Reboiler Function

Rich amine requires heating to 115-125°C to reverse chemical absorption and release captured acid gases. The reboiler vaporizes water at column base creating stripping steam that flows upward through regenerator packing or trays, driving absorbed H₂S and CO₂ from descending amine. Temperature control prevents amine thermal degradation occurring above 130-135°C depending on formulation, maintaining solution quality and system efficiency.

Design Configuration

Kettle or thermosiphon reboilers based on column arrangement and elevation. Shell-and-tube construction with heating medium on shell side and amine boiling on tube side. ERGIL sizes reboilers for heat duty typically 400-500 BTU per pound of CO₂ removed, with total duties ranging 0.5-15 MMBTU/hr depending on amine circulation rate and acid gas loading.

Heating Methods

Steam reboilers use plant steam 50-150 psig in kettle or thermosiphon configurations. Fire tube units employ natural gas or fuel oil burners with U-tube bundles immersed in amine bath providing utility independence. Thermal fluid systems circulate hot oil delivering uniform heating without combustion at vessel. ERGIL selects method based on available utilities and site requirements.

Material Selection

Carbon steel construction with corrosion inhibitors suitable for standard amine service. Stainless steel 304 or 316 for high acid gas loading or elevated temperatures. Tube materials resist amine corrosion and thermal stress. Design per ASME Section VIII with materials meeting NACE requirements for sour service environments.

Control Systems

Temperature control modulates steam flow, fuel firing, or thermal fluid circulation maintaining optimal regeneration temperature without overheating. High-temperature alarms and shutdown protect against amine degradation. Level controls in kettle reboilers maintain proper liquid inventory. Integration with stripper column controls optimizes acid gas removal efficiency.

Applications

Natural gas sweetening facilities, refinery hydrogen purification, syngas treating plants, and sour water stripping across MEA, DEA, MDEA solutions. Serves amine circulation rates 5-500 GPM with acid gas loadings from trace removal to high-concentration applications in upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.

Performance Features

Efficient heat transfer achieves complete regeneration with minimal energy consumption. Prevents hot spots that cause amine degradation through proper tube bundle design. Reliable operation ensures consistent lean amine quality for effective gas treating. Materials and construction for 20+ year service life with appropriate maintenance.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII with full pressure vessel certification. Fired reboilers comply with applicable safety codes. Hydrostatic testing validates integrity. Complete documentation includes heat duty calculations, material certifications, and performance guarantees.

ERGIL amine stripper reboilers deliver dependable regeneration heat ensuring effective acid gas removal and optimal gas sweetening system performance through proven thermal design.