98 Fundamentals of Natural Gas Processing

TABLE 5.2
CO2 and H2S Removal Processes for Gas Streams
Normally Removes Minimum Solution
Capable of COS, Selective CO2 Subject to
Meeting H2S CS2, and H 2S Level Degradation?
Process Specificationa Mercaptans Removal Obtainable (Degrading Species)

Monoethanol- Yes Partial No 100 ppmv at Yes (COS,

amine (MEA) low to CO2, CS2, SO 2, SO 3
moderate and mercaptans)
pressures
Diethanol amine Yes Partial No 50 ppmv Some (COS, CO2 CS2,
(DEA) in SNEA- HCN and
DEA mercaptans)
process
Triethanol amine No Slight No Minimum Slight (COS, CS2 and
(TEA) partial mercaptans)
pressure
of 0.5 psia
(3 kPa)
Methyldiethanol- Yes Slight Some Bulk No
amine removal
(MDEA) only
Diglycol amine Yes Partial No 100 ppmv at Yes (COS, CO 2,
(DGA) moderate and CS2)
to high
pressures
Diisopropanol- Yes COS only Yes Not Resistant to
amine (DIPA) applicable degradation by COS
Sulfinol Yes Partial Yes 50 ppmv, Some (CO2 and CS2)
(Sulfinol 50%
-M) slippage
while
meeting
H2S
product
spec
Hot potassium Yes, with Partial No Not Not reported
carbonate special design reported
features
Stretford Yes No Yes No Yes (CO2 at high
significant concentrations)
amounts of
CO2 are
removed

© 2006 by Taylor and Francis Group, LLC

Gas Treating 99

TABLE 5.2 (Continued)

CO2 and H2S Removal Processes for Gas Streams
Normally Removes Minimum Solution
Capable of COS, Selective CO2 Subject to
Meeting H2S CS2, and H 2S Level Degradation?
Process Specificationa Mercaptans Removal Obtainable (Degrading Species)

Selexol Yes Slight Some Can be No

slipped or
absorbed
Rectisol Yes Yes No 1 ppmv Not reported
Molecular sieves Yes Yes Some Can meet Not applicable
(excluding cryogenic
CS2) spec when
CO2 feed
content is
less than
~2%
Membranes No Slight No Feed Not applicable
concentra-
tion
dependent
a H2S specification is 25% grain H2S per 100 scf (6 mg/m3)

Source: Adapted from Echterhoff, 1991.

distribution of these sulfur compounds is discussed in Chapter 10. The amines

are susceptible to degradation by O2, which forms undesirable and corrosive
compounds.
In this discussion, we consider only the more commonly used amine processes,
an alkali salt process (hot potassium carbonate), the Selexol physical absorption
process, molecular sieve adsorption, the Ryan/Holmes cryogenic fractionation pro-
cess, membranes, and H2S scavengers. For a more comprehensive discussion of
acid gas purification, the reader should refer to Kohl and Nielsen (1997) and
Engineering Data Book (2004b).

5.2 SOLVENT ABSORPTION PROCESSES

In solvent absorption, the two major cost factors are the solvent circulation rate,
which affects both equipment size and operating costs, and the energy require-
ment for regenerating the solvent. Table 5.3 summarizes some of the advantages
and disadvantages of chemical and physical solvents.

© 2006 by Taylor and Francis Group, LLC