filters can be of
cartridge type (polypropylene cylindrical cartridge) or of precoat type (diatomeceous
earth) to remove particles above 4 microns. (See figure 6)
Activated charcoal filters will eliminate ultimate impurities from the solution when
foaming problems still appear with conventional filtration. Around 2% of the amine
circulation will pass through these filters.
Regardless of the filter arrangement, the filters should be watched closely and the
elements replaced or the filter material cleaned when it becomes saturated with
particles.
26
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
10. Lean Solution Cooler
The lean solution in the surge tank is usually too hot for use in the contactor. The hot
solution will not remove as much acid gas as a cool solution. A heat exchanger is used
to cool the solution. It can be air cooler, with the solution flowing through the tubes; or a
shell and tube exchanger with water flowing through the tubes and the solution in the
shell. Regardless of the type, the solution is cooled to about 6ºC [10ºF] above that of the
sour gas inlet temperature.
The solution out of the cooler splits into two streams: a small quantity flows to the
contactor on the flash tank, and the balance flows to the top tray of the main gas
contactor.
11. Reclaimer
The contaminants of the MEA solution can be divided into three groups:
a) Amine degradation products formed primarily by the CO2/MEA direct reaction

which tend to decrease the pH of the solution. They are high boiling point
compounds contributing directly or indirectly to corrosion in the unit, MEA
degradation increasing with the temperature.
27
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
FIGURE 6
CARTRIDGE FILTER
28
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
b) Heat stable salts formed by the reaction of MEA with acids stronger than CO2
and H2S, and which are not decomposed by heat in the reboiler. Oxygen is
primarily involved in the formation of these salts (Air in the MEA storage tank
for example).
The solution reactivity is reduced by these products and consequently the
efficiency of the sweetening.
c) Non-volatile contaminants including salts (sodium chloride, iron sulfide) and

liquid hydrocarbons. They are known to cause foaming problems resulting in
amine losses in the absorber and in the regenerator.
To eliminate these various contaminants the unit is equipped with a reclaimer
(Figure 7 gives a typical flow diagram).
The liquid inlet (1) admits a small portion (1 to 3%) of the circulating lean
solution. The overhead vapor line (2) returns the purified aqueous amine to
the system.
A liquid knock out drum (3) is usually installed to recover the carried liquids
and to prevent a slug of liquid from gushing out of the reclaimer. In most
instances low pressure steam is used as heating medium and is on the tube
side (steam can be replaced by fuel gas heating fire tubes). A drain on the
bottom part of the reclaimer is necessary for sewering the concentrated
contaminants.
Soda (0.30 % weight) is added to neutralize the heat stable slats. To facilitate
the water cleaning of the reclaimer without pulling the tube bundle, a manhole
will be provided. Stream injection is a means to scatter the sludge
accumulated in the bottom part.
The reclaiming cycle is the following:
The reclaimer is fed by a reduced amine flowrate with an addition of soda.

