Absorption Process

Sour gas enters the column bottom and flows upward through structured packing or trays, contacting descending lean amine solution. The amine chemically reacts with H₂S and CO₂, absorbing acid gases from the stream. Sweet gas exits the top meeting specifications, typically H₂S below 4 ppm and CO₂ to target levels. Rich amine loaded with acid gases flows to regeneration where heat reverses the reaction, releasing captured gases and reconcentrating the amine for continuous reuse.

Column Design

ERGIL engineers absorbers based on gas flow rate, inlet acid gas concentration, required outlet specifications, operating pressure, and amine type (MEA, DEA, MDEA, or formulated blends). Tower diameter sized for vapor velocity preventing flooding while maintaining efficient contact. Packing height or tray count determined by mass transfer requirements. Carbon steel construction with corrosion inhibitors or stainless steel for severe service.

Internal Configuration

Gas inlet distributor ensures uniform flow across column cross-section. Structured packing or valve trays provide high-efficiency gas-liquid contact with low pressure drop. Liquid redistributors maintain even amine distribution in tall columns. Mist eliminators at gas outlet prevent amine carryover. Chimney trays handle liquid surges from upstream separators. ERGIL selects internals optimizing performance for specific applications.

System Integration

Complete acid gas removal systems include absorber column, amine circulation pump, lean/rich heat exchanger, regenerator column, reboiler, reflux condenser, filtration, and reclaimer. ERGIL provides full process design from inlet separation through treated gas delivery. PLC control manages amine circulation rates, regeneration temperature, and safety interlocks. Instruments monitor temperatures, pressures, flow rates, and acid gas concentrations.

Applications

Natural gas sweetening in production facilities and gas plants, refinery hydrogen purification, syngas cleanup in ammonia and methanol plants, biogas upgrading, and landfill gas treatment. Handles varying sour gas compositions from 0.5% to 30% acid gas loading. Operating pressures from 50 to 1500 psig across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.

Material Selection

Carbon steel with amine corrosion inhibitors for standard service. Stainless steel 304/316 for high acid gas loading or elevated temperatures. Special alloys for extreme conditions. Amine-resistant gaskets and packing materials. All materials selected per NACE standards for sour service environments.

Performance Features

High removal efficiency achieving pipeline quality and environmental compliance. Flexible operation handles varying inlet gas conditions. Selective amine formulations minimize CO₂ removal when H₂S treatment is primary objective. Low pressure drop preserves gas pressure for downstream compression. Proven technology with decades of industry application.

ERGIL amine absorbers deliver reliable acid gas removal with engineered solutions tailored to your gas treating requirements and operational constraints.