Reboiler Types

Fire tube reboilers use natural gas or fuel oil burners with heat transfer tubes immersed in amine solution. Direct heating offers high efficiency and independence from utility systems. Indirect reboilers employ steam or thermal fluid in shell-and-tube configurations, isolating amine from combustion. Electric immersion heaters provide precise temperature control for smaller systems. ERGIL selects reboiler type based on available utilities, capacity requirements, and site constraints.

Design Considerations

Heat duty typically 400-500 BTU per pound of CO₂ removed, with total duties ranging from 0.5 to 20 MMBTU/hr depending on amine circulation rate and acid gas loading. Temperature control prevents amine degradation occurring above 125-135°C. Thermosiphon circulation provides natural convection without pumping. Fire tube designs include multiple passes maximizing heat transfer while preventing hot spots. Materials resist amine corrosion and thermal stress.

Fire Tube Configuration

Vertical or horizontal vessels with U-tube or straight tube bundles. Burners sized for required heat input with turndown capability accommodating varying loads. Combustion controls maintain stable firing rates and temperature limits. Stack design ensures proper draft and emissions compliance. Carbon steel construction with corrosion inhibitors. Insulation minimizes heat losses and improves safety.

Steam Reboiler Design

Shell-and-tube heat exchangers with steam condensing on shell side and amine boiling on tube side. Kettle or thermosiphon configurations depending on stripper arrangement. Steam pressure selected for required temperature differential, typically 50-150 psig. Stainless steel or carbon steel tubes resist amine service. Removable bundles facilitate cleaning and maintenance.

Control Systems

Temperature control modulates fuel input, steam flow, or electric power maintaining optimal regeneration without overheating. High-temperature shutdown prevents amine degradation. Level controls protect against dry firing. Pressure monitoring ensures safe operation. Integration with stripper column controls optimizes overall system performance.

Applications

Natural gas treating facilities, refinery amine systems, syngas cleanup operations, and sour water stripping. Handles MEA, DEA, MDEA, and formulated amine solutions. Capacities from small wellhead units to large central processing plants. Operating pressures atmospheric to 50 psig depending on stripper design.

Performance Features

Efficient heat transfer maximizes regeneration with minimal energy consumption. Robust construction ensures reliable long-term operation. Turndown capability handles varying process loads. Easy maintenance access for tube cleaning and inspection. Designed per ASME Section VIII with full code compliance and testing.

Operational Benefits

Consistent heat delivery maintains stable lean amine quality. Automated controls reduce operator intervention. Fuel flexibility accommodates available energy sources. Proven designs minimize fouling and scaling. Predictable maintenance schedules support planning and budgeting.

ERGIL amine reboilers deliver reliable thermal energy for efficient amine regeneration across diverse gas treating applications.