Amine Contamination

Amine solutions absorb H2S and CO2 plus entrained hydrocarbons, pipe scale, iron sulfide, corrosion products, filter aid, activated carbon fines, and amine degradation products. Contaminants reduce treating capacity, foul equipment, and cause foaming.

Filter Position

Located in regenerator bottom or surge tank where lean amine collects after regeneration. Filters hot regenerated amine removing accumulated contaminants before return to absorber. Critical quality control point in circulation loop.

Filter Design

Vertical pressure vessel with hot amine inlet from regenerator sump, cartridge filter elements rated 5-25 microns, filtered amine outlet to lean amine pump, drain connection, differential pressure instrumentation.

Filter Media

Depth-type cartridge filters for hot amine service. Materials withstand temperatures 110-150C and resist chemical attack from amine solutions. Polypropylene, polyester, or specialty media depending on amine type.

Operating Conditions

Temperature 110-150C from regenerator. Pressure 5-50 psig in amine circuit. Design accommodates thermal cycling during operation. Materials rated for hot corrosive amine environment.

Material Selection

Carbon steel with corrosion allowance for MEA, DEA solutions. Stainless steel 304/316 for MDEA and corrosive services. Filter housings resist amine chemistry and high temperature.

Contaminant Types

Iron sulfide from H2S corrosion, activated carbon fines from reclaiming, filter aid from polishing, scale and rust from piping, amine degradation products forming solids, and hydrocarbon deposits from gas contamination.

Differential Pressure

DP monitoring across filter elements. Clean DP 5-10 psi increasing as solids accumulate. Element replacement at 20-35 psi preventing excessive pressure drop affecting circulation rate.

Applications

Natural gas amine sweetening units, refinery sour gas treating, syngas CO2 removal, hydrogen plant purification, ammonia plant acid gas removal, and any amine circulation system requiring filtration.

Element Replacement

System shutdown and cooling required for safe maintenance. Drain filter and allow temperature reduction. Remove cover and used elements. Inspect contamination type and quantity. Install new elements and restart.

Amine Quality Protection

Clean amine maintains H2S and CO2 absorption capacity. Particulates interfere with gas-liquid contact reducing treating efficiency. Solids cause foaming disrupting absorber operation. Filtration critical for performance.

Reboiler Protection

Removes solids preventing deposition on regenerator reboiler tubes. Maintains heat transfer efficiency. Prevents fouling reducing energy consumption. Extends reboiler life through contamination control.

Pump Protection

Filtration removes abrasive particles protecting lean amine pump seals and impellers. Extends mechanical component life. Prevents premature failures maintaining system reliability.

Foaming Prevention

Particulates and hydrocarbons promote foaming in absorber reducing treating capacity. Filtration removes foam-causing contaminants improving operational stability.

Corrosion Product Removal

Iron sulfide and corrosion products from system metallurgy accumulate in amine. Filtration prevents circulation and deposition protecting equipment. Indicator of corrosion issues requiring attention.

Performance Benefits

Maintains amine treating efficiency through solution cleanliness. Protects reboilers, heat exchangers, and pumps. Reduces foaming and operational upsets. Extends amine life reducing chemical costs.

Construction Standards

Pressure vessels per ASME Section VIII. Materials for hot corrosive amine service. Filter elements rated for temperature and chemistry. Complete documentation with compatibility data.

ERGIL amine sump filters maintain solution purity removing contaminants in gas sweetening systems protecting equipment and ensuring efficient acid gas removal.