Steam is then injected in the tubes and MEA solution begins to distill. The
vapor phase will first contain mainly steam and them become more and more
concentrated with MEA. The amine concentration will increase until the vapor
composition approximates the composition of the circulating solution.
12. MEA Solution Preparation And Storage
Figure (8) gives a schematic description of the installation required for the preparation
and the storage of the solution.
MEA barrels shall be stored in a heated warehouse to avoid freezing of the product.
The solution at the desired concentration is prepared in a basin (5 to 20 m3) where MEA
is mixed with demineralized water.
In normal operation, the fresh solution is added through a submerged pump to the
regenerated solution at the outlet of the regenerator.
29
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
The basin shall be inerted with steam to avoid any contact with air. The unit is equipped
with an accumulator drum sized to accommodate the whole circulating solution. In large
units heated storage tank is utilized.
In both cases the capacity shall be inerted. Nitrogen is used, when available in the
plant. If not, the treated gas can be used as buffer gas. In this case the buffer gas
pressure shall be carefully monitored and shall not exceed the storage tank design
pressure.
The regenerated amine solution can be circulated either directly to the absorber or
through the storage tank.
For the initial start up, the solution is prepared in the basin, stored in the tank and then
fills the bottom of the regenerator before circulation in the system.
2.1.2. DEA Process
2.1.2.1. Criteria For Selection Of DEA Process
The DEA process is the second most widely used gas treating process with a tendency
to replace the MEA process.
30
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
FIGURE 7
RECLAIMER
31
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
FIGURE 8
MEA SOLUTION PREPARATION
32
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
a) Advantages of the DEA process
-No degradation by COS and CS2 (hydrolysed into CO2/H2S).
-A significant amount of the light mercaptans present in the feed gas is absorbed.
-A good chemical stability (secondary amine).
-A very low absorption of hydrocarbons.
-No need for a reclaimer to purify the circulating solution.
-Reduced vaporization losses.
-Process in the public domain.
b) Disadvantages of the DEA process
- Lower reactivity compared to MEA and thus higher circulation rates for the
conventional system (Figure 9)
- An irreversible degradation of the solvent by oxygen.
- Higher utilities requirements.
- No selectivity for absorption between H2S and CO2.
c) Fields of utilization
The DEA Process is used to treat gases containing H2S, CO2 and also COS,CS2 ,RSH
(up to a total acid gas content of 20% volume).
With this process an H2S content of the treated gas lower than the common
specification requirements (4 ppm volume) can be achieved.
The CO2 content of the treated gas can be lowered to 100 ppm volume.
The performance of the process depends on the CO2/H2S ratio in the feed gas.
This diagram is quite similar to the one related to MEA. The main difference is that in a
DEA unit, there is no need of a reclaimer as no degradation of the solution occurs with
sulfur compounds.
2.1.2.3. Points to consider for unit design
Same considerations will apply for the design as in the MEA case. Limitations for
temperature levels are similar. Generally a 30% weight solution is utilized.
33
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
2.1.2.4. Improved Processes
1. Split Flow (Figure 10)
For treating sour gases with a high acid gas content, the DEA flow rate can be reduced
with the following modifications.
FIGURE 9
ACID GAS PICK UP WITH VARYING STRENGTH AMINE SOLUTIONS
34
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
FIGURE 10
35
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
- The lean solution is introduced in the conventional manner at the top of the
absorber.
- In addition a semi-lean solution withdrawn from the midpoint of the

regenerator feeds the absorber at a midway point where the acid gas
concentration is higher.
This modification offers the possibility of significant savings of reboiling but increases
significantly the investment costs:
- more complex columns
- increased regenerator height
- more pumps
- more exchangers
- more complicated control system
2.1.3. Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) process
Tertiary Amine (MDEA) does not contain active nitrogen-hydrogen groups in their
molecular structure. This is a key element to chemical stability and selectivity.
The major degradation routes for primary and secondary amines involve the nitrogen-
hydrogen group. Degraded amines are often very corrosive.
Due to their greater stability, MDEA can be used at concentrations up to 50% without
corrosion concerns.
For a given acid gas removal capacity this significantly higher concentration allows the
circulation rate of the amine to be considerably reduced-thus lowering sensible heat
duty required in the reboiler.
Primary and secondary amines react directly and quickly with both H2S and CO2 so that
both acid gasses are absorbed and subsequently regenerated.
Tertiary amines reacts directly and quickly with H2S but only slowly (via two steps) with
CO2. By limiting the contact time of the amine with the acid gas mixture then the H2S
can be selectively absorbed. The CO2 will be “slipped” through the absorber and
consequently less energy will be required for the regeneration of the solvent.
Additionally, an indirect effect of chemical selectivity is the increased concentration of

H2S in the “off gas” from the regenerator. This generally leads to better operation and
conversion efficiencies of downstream CLAUS- units.
MDEA can remove CO2 from gas streams by a two steps reaction mechanism. The heat
of reaction of this absorption is significantly lower than with primary and secondary
36
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
amines. Consequently, the regeneration energy required is reduced and considerable

savings can be made.
MDEA will be used when CO2 can be slipped through the sweet gas and conversions to
MDEA can be achieved with the following advantages:
- energy savings
- increase of capacity
- higher selectivity
- corrosion concern (lower CO2 absorbed).
3. OPERATIONAL CONTROL
Ideal operation of a sweetening plant occurs when three conditions are met:
1. The quantity of acid gas in the outlet gas stream is slightly less than the specified
maximum limit.
2. Corrosion is within tolerable limits.
3. The heat input to the stripper reboiler is at a minimum to conserve fuel.
Control of the acid gas content of the outlet gas stream has priority over fuel
conservation or corrosion control. After all, the purpose for building the plant was to
remove most of the acid gas from the inlet gas stream. Consequently, attempts to
reduce fuel and corrosion can and should be made, but only so long as the outlet gas
stream meets quality requirements.
A. Control of Acid Gas in outlet Gas stream
Three acid gases can be a part of the inlet gas stream:
1- Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)

