Large operational fluctuations in the amine solution regeneration tower
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Liquefied gas generally first goes through amine treatment to remove hydrogen sulfide, and then through fiber membrane desulfurization. Why are there large fluctuations in the operation of the amine regeneration tower? Let’s share our experiences: first, it has been confirmed that the amine solution did not foam, and second, there were no significant changes in the operating procedures. During fluctuations, the phenomenon is as follows: the weather conditions at the top of the tower suddenly worsen, the temperature at the top starts to drop, and increasing the total amount of steam does not help raise the temperature. Could this be caused by crystallization in the trays? How to handle it?
It would be better to send a historical trend chart of the parameters showing operational fluctuations
Send a DCS screen to show the parameters; it would be best to have a comparison image. There are many reasons for these fluctuations; for example, an obstruction in the acidic gas line, inaccurate reflux flow, variations in the liquid feed concentration, feed temperature, and so on. How can an increase in the amount of vapor at the top of the tower lead to a decrease in the tower top temperature? Let’s see if there are any patterns in all the trend charts
The fluctuations are always regular: at first, the weather conditions at the top of the tower worsen, followed by a drop in the temperature at the tower’s summit. Increase the setting of her pressure relief valve; no adjustment is needed after 2.5 hours, as it will gradually return to normal on its own.
The fluctuations are always regular: at first, the weather conditions at the top of the tower worsen, followed by a drop in the temperature at the tower’s summit. Increase the setting of her pressure relief valve; no adjustment is needed after 2.5 hours, as it will gradually return to normal on its own.
You can check whether the condensate discharge along the path of the reboiler at the bottom of the tower is functioning properly, as there have been similar cases in which improper operation of the vapor-liquid separator for the condensate from the reboiler at the bottom led to fluctuations in the operation of that reboiler, which in turn caused fluctuations throughout the entire regeneration tower!
In our amine solution regeneration process, salt deposition has caused blockages in the pressure control valves, preventing acidic gases from being discharged and leading to fluctuations in the regeneration process. The exact cause of this salt deposition has not yet been identified.
The gas-liquid phase equilibrium is severely abnormal; try turning off the dry gas and then introducing it gradually to see if there is any improvement. There may be a blockage in the tower trays. Thus, pressure is held for a short time, followed by flushing the tower, then submerging it again, and this cycle repeats.
Is the tower top temperature dropping? Will the pressure increase? Could it be that a problem with the desulfurization tower ahead is causing poor vapor-liquid separation, which then affects the regeneration tower downstream?