Proper Filtration In Amine Sweetening Systems Improves Natural Gas Processing Plant And Oil Refinery Operations

Amine treating systems are a critical part of natural gas processing plants and oil refineries. They significantly impact the overall operating costs of the plant and the plant's ability to meet sales gas specifications. Natural gas processing facilities and refineries use treatment solvents to reduce acid gas components from gas streams. Amines such as MDEA, DEA, MEA, and specially designed formulations absorb hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) to "sweeten" the gas stream. In this Customer Application Brief (CAB), the use of high efficiency filtration systems in Amine Sweetening Processes is discussed and the benefits provided through efficient filtration of both the recirculating amine stream and the inlet gas to the plant are identified. The benefits include a significant reduction in contactor plugging and heat exchanger, reboiler and carbon bed fouling, resulting in lower operating and maintenance costs.