SWEETENING

BY AMINES
Jhon Michael Florez Roa 2123736
Juan Sebastian Ferreira Betancourt 2122500
Gas engineering
November 2017
 CONTENT
• Natural gas sweetening
• Gas sweetening processes
• Solid bed absortion
• Physical solvent
• Direct conversion of H2s to sulfure
• Sulfide scavenger
• Distillation
• Gas permeation
• Processes with chemical solvents
• Amine sweetening plant description
• Aqueous alkanolamine processes
• Amine types
• Approximate guidelines for amine processes
• Physical properties of gas treating chemicals
• Simplified design calculations
• Example (21,2 GPSA engineering book)
 NATURAL GAS SWEETENING

Sweetening gas proccess is

Remove focused to remove the H2S,
contaminants
- H2S -CO2
CO2 and other compounds in
order to achieve some
-Ammonia

“Sweet
requirements by a gas
-Hydrogen eyanide (HCN)
Sour gas gas” ready purchaser
Carbonyl sulfide(COS) to be sell
-Mercaptans (RSH)

Nitrogen(n2) -Water

-Sulfur dioxide

-Elemental sulfur
 NATURAL GAS SWEETENING

This process is really important

because H2S and CO2 cause corrosion
and decrease the value of the gas, also
the H2S is very lethal in small
concentrations and could cause death

Arnold Ken; Maurice Stewart; Surface production operations, second edition

1999
GAS SWEETENING
PROCESSES

Solid bed Chemical

absorption solvents
A variety of process have been aplied
to gas sweetening, these can be
Direct categorized by the principles used in
Physical conversion the process to remove the acid gas
solvents of H2s to
sulfure

Sulfide Distillatio
scavenger n

Gas
Distillatio
permeatio
n
n
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
SOLID BED ABSORTION

The gas stream must Flow through a fixed bed of

solid particles that remove the acid gases and
hold them in the bed, when the bed is saturated
with acid gases, the vessel must be removed
from service and the bed regenerated or
replaced
There are three commonly used processes under
this category
• Iron oxide process
• Zinc oxide process
• Molecular sieve process

Arnold Ken; Maurice Stewart; Chapter 7, Surface production operations,

second edition 1999
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
PHYSICAL SOLVENT

These processes are based on the solubility of the H2S

and/or CO2 within the solvent instead of on chemical
reactions between the acid gas and the solvent. Solubility
depends first and foremost on partial pressure and
secondarily on temperature
A physical solvent can be used to gas sweetening process
under the following circumstances
• Partial pressure of the acid gases in the feed is 50 psi or
higher
• Low concentrations of heavy hidrocarbons in the feed
Arnold Ken; Maurice Stewart; Chapter 7, Surface production operations,
• Only bulk removal of acid gases is required second edition 1999

• Selective H2S removal is required

 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
DIRECT CONVERSION OF H2S TO SULFUR

Use chemical reactions to oxidize H2S and produce

elemental sulfur. These processes are generally
based either on the reaction of H2S and O2 or H2S
and SO2. Both reactions yield wáter and elemental
sulfur
These processes are licensed and involve specialized
catalysts and/or solvents, we got some examples of
this
• Claus Process
• LOCAT Process
• Stretford Process
• IFP process
• Sulfa-check
Arnold Ken; Maurice Stewart; Chapter 7, Surface production operations,
second edition 1999
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS

SULFIDE SCAVENGERS
Sour gas sweetening may also be carried out continuously in the Flow- line by continuous injection of
H2S scavengers, such as amine-aldehyde condensates.contact time between the scavenger and the sour
gas is the most critical factor in the design of the scavenger treatment process.

DISTILLATION
It uses cryogenic distillation to remove acid gases from a gas stream. This process is applied to remove
CO2 por LPG separation or where it is desired to produce CO2 at high pressure for reservoir injection

GAS PERMEATION
Is based on the mass transfer principles of gas diffusion through permeable membrane. In its most basic
form, a membrane separation system consists of a vessel divided by a single flat membrane into a high-
and a low- pressure section
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES

The reactive material remover

CO2 and/or H2S in the
contactor at high partial
pressure and/or low
Reversible reactions
temperature.The reaction is
reversed by high temperature
These processes remove the and/or low pressure in the
H2S and/ or CO2 from the gas stripper
stream by chemical reaction
with a material in the solvent
solution. The chemical reaction is not
reversed and removal of the
h2s and/or Co2 requires
Irreversible reactions
continuous makeup of the
reversible chemical reaction
process
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES

Typical amine reversible chemical

reaction process

GPSA Engineering Data Book, 12 Edition, Gas Processors Suppliers

Association, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2004.
GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
PROCESS CAPABILITIES FOR GAS TREATING

