Amine reclaimer column is utilized to remove oxozolidone (amine degradation product) from lean amine solution containing sulfolane, diisopropanol amine (DIPA), water, acid gas (H2S and CO2), and oxozolidone. Inside the column, the lean amine solution is heated by medium pressure steam. Vapor containing H2S and CO2 and amine leave the top of the column. While oxozolidone remain in the liquid phase leaves the column from bottom outlet piping.

The reclaimer system was operated continuously, irrespective of the limit of oxozolidone content which is not as per design specification. Therefore, time exposure between carbon steel material parts of the system to the corrosive environment was increased more than allowable design limit. This paper describes the root cause failure analysis of severe corrosion (and erosion) in the amine reclaimer system including the overhead piping. It will also describe the detail root cause tree and technical analysis along with supporting data and recommendation to improve the future operation.

Subject
Acids, Water, Materials, Inspection, Carbon steel pipes, Vapors, Liquids, Failure analysis, Amines, Equipment, Visual assessment, Steam, Samples
Keywords:
amine, reclaimer column, amine reclaimer system, oxozolidone, DIPA, sulfolane
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2014
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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