Transportation and storage of amines solutions for gas treatment

Abstract

The invention is directed to a kit-of-parts for the transportation of aqueous amine solutions usable for gas treating processes comprising a) a aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and b) a transportation vessel. The invention is further directed to a method of assembling such kit-of-parts, a method for transporting such kit-of-parts and a method for disassembling such a kit-of-parts. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacture of a treated gas using such kit-of-parts. Still another aspect of the invention related to an acid gas removal unit comprising such a kit-of-parts.

Description

[0001] 241063

[0002] 1

[0003] Transportation and Storage of Amines Solutions for Gas Treatment

[0004] The invention is directed to a kit-of-parts for the transportation of aqueous amine solutions usable for gas treating processes. The invention is further directed to a method of assembling such kit-of-parts, a method for transporting such kit-of-parts and a method for disassembling such a kit-of-parts. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacture of a treated gas using such kit-of-parts. Still another aspect of the invention related to an acid gas removal unit comprising such a kit-of-parts.

[0005] Aqueous amine solutions are often used as absorbents to remove acid gases, such CO2, H2S, SO2, CS2, HCN, COS or mercaptans, from fluid streams such as flue gas, natural gas, refinery gas, synthesis gas or biogas. Usually, the amine absorbent is introduced to an absorber where the absorbent is brought into counter current contact with the fluid stream to obtain an absorbent loaded with the acid gases and a fluid stream having a reduced content of acid gases. The loaded absorbent is usually regenerated in one or more steps to obtain a regenerated absorbent and the stream of the desorbed acid gases. The regenerated absorbent is preferably recycled to the absorption step. The units in which such a gas treating process is conducted are usually referred to as acid gas removal units (AGRU). When the acid gas is carbon dioxide and the fluid stream is a flue gas, such AGRU is often referred to as a post-combustion carbon capture unit (PCCU).

[0006] AGRUs, including PCCUs, are usually not located in close proximity to an amine absorbent manufacturing site. Therefore, the amine absorbent usually needs to be transported from the amine production site or the site where the amine absorbent is compounded to the site of the AGRU where the treatment of the fluid stream takes place. Also, storage facilities of the amine absorbent usually need to be present in order to store the transported amine absorbent prior to use.

[0007] Often, the amine is transported as a bulk chemical and admixed with water at the site of the AGRU to obtain the aqueous absorbent solution. This requires additional mixing equipment at the site of the AGRU and safety measure for handling of bulk amines.

[0008] Amine absorbents can also be transported in form of their aqueous solutions by filling these aqueous solutions into a transport vessel, such as a drum, an ISO-container, an intermediate bulk container (IBC), or a tanker, such as a tank truck, a tanks train or a tank ship.

[0009] For amines which are liquid or highly miscible with solvents, in particularly water, and in mild climatic conditions transportation usually occurs in the manner described above without requiring any additional measures. W02023113600 discloses the transport of amine solvents partially loaded CO2 from a first facility to a second facility in permanent or temporary containers by ship or truck. The specific disclosure of W02023113600 mentions the use of the amines DEA, MEA, DIPA and diglycolamine (DGA) as sorbent liquids, which are amines, which are typically highly soluble or even completely miscible with water.

[0010] US20100204042 discloses that such aqueous amine solutions are usually transported in a concentration in which they are ready to be used at the AGRU. Such ready-to-use 241063

[0011] 2 absorbents usually comprise a high fraction of water which results in high transport costs due to an unfavorable ratio of active amine ingredients and water. US20100204042 also reports on the efforts undertaken to increase the amine concentration in the transported amine solutions. US20100204042 reports that it is principally possible to transport pure amines. However, when the amines are solid at ambient temperatures mixing devices are usually required, such as agitators or solids-compatible pumps, as well as heating devices to heat the solid amines above its melting temperature to prepare ready-to-use aqueous amine absorbents which can be fed into the AGRU. Such facilities are not present on the site of all AGRUs or require additional investments. In addition, safety measures need to be taken to protect the staff preparing such aqueous solutions, e.g. by providing protective equipment. US20100204042 also elucidates the problems involved with transporting aqueous amine solutions with a higher amine content than the ready-to-use absorption mixtures fed to the AGRU. Amine solutions with a higher amine content than the ready-to-use absorption mixtures fed to the AGRU would have the potential advantage that the concentrated mixtures only need to be diluted with water to prepare the ready-to-use absorbents. However, the transport of highly concentrated amine absorbents is made difficult by the fact that many amines tend to crystallize or precipitate from concentrated solutions even at comparatively high temperatures. Therefore, it needs to be ensured that concentrated amine solutions with a precipitation tendency are heated or heat-insulated along the entire transportation route and that also equipment capable of handling, storing and pumping heated solutions is available at the AGRU. Providing heated transport vessels and equipment for handling heated solutions increases the transport costs. Equipment suitable for the handling of heated liquids usually require additional investments. Even if heated transport vessels are provided and equipment for handling heated solutions is available at the AGRU, precipitation may nevertheless unwantedly occur. If the amines have started to crystallize or to segregate from the aqueous solution, the amine absorbent can no longer be pumped, and the contaminated containers must be cleaned in a complex manner. The precipitated amines can only be redissolved by one or more of the above-described measures. In its attempts to address the problems associated with the transport of aqueous amine adsorbents, US20100204042 has found that a highly concentrated aqueous amine solutions with a total amine content of more than 65 weight percent have a lower transition or solidification point when the molar ratio of water to piperazine in the aqueous solution is in the range of 1.6 to 4.8. Such highly concentrated solutions can be used as a so-called premix, which can be transported to the AGRU and diluted with water at the AGRU to obtain a ready-to-use adsorbent which can then be fed to the AGRU.

