Gas Sweetening and Sulphur Recovery

Overview

Hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide must be removed from natural gas and refinery streams to meet product specifications, protect equipment and comply with environmental limits. The removed H2S then has to be converted into elemental sulphur, which brings its own technical and safety challenges. This course covers both steps in depth. Participants learn the chemistry of amine treating, the selection of generic and formulated amines, contactor and regenerator design and operation, and the causes and cures of foaming, corrosion and solvent degradation. The programme then explains the Claus process, burner and reaction furnace operation, catalytic converters, sulphur condensers and degassing, followed by tail gas treating options that achieve high overall recovery. Emphasis is placed throughout on troubleshooting, reliability and the serious hazards of H2S and sulphur.

Objectives

• Explain the chemistry and selectivity of amine gas treating
• Select suitable amines for given acid gas specifications
• Operate and troubleshoot amine contactors and regenerators
• Explain the Claus process and its key operating variables
• Describe tail gas treating options and sulphur recovery efficiency
• Manage the safety hazards of H2S, SO2 and liquid sulphur

Who should attend

Training methodology

Process principles are presented with flow diagrams, equilibrium charts and operating data, and then applied in calculations of amine circulation, acid gas loading and sulphur recovery efficiency. Participants analyse laboratory results and operating trends from real units to diagnose foaming, heat-stable salt build-up and Claus converter problems. Incident case studies highlight the hazards of H2S exposure and sulphur pit fires. Teams develop a troubleshooting guide during the week, and the course closes with an assessment.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Fees are in GBP. per delegate.

Certificate

Frequently asked questions