Case Study
Max-Amine* Program Helps Gas Plant in Western
Canada Cost Effectively Meet H2S and Mercaptans
Specifications in Light Hydrocarbon Stream
Challenge
A gas plant in Western Canada was looking for a
new, more cost effective way to meet specifications
for H2S and Mercaptans in a light hydrocarbon
stream in order to optimize their operation and production processes. In addition, the customer had
been unable to access the full revenue potential associated with this stream.
Traditional treatment technologies – like triazine
and aldehydes – proved to be ineffective, and amine
chemistry was not able to consistently meet the
specification. To identify a cost effective solution for
the gas plant, GE conducted benchmark laboratory
testing with typical H2S and Mercaptans scavengers.
By studying the reactions of various chemical
treatment solutions, it became clear that a new
product would be necessary to effectively and consistently meet the specifications, while also reducing
treatment costs for the customer.
Based on feedback from the customer around
shortcomings of the incumbent program, discussions took place with the GE Research group and a
new product was developed. Results and product
options were then discussed with the customer, and
a product selection was made. After confirming the
effectiveness of the product in lab trials, a full scale
plant trial was conducted, which confirmed the effectiveness of the Max-Amine program, as it met all
of the customer’s key objectives.
Solution
The Max-Amine program applied includes a unique
aqueous inorganic base formulation that effectively
reacts with H2S and Mercaptans. The product was
evaluated in two light hydrocarbon streams with
different characteristics and met the specification,
including lower molecular weight C1-C3 Mercaptans.
The effectiveness of removal of C1-C3, based on
testing sulfur (ppm) by ASTM D5623 at varying ratios of Max-Amine to Mercaptans is shown in the
following graphics.
Fig. 1 Max-Amine is injected after light hydrocarbon stream
stabilization, and the H2S and Mercaptans are removed by
Max-Amine to a different phase.
Results
The Max-Amine solution allowed for:
1. Reduced operating costs.
2. Optimized process and production throughput. As a result, the plant can more easily
meet the specifications with less stringent operational parameters.
3. Improved specifications. After implementing
the solution and optimizing operational parameters, the plant was able to get a stream
with better specifications while saving more
than $2MM/year.
For more information, contact your GE representative for details or visit www.gewater.com.
Find a contact near you by visiting www.gewater.com and clicking on “Contact Us”.
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CS1559EN.docx Jan-16