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Regarding the LPG Sulfrex Unit in RFCC, I have some questions.
We experience the increase of C4 sulfur content last Saturday (11/12) by the forming of the amine absorber(T-20701). ** a brief unit description is bottom of this writing: sulfur content of C4 goes up from 1~3 ppm to 16~18 ppm
Thus we replace the caustic of prewash drum(D-20702) & Extractor(T-20702). But the sulfur content of C4 is not decreased.
Investigating the cause of amine absorber foaming, we find the significant change of amine absorber condition.
First is difference of amine inlet/outlet flow. Inlet lean amine flow is +6~8 m3/hr higher than outlet amine flow in amine absorber.
There is amine carry over to overhead LPG side in amine absorber.
Second is LPG carry under to rich amine side in amine absorber. Rich amine goes with LPG to amine flash drum before amine regenerator.
So the pressure of amine flash drum sometimes rise to almost drum design pressure.
Finally we replace the activated carbon filer in rich amine side, but there is nothing wrong in amine quality.
After that, Inlet and outlet amine flow is same and the delta P of amine absorber increase to normal condition
We wonder why LPG absorber goes back to the normal condition after replacement of rich amine filter.
Q1. Could you explain the reason for this phenomenon?
Q2. If amine quality is main cause, could you recommend the new guide of amine or other countermeasure?
**Brief LPG Sulfrex unit description :
LPG feed from R2R GAS Recovery unit is sent to the Amine absorber(T-20701). Hydrogen sulfide is removed by counter current of amine solution and the LPG leaves the top of the column and flows into the amine settler D-20701 and rich amine is leaves the bottom of the absorber to amine regenerator.
LPG flows into the caustic prewash drum D-20702 for removal the last traces of H2S not removed in the amine absorber.
D-20703 is Caustic Settler. The settler drum allows to separate and return the entrained caustic to the oxidizer T-20703
 
Answers
18/11/2011 A: Egbert van Hoorn, Hocon B V, Egbertvh@hotmail.com
We understand your problem and we have seen this before.
LPG quality is very important for a refinery. Amine treating is regularly underestimated as a factor for the final LPG quality. For which purpose do you use the C4 in your refinery? It is often not the final product. What is the implication of the high sulphur content of the LPG?
We suppose that the LPG comes from an FCC unit. Could you please confirm?
The difference which you observe between inlet and outlet of the LPG absorber is a temporary item. It is lined with the hold-up of LPG and amine in the absorber. You should observe a similar difference between amine flow inlet and outlet.
In this note it is difficult to briefly explain all aspects involved, but they are logical.
You can contact me for further information or for possibilities to resolve the issue.