MDEA losses calculation

[sab19782000]

Hi Dears,
we have amine unit for NG treatment for CO2, i need to calculate the MDEA losses for the system,I have calculated the system volume based on the level in the unit equipment and the holding volume on the trays is taken into account as well,but I am facing a problem in losses calculation due to the holding volume Accumulated on the trays which changes definitely with feed gas flow rate to the absorber, some time it seems there is amine losses but when the feed gas decreases all levels in the equipment back to normal(Absorber, flash drum, regenerator, and surge tank).
is there any practical way to identify the actual losses of amine in the system.
many thanks in advance.

 

[RogerH]

sab19782000
the way I have seen it done before is based on the addition plus a change in concentration after addition.
I.e. have the concentration before addition, add a known amount , and measure the concentration after a day or two. All this giving a system volume and also the addition=losses spread out in time.

On the run, the concentration will gradually go down if the inventory is kept the same (i.e. all levels taken into account.

Most refineries I have been at make it very simple, they only account for the addition without any compensation for inventories or concentration, not so accurate but apparently accepted.
RH

 

[sab19782000]

many thanks RogerH
you mean that all make up can be considered as losses.
how I can monitor the inventory in dailly basis before going to make up.
this is exactly what I am looking for at the moment.

 

[LinaMus0710]

hi, i've been working in a chemical plant before and responsible for co2 absorption system whereby mdea is used. from my experience, losses are mostly from:
1- leaking (at pumps, plate heat exchangers, strainers change out)
2- foaming

Inventory can be done by daily:
1- Check at side for any sign of leakage (hard to measure)
2- Level at absorber

The usual losses per year is 10-12%, but i've experienced 30% or more per year. Contact your mdea supplier to identify other possible losses and they will be glad to tell you. We also send our mdea solvent for analysis twice a year. I'm not sure if I'm helping you but gud luck!

 

[dcasto]

your key word is ACTUAL. All you can do is watch the level in the surge tank knowing that a daily accounting or weekly and maybe monthly is physically not possible..

 

[sab19782000]

Gents,
many thanks for your help.
I am monitoring the level in all equipment, but the problem I observed that there is a huge volume holding in the trays based of feed gas flow rate and diff. presure across the absorber which makes me carzy to calculate the system inventory.
regards,