Optimizing Acid Gas Removal From Natural Gas Using Amine Mixtures

Abstract

Abstract Removal of Acid gases from natural gas is currently a global issue; apart from it important in meeting the customer's contract specifications and for liquefaction process specification needs, it is also a measure for reducing the global CO2 emission. Natural gas process throughput rate is mainly based on the product specification control and the natural gas market drive for acid gas free products. This paper considered the gas treatment implications of the product specification; in profile trend with process throughput. The aim of this study is to investigate the possibility of using different amine mixtures as absorbent solvent in natural gas treatment process; using HYSYS software program as the simulation tool. A base case of Acid gas removal process (Non-Amine mixture based) is simulated using HYSYS 3.2 process simulator to create a steady-state process. The simulation program is then used to sensitized Amine mixture based process; through the modification of physical, thermodynamics and transport properties of the gas/amine process and also to develop an improved amine process that is environmental friendly. Simulation studies and analysis is carried out on an existing natural gas treatment plant. The simulation result shows that the application of amine mixture increases acid gases (C02 and H2S) pick-up in amine based solution with no corrosion effect. It also shows that regulating and increasing amine mixtures flow rate; encourages CO2 capturing capacity at low temperature, lowering the amine residence time in the stripper and reduces the tendency for CO2 emission.