(34c) Selective H2S Removal: Case Studies by Using a New Promoter System in Amine Systems

Selective H₂S removal: Case studies by using a new promoter system in amine systems

Abstract

Applications where selective sulfur removal is required have become an important topic over the last decades. Specifically in refineries as well as in natural gas applications, the production of H₂S enriched high quality Claus gas has been one of the favored drivers so far. Meanwhile, the requirement for an adjustable CO₂ slip, the focus on tighter sulfur specifications along with a high degree of flexibility and savings in energy consumption have gained in importance as well.  

The principles of selective removal of H₂S with amine-based solvents follow three major routes:

a) various design options and absorber internals, affecting the difference in CO₂ and H₂S mass transfer kinetics

b) severely hindered amines, controlling the selectivity for H₂S removal primarily in the absorber, and

c) generic and promoted tertiary amines, focusing more on the regeneration ability, and thus leading to tighter H₂S specifications.

In particular the combination of a) and c) is widespread and the most common option in industry.

Based on some design cases, this paper will describe the possibilities and leverage of selective designs by using a new promoter system for enhanced selective treatment with tertiary amines.