GAS SWEETENINGAMINE FILTRATION PROCESS

June 2016

Background to AI Energy Solutions

Arabian Industries LLC

Established AI Energy Solutions as a Process Technology division, to increase its portfolio and global reach.

Arabian Industries LLC(Holding Company)

Arabian Industries Manufacturing LLC

Arabian Industries Projects LLC

Arabian Industries Technical Support

LLC

Joint Ventures –Specialised Services

AI Energy Solutions

Arabian Industries LLC

• Incorporated in 1991

• Turnover: $250m

• Staff: 2800

• Four Operating Divisions: AI Manufacturing LLC

AI Projects LLC

AI Technical Support LLC

AI Energy Solutions

• AI Joint Ventures

Arabian Industries - Timeline

Introduction to AI Energy Solutions

• Operating division of Arabian Industries LLC

• Formed to offer Process Engineering extension to existing Process Plant Fabrication capabilities

• Process Design/Engineering and Equipment supplier for upstream Oil & Gas sector

• Focus on bespoke solutions to clients and implementation of New Technologies

• Ability to offer Site services (Operations, Maintenance, Surveys, Installation and Commissioning)

AI Energy Solutions – QA / QC

• AIES is a fully accredited ISO 9001:2008 Company

• Operating a newly revamped Integrated Management System (IMS)

• Covers entire scope of services including: Design Engineering

Project Management

Procurement

Fabrication

Completions and Commissioning

• Familiar with international standards and have delivered projects in accordance with IEC

ASME

DNV

API

NORSOK

AI Energy Solutions - Capabilities

Upstream Oil and Gas sector with a focus on:

• Produced Water Treatment

Production Separators

Primary treatment: CPI/Deoiler hydrocyclones

Secondary treatment: Flotation technologies

Tertiary treatment: Nutshell Filtration / Media Filtration

Further Treatment: Ceramic membrane packages

• Sand Management

Desanding

Solids removal and sand cleaning

Separators

• Gas Treatment

Gas Treatment Packages (Dehydration, H2S stripping etc…)

GAS SWEETENING

AMINE FILTRATION PROCESS

• Also known as amine scrubbing and acid gas removal, it is a common process used in refineries and petrochemical plants to remove contaminants from natural gas and hydrocarbon liquids.

• The contaminants are extracted using amines as a solvent.

• Amine possesses a natural affinity for the most common contaminants CO2 and H2S, the so called acid gases, which enables the process to be highly efficient.

• These gases form an acidic solution when absorbed into water and if they aren’t removed toxicity and corrosiveness, among other problems, will become serious issues.

Gas Sweetening

Typical Gas Sweetening Process

Fuel Gas

1 – Gas Inlet Filter

• The sour gas not only contains gaseous impurities but also liquid mist and fine solid particles that can interfere with the process

• Filtration is usually carried out by a separator with an inlet device and/or a gas-liquid filter/coalescer

• A combination of these techniques can be designed to handle all levels of particles and liquids

AIES Coalescer Filter

• AIES Coalescer Filters remove liquid mist and fine particles by passing the incoming feed of gas through coalescing media

• Droplets impact the strands of the filter and combine, coalescing into larger droplets which then bleed from the outer layer of the element and drain into the bottom of the coalescer section

• The filters work best with a low liquid load so an upstream stage of separation, a ‘primary stage’ may be required

Vane Inlet Device

• Primary separation can be performed by a Vane Inlet Device

• The fluids are ‘sliced’ off to either side, and bulk liquids/solids drop out into the bottom of the vessel

• These devices improve the distribution of the incoming gas and reduce the momentum of the incoming fluids

• Advanced Schoepentoeter inlet devices are designed using CFD to put the least amount of shear into the fluids, maximising separation

Vanepack

• For very high liquid loads, a Vanepack can be used instead of, or in tandem with, an inlet device

• They can be horizontally or vertically orientated

• Gives >99% liquid knockout

2 – Carbon Filter Package

• Activated carbon is capable of removing many contaminants including surface active contaminants and hydrocarbons

• Installed on the lean amine stream because the rich amine stream contains enough acid gas to form gas pockets within the carbon filter which reduces flow

The AIES Pre-Coat Candle Filter prevents solids from blocking the carbon filter

A polishing filter acts as a guard against carbon fines entering the amine stream

10% of the amine stream is directed into a candle filter

After the candle filter, half of the stream is sent through a carbon filter and polishing filter

AIES Pre-Coat Candle Filter

• It is essential that the amine stream be pre-filtered before passing through the carbon filter, to remove solids that would otherwise block it

• By using Pre-Coat Filtration technology, it is possible to achieve fine filtration efficiency whilst avoiding filter cloth clogging

• AIES will select the optimal Pre-Coat material to ensure successful operation

• Alternatively, cartridge filters can be used

AIES Pre-Coat Candle Filter

• A portion of lean amine is mixed with the pre-coat material in the pre-coat tank. The amine and pre-coatmixture is then filtered, leaving a layer of material on the candles

• At this point normal filtration begins, with the filtered amine flowing up the candles then through an outlet near the top of the vessel

• When the filtration cycle is complete a back flush cycle is initiated, where a back pulse of air causes the layer of pre-coat material to be pushed off

• The material is then discharged through the bottom of the vessel

Cartridge Filters

• Cartridge filters are an alternative to a pre-coat filter

• Disposable and back-washable cartridges are available

• A range of filter media are available: pleated cellulose, pleated propylene, fibre glass

Activated Carbon Filter

• The Activated Carbon filter efficiently removes contaminants from the amine stream via adsorption

• Depending on contaminant loadings, the lifetime of the filter is between 6 – 12 months

Activated Carbon Types

• Many different types of activated carbon are available with the type of coal, format and size all customisable.

• Bituminous coal activated carbon has a broad range of pore diameters with a higher concentration of smaller pores, making it the preferred choice for amine applications

• Sub-bituminous or lignite coal activated carbon has a larger pore diameter and is suitable for applications which feature significant hydrocarbon contamination

• The format of activated carbon is generally granulated, but can also be powdered or extruded pellets

Polishing Filter

• A polishing filter is installed after the activated carbon bed and prevents carbon fines from entering the amine stream

• Exceptional design and high quality materials result in absolute filtration efficiency

3 – Rich Amine Stream Candle Filter

If the amine stream becomes highly contaminated, it may be necessary to filter the rich amine stream to avoid heat exchanger plugging.

A Pre-Coat Candle Filter can be installed on the rich amine stream.

Results of Efficient Filtration

5 micron filtration 25 micron filtration

Removing more contaminants from the amine stream results in:

• The prevention of amine foaming

• Reduced corrosion problems

• Reduced fouling problems

• Consistent amine efficiency leading to reduced amine consumption and steady plant capacity

CONTACTS

Website - www.aienergysolutions.comEmail - info@aienergysolutions.com

Any Questions?

Sales & Marketing DirectorLloyd Thomas

lloydthomas@aienergysolutions.com+44 (0) 7495 235 057

Chief Executive OfficerSebastien Camborieux

seb@aienergysolutions.com+44 (0) 7824 507 734