2- Other sulfur compounds.
3- Carbon dioxide
Sweetening plants are usually designed for acid gas removal as follows:
1. When hydrogen sulfide is present in the gas, its concentration in the outlet gas
stream must not exceed 4 parts per million (ppm). Most gases that contain H2S also
contain carbon dioxide. In the process of removing H2S from the stream, almost all
of the carbon dioxide will also be removed. Consequently, if the H2S content of the
outlet gas is within limits, the amount of carbon dioxide will be low enough that it is
not a control factor.
37
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
ALLOWABLE ACID GAS CONTENT OF TREATED GAS WHEN SOUR GAS CONTAINS
H2S AND OTHER SULFUR COMPOUNDS
FIGURE 11
ALLOWABLE ACID LIMIT IN TREATED GAS FROM SWEETENING PLANTS
38
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
2. When sulfur compounds other than H2S are a part of the inlet gas stream, they must
usually be removed so that the outlet gas contains no more than 100 ppm of total
sulfur. H2S is almost always present when other sulfur compounds are part of the
gas.
In the process of removing H2S to 4ppm the other sulfur compounds may or may not
be removed to the 100ppm level. It may be necessary to monitor both the H2S and
total sulfur in the outlet stream and control the plant so that neither of the two
exceeds its limit.
Carbon dioxide will usually be present when sulfur compounds are in the gas. It will
be removed along with the sulfur compounds so that its concentration in the outlet
gas is usually so low it is not a factor in plant control.
3. Some gas streams have 5 to 30% carbon dioxide, with no sulfur gases present.
Sweetening plants will usually be designed to reduce the carbon dioxide level to 5%
or less.
In a sweetening plant, you can not increase the contactor pressure, or lower the inlet
gas temperature. The number and type of trays in the contactor are fixed. We will
assume that the reclaimer is properly operating to remove degradation products as they
form. Consequently, you can control 3 of the factors that affect acid gas removal in the
contactor:
1. Lean solution flow rate.

2. Lean solution concentration.
3. Residual acid gas in the lean solution.
The solution circulation rate is determined by the amount of acid gas to be removed,
and the type and concentration of amine.
B. Solution Concentration Control
The amine solution is a mixture of pure amine, which is a liquid, and water. The
concentration of solution is increased by adding some pure amine to the surge tank,
and it is reduced by adding water.
C. Control Of Heat Input To Stripper Reboiler
The source of heat input to the stripper reboiler is almost always steam or fuel gas (See
Figure 12). Regardless of the source, heat used in the reboiler requires fuel somewhere
and represents the major operating expense of the plant. Consequently, the heat input
should be held to its minimum rate.
The quantity of heat required is determined by three factors;
1. The amount of heat transfer that takes place in the lean-to-rich solution exchanger.
2. The solution flow rate.
3. The amount of acid gas that is “stripped” from the rich solution.
39
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
FIGURE 12
CONTROL OF HEAT INPUT TO STRIPPER REBOILERS
40
P/TM/TRG/P.GS/001
The heat input to the reboiler is reduced by the amount of heat transferred in the
solution exchanger. To put it another way, a loss of heat transfer in the exchanger has
to be made up in the reboiler.
Very little can be done to increase the heat transferred in the solution exchanger.
D. Corrosion Control
Corrosion is always present in an amine plant. Consequently, its control is an operating

