AMINEX™
Removing Acid Gas and Carbonyl Sulfide from Hydrocarbon Streams
Amine Extraction of Contaminants
Developed by Merichem Technologies’ AMINEX™ is a proven technology for the removal of acid gas (H2S + CO2) and carbonyl sulfide (COS) from LPG-type liquid and gas streams.
Both H2S and COS removal technologies use Merichem Technologies’ FIBER FILM® Contactor device for mass transfer, with the appropriate amine as the treating reagent.
Advantages
AMINEX™ technology, used with Merichem Technologies’ proprietary FIBER FILM® Contactor, helps our clients in a number of ways:
- Reduced capital and operational expenditures
- Less plant space required compared to other treating alternatives
- Faster and more efficient mass-transfer process
- Proven technology
Applications
- NGL Fractionation
- Crude Distillation Unit
- FCCU or RCCU
- Coker, Visbreaker or Hydrocracker
- Gas Production Field
- Oil Production Field
- Oil Sands Heavy Oil Upgrader
How It Works
Increasing the liquid surface area with Merichem Technologies FIBER FILM® Contactor provides a much more efficient mass transfer process, optimizing AMINEX™ technology. Better yet, there’s little to no emulsification, carryover or high-pressure drop during phase separation.
History of Expertise
Merichem Technologies has a long history of providing process technology and equipment to the oil and gas and chemical processing industries. Our experience is unmatched, as is our total commitment to supporting our customers.
Capable Problem Solvers
All over the world, we help our customers remove the obstacles to performance and profitability—through engineering, design, fabrication, testing, analytics, technology and services. Our capabilities are comprehensive, and our dedication is total.
Proven Flexibility, Global Reach
Merichem Technologies has helped customers all over the world solve treating challenges with proven, industry‑changing technology.
We have licensed more than 25 AMINEX™ units worldwide.
Stream Types
AMINEX™ has been used to extract contaminants from the following stream types:
FFC Plus™ Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AMINEX used for?
AMINEX is the application of FFC technology for efficient removal of H2S, COS and CO2 from hydrocarbon streams using different types of amine.
What is the operating window for AMINEX?
Merichem has designed AMINEX systems for treating up to 38,500 ppm H2S and 5 ppm COS producing a product with less than 50 ppm H2S and 1 ppm COS. AMINEX COS can be used to treat LPG having up to 300 ppm COS down to 1 ppm.
Can AMINEX remove other sulfur contaminants such as COS, CS2 or mercaptans?
COS can be removed using secondary amines. CS2 is not acidic and so it can’t be removed using amine or caustic. Secondary amines or MDEA with an activator catalyze the hydrolysis of COS to H2S and CO2 which then allows the amine stream to absorb the acid gases. Mercaptans are generally not removed using amines other than minor adsorption based on water solubility.
Does AMINEX require generic amine or proprietary amines?
Generic amines can be used for H2S and CO2 removal, but certain amines provide better removal efficiency for COS. For example secondary amines (DEA, DGA, DIPA), MDEA with piperazine, or blends of these are required for removal of COS. MDEA mixed with will also remove COS.
Does AMINEX have any hydrocarbon carryover issues downstream?
Using AMINEX minimizes carryover issues significantly. If the amine is loaded with H2S, however, then amine carryover can occur even with an AMINEX. Unfortunately, any amine carryover into a downstream caustic treater will both dilute and spend the caustic. Amine also slowly oxidizes in the REGEN to form organic acids that spend the caustic and form Heat Stable Salts.
Does AMINEX require any kind of pre-treatment?
No pre-treatment is required for AMINEX.
Can AMINEX be used in LNG treatment systems to improve the results from existing amine towers that carryover?
Yes. Because AMINEX uses a FFC for the primary mass transfer, AMINEX systems produce far less amine carryover than from a typical trayed amine tower. Using AMINEX as the final treatment steps helps minimize any carryover from liquid/liquid treaters as well as providing any final required polishing of H2S.