Analysis of the operating mode of the existing desorber and its modernization using additional contact devices

Abstract

Amine regeneration studies using two devices are presented in this work. In the first apparatus, a problem analysis was carried out in the operation of the desorber, which is used in petrochemical complexes, affecting various parameters of regeneration, such as temperature and pressure at the top and bottom of the column, pressure drop in the columns, rich amine feeding and flow rate, feed temperature, reboiler temperature and stripping pressure. The problems in the existing desorber and modernized the device was studied and an experiment that affects different parameters of regeneration was conducted. The desorber-1 (existing apparatus) and desorber-2 (modernized apparatus) mass-exchange apparatus was selected to serve as experimental regeneration plants. The dimensions of the experimental setup were determined based on the principles of geometric similarity with respect to the dimensions of an industrial regeneration column on a scale of 1:10 and physical similarity (with the same scaling) of gas and liquid flow rates and initial conditions. Thus, during the experiment, the pressure drop in the column increased in the desorber. To solve the problem and to improve the efficiency of the regeneration column, the desorber was upgraded using a Raschig packing. A laboratory stand was also developed for the purpose of conducting an experiment aimed at finding the optimal modes for the parameters of the regeneration column. As a result of the modernization of the desorber, the content of carbon dioxide in lean amine decreased, and there was a 4-fold reduction in column pressure drop. The modernization of the apparatus also led to an increase in the recovery factor.