FTIR method for VLE measurements of acid‐gas–alkanolamine systems

Abstract

AbstractThe standard industrial process for the purification of natural gas is to remove acid gases, mainly hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, by the absorption and reaction of these gases with alkanolamines, but the lack of reliable and accurate vapor‐liquid equilibrium (VLE) data impedes the commercial application of more efficient alkanolamine systems. The objective of this research was to develop an FTIR apparatus and an in‐situ technique capable of making VLE measurements of acid‐gas–aqueous alkanolamine systems and to improve the accuracy of vapor–liquid equilibrium measurements at low hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide concentrations. The new FTIR apparatus and technique were tested in VLE measurements of low concentrations of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in aqueous mixtures of diethanolamine.