GPSA Engineering Data Book, 12 Edition, Gas Processors Suppliers

Association, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2004.
GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
AMINE SWEETENING PLANT
DESCRIPTION
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
AQUEOUS ALKANOLAMINE PROCESSES

Alkanolamines have become the most widely used solvents

for the removal of acid gases from natural gas streams

AMINES
USED

Formulated
Monoethan Methyldieth Diisopropan Sterically
Diethanola Diglycolami Triethanola solvents and
olamine(ME anolamine( olamine(DIP hindered
mine(DEA) ne(DGA) mine(TEA) mixed
A) MDEA) A) amines
amines
GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
MONOETHANOLAMINE (MEA)

MONOETHANOLAMINE(MEA)

• Is used where there are low contactor pressures and/or

stringent acid gas specifications
• MEA has the highest vapor pressure of the amines used for
gas treating, solution losses through vaporization from the
contactor and stripper can be high
GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA)

DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA)

• Is used for high pressure, high acid gas content streams having a
relatively high ratio of H2s/co2
• DEA is a secondary amine and is chemically weaker tan MEA, and
less heat is required to strip the amine solution
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
DIGLYCOLAMINE (DGA)

DIGLYCOLAMINE (DGA)

• Has a greater affinity for the absorption of aromatics, olefins,

and heavy hydrocarbons than the MEA and DEA systems
• The required treating circulation rate is lower tan MEA, this is a
direct function of higher amine concentration
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
METHYLDIETHANOLAMINE (MDEA)

METHYLDIETHANOLAMINE (MDEA)

• Can be used to selectively remove h2s to pipeline specifications

at moderate to high pressure
• Reduced solution flow rates resulting from a reduction in the
amount of acid gas removed
GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA)

TRIETHANOLAMINE (TEA)

• Is a tertiary amine and has exhibited selectivity for h2s over co2
at low pressures.
• Was the first amine commercially used for gas sweetening
• It was replaced by MEA and DEA because of its inability to
remove h2s and co2 to low outlet specifications
GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
DIISOPROPANOLAMINE (DIIPA)

DIISOPROPANOLAMINE (DIIPA)

• Is a secondary amine which exhibits, though not as

great as tertiary amines, selectivity for h2s, this is
attributed to the steric hindrance of the chemical
AMINES GUIDELINES
GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
APPROXIMATE GUIDELINES FOR AMINE PROCESSES

GPSA Engineering Data Book, 12 Edition, Gas Processors Suppliers

Association, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2004.
GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GAS TREATING
CHEMICALS

GPSA Engineering Data Book, 12 Edition, Gas Processors Suppliers Association, Tulsa,
Oklahoma, 2004.
GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GAS TREATING
CHEMICALS

GPSA Engineering Data Book, 12 Edition, Gas Processors Suppliers

Association, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2004.
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
SIMPLIFIED DESIGN CALCULATIONS
There are some calculations to stimate the principal parameters for conventional MEA, DEA, and
DGA amine treating facilities, It is based on excerpts from Jones and Pearce,
modified and extended by the Section 21 Subcommittee.

To stimate amine circulation rate , the following equations are suggested:

For MEA For DEA(conventional)

   
𝐸𝑞
  21,6 𝐸𝑞
  21,7

(0.33 mol acid gas pick-up per mole MEA assumed) (0.5 mol acid gas pick-up per mole DEA assumed)
Where:
Q = Sour gas to be processed, MMscfd
y = Acid gas concentration in sour gas, mole%
x = Amine concentration in liquid solution, wt%
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
SIMPLIFIED DESIGN CALCULATIONS

For DEA(high loading) For DGA

Where:
Q = Sour gas to be processed,
   
𝐸𝑞
  21,8 𝐸𝑞
  21,9 MMscfd
y = Acid gas concentration in sour
gas, mole%
(0.7 mol acid gas pick-up per mole DEA (0.39 mol acid gas pick-up per x = Amine concentration in liquid
assumed) mole DGA assumed) solution, wt%

These equiations normally provide conservative (high) estimates of required circulation rate. They should not be used if
the combined H2S plus CO2 concentration in the gas is above 5 mole%. They also are limited to a maximum amine
concentration of about 30% by weight.
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
SIMPLIFIED DESIGN CALCULATIONS

After calculate the amine circulation, heat, heat exchange and pump power requirements can be stimated from
this information

GPSA Engineering Data Book, 12 Edition, Gas Processors Suppliers

GPSA Engineering Data Book, 12 Edition, Gas Processors Suppliers
Association, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2004.
Association, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2004.
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
SIMPLIFIED DESIGN CALCULATIONS

