Abstract
AbstractA major natural gas amine sweetening plant was retrofitted with high‐performance MellapakPlus structured packing in place of valve trays in its 1219 mm (48 inch) diameter amine absorber in order to increase gas capacity and to selectively remove H2S and improve slippage of CO2 using generic methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) amine solvent. The retrofit of the amine absorber was successful, and it achieved the primary objective of improved gas handling capacity and increased H2S selectivity. During the six months of operation, the unit regularly achieved 80% slippage of CO2 while selectively removing H2S to pipeline specification. This paper provides an overview of the gas sweetening plant operation following the retrofit, with performance data obtained for variable inlet feed conditions. This paper includes observations regarding changes in amine quality, reduction of amine consumption, issues with amine degradation, amine salt contamination, experience with minor amounts of fouling and the utilization of an anti‐foaming agent. Copyright © 2007 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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