Regeneration Process

Rich amine from the absorber enters mid-column after preheating through heat exchange with hot lean amine. The solution flows downward through trays or packing while rising steam strips absorbed acid gases. Heat from the reboiler at column base vaporizes water, generating stripping steam that drives acid gas release. Regenerated lean amine exits the bottom at temperatures typically 115-125°C, ready to return to the absorber after cooling. Overhead vapor containing acid gases, water vapor, and trace amine flows to the condenser.

Column Design

ERGIL engineers strippers based on amine circulation rate, acid gas loading, amine type, and regeneration temperature limits. Typical designs include 18-24 trays or equivalent packing height providing sufficient stripping stages. Carbon steel construction with corrosion-resistant internals handles hot amine service. Reflux sections at column top minimize amine losses in overhead vapors. Reboiler integration provides controlled heat input without amine thermal degradation.

Reboiler Systems

Steam reboilers use plant steam in thermosiphon or kettle configurations. Fire tube reboilers employ natural gas or fuel oil burners with temperature controls preventing hot spots. Electric immersion heaters offer precise temperature control in smaller units. ERGIL sizes reboilers for required heat duty typically 400-500 BTU per pound of CO₂ removed. Temperature limits prevent amine degradation occurring above 125-135°C depending on formulation.

Overhead Handling

Acid gas exits overhead at 98-105°C flowing to reflux condenser where cooling water condenses steam and amine vapors. Condensate returns to column top as reflux, recovering amine and controlling water balance. Non-condensable acid gas flows to disposal through flaring, sulfur recovery, or reinjection systems. ERGIL designs overhead systems for acid gas composition and downstream treatment requirements.

Process Optimization

Reboiler duty balanced between adequate regeneration and energy efficiency. Reflux ratios optimized to minimize amine losses while maintaining water balance. Stripper pressure typically atmospheric or slight vacuum for thermally sensitive amines. Temperature profiles monitored ensuring complete acid gas removal without excessive energy consumption. Lean amine quality verified through laboratory analysis or online analyzers.

Applications

Natural gas treating plants, refinery hydrogen purification units, syngas cleanup facilities, and sour water strippers. Handles MEA, DEA, MDEA, and proprietary amine formulations. Acid gas loadings from trace removal to high-concentration applications. Capacities from 10 to 1000+ GPM amine circulation rates serving treating systems across diverse scales.

Operational Features

Continuous regeneration maintains consistent lean amine quality. Automatic level and temperature control minimize operator intervention. Filters remove suspended solids protecting heat exchangers. Amine reclaimers remove heat-stable salts and degradation products maintaining solution quality. Designed for 20+ year service life with proper maintenance and solution management.

ERGIL stripper columns deliver efficient amine regeneration with proven technology, ensuring reliable acid gas treating performance and optimal operating economics.