function rather than one of maintenance.
The rate of corrosion will depend upon the acid gas content of the solution. Higher
corrosion rates will occur at higher acid gas contents.
The most severe corrosion will occur in the piping and equipment that contains rich
solution. The most critical points are the bottom of the contactor, the rich solution side of
the solution exchanger, and the stripper.
E. Summary
Ideal operating conditions in a sweetening plant occur when the following conditions are
met:
1. The H2S or total sulfur content of the treated gas is at its maximum allowable point.
2. The heat input to the stripper reboiler (stream rate or fuel rate) is at a minimum.
3. Corrosion is within tolerable limits.
The heat input to the reboiler will depend upon the amine solution flow rate, the solution
concentration, and the residual acid gas content of the solution. Finding the proper
combination of flow, concentration and residual content is a trial and error process that
will be different for each plant. In some plants, the lowest heat input will occur with a
high solution flow rate, low concentration and high residual content;
Other plants will have the lowest heat input when the flow rate and residual content are
reduced and the concentration is increased.
Reducing the solution flow rate will increase the corrosion rate.
Corrosion determinations must be made when flow rates are reduced below design.
Increasing the concentration of solution may lower the corrosion rate, or it may increase
it.
Finding the ideal combination of flow rate, and residual content in your plant that results
in the lowest fuel consumption may take several months. However, significant savings
can be made for which you can take credit.
41

Tsp-Pogc-Nigc T.T.F

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Deskripsi Asli:

Judul Asli

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Tsp-Pogc-Nigc T.T.F

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

TSP-POGC-NIGC T.T.F.

COURSE OIL AND GAS TECHNOLOGY CODE

1.1. Natural Gas

2.Gas Sweetening Process

2.1. Chemical Absorption

2.1.3. Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) process

A) Control of acid gas in outlet gas stream

Prepared B. Yousefian Checked by Yeganeh Approved by T.T.F

- Safety: H2S is a very toxic gas (see table 1)

- Process: Risk of plugging mainly with CO2

1.1 Natural Gas

Table 2 shows the compositional analysis of several natural gases.

TOXICITY OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE TO MEN

COMPOSITIONAL ANALYSIS OF NATURAL GASES

(From Natural Reservoirs)

Field Kangan Nar Khangiran Assaluyeh Sarkhon

Components Mole% Mole% Mole% Mole% Mole%

N2 5.95 4.61 0.55 3.474 4.89

CO2 1.83 1.46 6.41 1.860 0.65

H2 S 681 ppm 59.6 ppm 3.85 0.555 0.02

COS --- --- 17 ppm 3.1 ppm ---

C1 85.29 87.98 88.35 85.086 87.76

C2 4.14 3.65 0.56 5.448 3.75

C3 1.32 1.09 0.09 1.991 1.39

IC4 0.29 0.24 0.02 0.379 0.32

NC4 0.40 0.32 0.03 0.573 0.48

IC5 0.20 0.16 0.02 0.178 0.19

NC5 0.14 0.11 0.02 0.159 0.15

C6 + 0.44 0.38 0.01 0.273 0.21

RSH 59.6 ppm 17.1 ppm --- 159.4 ppm ---

COURSE GAS SWEETENING CODE

1.2. Gas Transportation

a) To fight against hydrate formation, hydrate inhibitors (methanol, glycols) can be

COURSE GAS SWEETENING CODE

RAW GAS CONTAMINANTS

Water Vapor Hydrates

COURSE GAS SWEETENING CODE

1.3. SALES GAS

IRAN SALES GAS SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications Units Values

H2S Content Mg/sm3 Lower than 4.8

RSH (mercaptans) Mg/sm3 Lower than 15

Total Sulfur Content Mg/sm3 100

CO2 Content Mole % Lower than 2

Water Dew point Deg. c -10º c at 45kg/cm2

Hydrocarbon Dew point Deg. c -10 +/- 5ºc at 56kg/cm2

2. GAS SWEETENING PROCESSES

Numerous processes are available:

Absorption processes are the most utilized.

2.1. Chemical Absorption

The most common of these processes is called “amine sweetening”.

The main chemical solvents are:

- The Alkanolamines (see Figure 1)

Alkanolamines cannot be used pure for different reasons:

- Close to solid state at ambient conditions (see Table 5)

- Low stability at high temperature (heating is needed to extract the absorbed

CHEMICAL STRUCTURAL FORMULAS FOR ALKANOLAMINES OF

INTEREST IN GAS SWEETENING

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ALKANOLAMINES

USED FOR GAS SWEETENING

PROPERTY Monoethanol Diethanol Triethanol Methyldiethanol

2.1.1. MEA PROCESS