Alkanolamine solutions removing acid gases such as CO2 and H2S from natural gas, synthetic gas or light hydrocarbons are often plagued not only by corrosion problems but also by fouling of heat exchange
surface area and contact equipment. Corrosion due to amine heat stable salts and CO2 are of particular concern since they are not easily controlled through changes in operating parameters. Operating problems arising from corrosion and fouling can be diminished through addition of a unique additive via continuous injection or by pre-blending with the make-up amine solution. The additive is a multicomponent formulation incorporating metal passivators, neutralizing agents, and reducing agents. There are no detrimental effects and the additive has been successfully used in MEA, DEA, MDEA, high performance amine formulations and physical solvents. The paper discusses some of the corrosion and fouling mechanisms and plant improvements after addition of the additive.
Keywords: alkanolamines, acid gas removal, physical solvents, gas treating, corrosion inhibition, amine unit corrosion, amine degradation, heat stable salts and amine unit fouling