📋 Case Study

Offshore Natural Gas Sweetening via Amine Absorption

Conventional tray columns too heavy and voluminous for topside footprint

🏗️ Project Overview

North Sea platform processing sour gas (22% H₂S, 8% CO₂) under space/weight constraints

🎯 Challenge

Conventional tray columns too heavy and voluminous for topside footprint

🔧 Design Approach

Structured packing column with MDEA-based formulation and intercooled lean amine recycle; integrated heat integration with TEG dehydration unit

📐 Design Diagram

AI-generated project design illustration

📐 Key Calculations

Minimum Lean Amine Flow

L_min = G × (Y_in − Y_out)/((X_max − X_in))

Result: 18.6 m³/h

Sets baseline for pump sizing

HTU (Height of Transfer Unit)

H = G/(K_G·a·P)

Result: 0.42 m

Drives packed height

📊 Results

Column weight reduced by 63%; H₂S < 4 ppm; corrosion monitoring showed 92% reduction in Fe²⁺ in rich amine loop

💡 Lessons Learned

• •MDEA degradation products required continuous reclaimer
• •Vibration analysis essential due to pulsating flow from lean amine pumps

✅ Key Takeaways

• 1MDEA degradation products required continuous reclaimer
• 2Vibration analysis essential due to pulsating flow from lean amine pumps