Diameter of an amine plant contactor Diameter of the generator below the feed point

 𝐷 𝑐 =3,0 ∗ √ 𝐺𝑃𝑀 
𝐷𝑐 =44 ∗ √𝑄/ √ 𝑃
 
 
11

Where: Where:
Q = MMscfd gas to contactor GPM = Amine circulation rate in gallons per minute
P = Contactor pressure is psia Dr = Regenerator bottom diameter in inches
Dc = Contactor diameter in inches before rounding up The diameter of the section of the still above the feed point
to nearest 6 inches. can be estimated at 0.67 times the bottom diameter.
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
SIMPLIFIED DESIGN CALCULATIONS
EXAMPLE (21,2 GPSA BOOK)

30.0 MMscfd of gas available at 850 psig and containing 0.6% H2S and 2.8% CO2 is to be sweetened using 20%, by weight,
DEA solution. If a conventional DEA system is to be used, what amine circulation rate is required, and what will be the
principal parameters for the DEA treating system?

Using equation to calculate the solution circulation:

 
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
SIMPLIFIED DESIGN CALCULATIONS
EXAMPLE (21,2 GPSA BOOK)

Calculate the heat exchange requirements ( from fig 21-9)

Reboiler
  =72000 ∗ 230= 16,6 ∗106 𝐵𝑡𝑢
𝐻
h𝑟
 
Rich-Lean Amine HEX
  =45000 ∗230=10,4 ∗ 10 6 𝐵𝑡𝑢
𝐻 GPSA Engineering Data Book, 12 Edition, Gas Processors Suppliers
h𝑟 Association, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2004.

 
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
SIMPLIFIED DESIGN CALCULATIONS
EXAMPLE (21,2 GPSA BOOK)

Calculate the heat exchange requirements ( from fig 21-9)

Amine cooler
  =15000 ∗ 230= 3,45∗ 10 6 𝐵𝑡𝑢
𝐻
h𝑟
 
Reflux condenser
  =30000 ∗ 230= 6,9 ∗10 6 𝐵𝑡𝑢
𝐻 GPSA Engineering Data Book, 12 Edition, Gas Processors Suppliers
h𝑟 Association, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2004.

 
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
SIMPLIFIED DESIGN CALCULATIONS
EXAMPLE (21,2 GPSA BOOK)

Calculate the power requirements ( from fig 21-10)

Main amine pumps
𝐻𝑃=230
  ∗ 850∗ 0,00065=127
Amine booster pumps
  4
Reflux pumps GPSA Engineering Data Book, 12 Edition, Gas Processors Suppliers
Association, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2004.

  4
Aerial cooler

  83
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
SIMPLIFIED DESIGN CALCULATIONS
EXAMPLE (21,2 GPSA BOOK)

Calculate the contactor diameter

𝑄 30
=44 ∗
√ √𝑃
=44 ∗
√ √ 865
=44,4 𝑖𝑛𝑐h𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑟 48𝑖𝑛𝑐h𝑒𝑠 𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑢𝑝

Calculate the regenerator diameter below feed point:

  𝑐 =3,0 ∗ √ 𝐺𝑃𝑀 =3,0 ∗ √ 230=45,5 𝑖𝑛𝑐h𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑟 48 𝑖𝑛𝑐h𝑒𝑠 ( 𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚 ) 𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑢𝑝 𝑡𝑜 𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡 6 𝑖𝑛𝑐h𝑒𝑠
𝐷
 GAS SWEETENING PROCESS
CHEMICAL SOLVENT PROCESSES
SIMPLIFIED DESIGN CALCULATIONS
EXAMPLE (21,2 GPSA BOOK)

Calculate the regenerator diameter above feed point

 𝐷 𝑟𝑎 =0,67 ∗ 48=32,2 𝑖𝑛𝑐h𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑟 36 𝑖𝑛𝑐h𝑒𝑠 ( 𝑡𝑜𝑝 ) 𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑢𝑝𝑡𝑜 𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡 6 𝑖𝑛𝑐h𝑒𝑠

 CONCLUSIONS

• Processes with amine and edulcorant, due from his efficiency and economy, is preffer to use MEA
and DEA.

• Is important to understand gas Flow must be constant, so that the use of a slug cátcher is almost
mandatory.

• Caution of acid elimination(H2S and CO2) has a lot of importance, because at 100 ppm is lethal, for
that reason his application has to be done by experts.
 REFERENCES

ARNOLD, K., STEWART, M., Design of Oil Handling Systems and Facilities,
Surface Productions Operations, Volume 1, 3eraEdición.Gulf Publishing, Houston,
Texas, 2008.

GPSA Engineering Data Book, 12 Edition, Gas Processors Suppliers Association,

Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2004.