(28c) How Sensitive is Your Amine Plant to Operating Conditions?

A series of case studies is used to explore the surprising response of amine treating units to seemingly small changes in operating conditions.  Particular reference is made to plants using piperazine promoted MDEA for deep CO2 removal typified by LNG and ammonia production facilities.  Sudden and spectacular failures to meet treating goals have been observed as the result of small changes in solvent flow, lean solvent temperature, and lean solvent loading.  It is especially important to be aware of these possibilities and to set operating parameters that avoid inherently unstable designs.