The lean amine solution from the plant’s solvent regeneration unit is continuously leaking in variable amounts
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In our plant’s solvent regeneration unit, there is continuous and variable loss of lean amine solution – up to 12 tons per day in some cases and 5 tons per day in others. All the discharge valves of the solvent regeneration unit have been fitted with blind flanges. The circulation water pressure in the lean solution water cooler is 0.43 MPa, while it is 0.1 MPa for the first stage of the lean solution processing. The upstream desulfurization units were also inspected, and no leaks were found (the units using lean amine solutions include the hydrocracking unit, the hydroreforming unit, the sulfur off-gas absorption tower in this workshop, and the deodorization tower for the acidic water stripping and large acidic water tanks). Have any of you experts encountered this before?
We can check whether there is a leak in the reboiler at the bottom of the solvent regeneration tower; we have encountered losses of solvent due to reboiler leaks in the past
I wonder if you have any lines where acidic water is used for stripping; if there is a leak in the valve of the reflux pump, it is possible that loss of fluid will occur. Also, have you checked the amine-removal lines of all the equipment?
I checked; the line you mentioned that goes to the stripping unit is an external discharge line. If there’s a leak in this line, the concentration of the amine solution should increase, but that hasn’t happened so far
It’s likely still an issue upstream; check the liquid level changes in the amine separation tank and coalescer at the top of the upstream desulfurization tower. If the liquid level rises frequently, it is likely being carried away by liquefied gas or dry gas.
The pressure in the steam side of the reboiler is much higher than that in the liquid side; how can it then get into the steam?
Judging from his amine tank, there is no liquid level inside; however, when water was removed from the liquefied gas tank, some amine liquid was obtained, but the amount was not large
Does the amine solution in the regeneration system foam? The color should be normal; don’t make the concentration too high. The presence of amine solution in the cut water indicates entrainment. Internal leakage in the heat exchanger can be analyzed through testing; if there is any leakage or connection with other fluids, block off those areas using blind flanges, and consider the possibility that the issue is caused by liquefied gas being carried in with the fluid flow.
It has a slightly yellow color, no foaming occurs, and the concentration is currently only 17%. When will the teacher have time to come and take a look?
I work with sulfur as well; I can’t really be called a teacher – I’ve just encountered it more often. A concentration of 17% is too low; logically, you should have started with 30%. A decrease in concentration is definitely due to water diluting it. A slight yellow tint is not a big problem.