Gas Processors Association Europe

Jan Lambrichts, Dow Chemicals,Bilzen, Belgium

Amine solvents have been used for several decades for removal of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from a variety of gas streams, but have proven to be less effective for mercaptan removal. More stringent regulations and legislation are pressuring gas processors to achieve deeper removal of sulfur compounds in addition to hydrogen sulfide.
Today, hybrid solvents – containing an amine and a physical solvent – are often used for increased mercaptan removal efficiencies. This paper describes the benefits as well as the disadvantages of hybrid solvents in this particular application.