Downstream
Amine treatment
Amine is a chemical compound commonly used in gas treatment processes to remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) from natural gas and refinery streams. Efficient separation technologies are required to keep up with the overall performance of the gas treatment system.
There are many different types of amines that are used, such as:
- Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA)
- Monoethanolamine (MEA)
- Diethanolamine (DEA)
- Diisopropanolamine (DIPA)
- Aminoethoxyethanol (Diglycolamine) (DGA)
The most used are MDEA, MEA and DEA.
Benefits of our centrifuges
Understanding amine and its challenges
Amine treatment, also known as amine gas treating or gas sweetening, is a vital process in the oil & gas industry. This process removes acidic gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) from industrial gas streams to ensure safety and environmental standards while improving the quality of the gas. Amine's high chemical stability and low corrosiveness make it a preferred choice for many industrial applications. However, amine treatment can face challenges. Over time, impurities like heat-stable salts (HSS), degradation products, hydrocarbons, and suspended particles accumulate, leading to increased corrosion rates, foaming, equipment fouling, reduced absorption performance, and higher maintenance costs.
Boosting amine treatment with centrifugal separators
Optimizing amine treatment with GEA centrifuges
In industries such as refineries, steel production, cement factories and power plants, the efficiency of amine treatment processes is critical. GEA centrifuges enhance this efficiency by ensuring downstream filters require minimal maintenance. GEA centrifuges are capable of separating particles to levels below 5µm with a removal efficiency of > 97% due to the large difference in density. This ensures a high degree of purification, which is essential for maintaining the effectiveness of the amine solution.
Operating in continuous bypass mode, GEA centrifuges process approximately 10-15% of the main-stream as a slip-stream. This continuous cleaning reduces the need for frequent maintenance, maintaining the effectiveness of the amine solution over longer periods. Unlike conventional filters that require regular replacement, GEA centrifuges demand minimal maintenance, reducing downtime and operating costs. This not only makes the process more efficient and cost-effective but also lowers the environmental impact associated with filter disposal.
By maintaining a cleaner amine solution, GEA centrifuges enhance the absorption and desorption capacity of the amine, leading to more effective gas scrubbing and CO₂ reduction.
Downloads
GEA Insights
New food tipping point
Alternative proteins are promising – yet still expensive to produce. The usual response is that scaling up will solve this issue. But what if the solution was really about getting better, not just bigger? From more efficient, high-yield processes to upcycling waste heat, engineers are reshaping how we grow food.
A safer way to produce cancer treatments
As anti-cancer drugs become more powerful and complex, GEA is redefining how to safely freeze-dry these life-saving treatments.
Celebrating digital transformation at GEA
Digital transformation at GEA means more than new tools – it’s about bold ideas, customer impact and a culture that values and drives innovation. Meet this year’s GEA Better World Awards Innovation & Digitalization winners who were celebrated for solutions which are shaping the future of our business.