[0012] For other amines, e.g. liquid amino ethers, it is reported in WG2013138440 that the pour point for aqueous solutions of certain amino ethers can be reduced by preparing an aqueous solution having an amino ether content of 10 to 40 percent by weight.

[0013] For post combustion carbon capture applications, the use of concentrated aqueous solutions of amines have been reported.

[0014] US5,618,506 (Kansai / Mitsubishi) discloses a CO2-removal process using an aqueous solution having a concentration of 30-50 percent by weight of a piperazine derivative, such a 2- methyl-piperazine. 241063

[0015] 3

[0016] US20040154469 (BASF) discloses a CO2-removal process using aqueous amine solutions comprising a tertiary alkanolamine and piperazine having a total amine concentration of up to 40 percent by weight and wherein the piperazine concentration is preferably in the range of 8 to 40 percent by weight.

[0017] US7601315 (Cansolv) discloses a CO2-removal process using aqueous solutions of hydroxy- ethyl-piperazine at concentration of up to about 50 percent by weight.

[0018] US20080025893 (BASF) discloses mixtures of N',N,N',N'-tetramethyl-l,3-propanediamine (TMPDA) and an activator selected from piperazine, 2-methyl-piperazine and N-methyl-pi- perazine. The concentration of TMPDA can be up to 60 percent by weight and the concentration of the activator is up to 10 percent by weight.

[0019] US8506913 (Toshiba) discloses aqueous amine solutions comprising triethylenediamine (TEDA) and piperazine.

[0020] US7938887 (University of Texas) discloses highly concentrated aqueous solutions of diamines, in particularly piperazine, of up to 20 moles diamine per kg water.

[0021] Although the amine concentration of the reported absorbents can be very high, the solubility of at least some of the amines, such a piperazine or piperazine derivates, used in these compositions is often low, making such solutions susceptible for precipitation or segregation. However, issues relating to transport of such absorbents do not seem to be addressed in the above-referenced disclosures. US7938887 discloses that the total solubility of diamines absorbents may be enhanced in solutions with CO2. While this finding has been exploited in US7938887 to optimize stripper process configurations and operating conditions in the AGRU itself, implications on handling transport and storage of such diamine absorbents do not seem to have been disclosed. KR20240084110 discloses a system that prevents the solidification of an absorbent used in a carbon dioxide capture process. This is achieved by circulating the absorbent between an absorption tower and a stripping tower, and using a carbon dioxide supply line to maintain the absorbent in a liquid state within a storage tank. KR20240084110 also does not address the problem of transportation and an increase of solubility of the absorbent can only be achieved at the site of the AGRU itself.

[0022] As previously referred to herein, transport of amine solutions with a high transition temperature or high a pour point would usually require heated, or heat insulated transport vessels and insulated or heated equipment for feeding the absorbent from the transport vessel to the AGRU. This significantly increases the transport costs. Also, such amine absorbents require heated storage to prevent precipitation of solid amines. This also increases the capital and operational costs associated with the handling and storage of amine absorbents. Even if all precautionary measures are taken, precipitation of amines out of concentrated solutions cannot always be prevented in case of power outages, especially low outside temperatures or in case of defective equipment. In these cases, great efforts need to be undertaken to clean the contaminated equipment and vessels and to bring the amine back into solutions. 241063

[0023] 4

[0024] The object of the present invention was to find a way of facilitating the transport of aqueous amine compositions. A further object of the invention was to reduce the energy consumption, cost of handling and investment costs required for transporting aqueous amine solutions. A still further object of the invention was to provide a means for transporting an aqueous amine composition which does not require additional heating. Additionally, it was desired to provide a process for the removal of acid gases from fluid stream utilizing the advantages provided byproviding a transportable amine absorbent.

[0025] The invention is therefore directed to kits-of-parts comprising an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 and a transportation vessel as further defined in the aspects of the invention described below. The kit-of-parts according to the invention describe the juxtaposition of an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 and a transportation vessel as components to obtain a system or combination in which an aqueous amine composition is encompassed or enclosed in a transportation vessel or substantially encompassed or enclosed in a transportation vessel . The specific combination of an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 and a transportation vessel yields a system or combination that facilitates transport of the aqueous amine composition from a first location to a second location. Accordingly, all references to a kit-of-parts in the following description of the invention are also supposed to be understood as a reference to a system comprising an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 as further specified in the aspects of the invention described below and a transportation vessel, also further described below, wherein the aqueous amine composition is encompassed or enclosed or substantially encompassed or enclosed within the transportation vessel. Suitable transportation vessels for (substantially) encompassing or enclosing the aqueous amine composition are described in further detail below.

[0026] In the following, the abbreviations used in the invention shall have the meaning provided below, unless expressly stated otherwise in the specification:

[0027] 2-MePIP: 2-Methylpiperazine

[0028] 2,5- Di Me PIP: 2,5- Dim ethyl pi perazine

[0029] ADEG: 3-amino propyl diethylene glycol

[0030] AEE: Aminoethoxyethanol

[0031] AGRU: Acid Gas Removal Unit

[0032] AMP: 2-amino-2-methyl-l-propanol

[0033] BHEP: 1,4- bishydroxyethyl pi perazine

[0034] CO2: Carbon Dioxide

[0035] COS: Carbonyl Sulfide CS2: Carbon Disulfide DEA: Diethanolamine DEEA: Diethylethanolamine DETA: Diethylenetriamine DIMAP: Dimethylaminopropanol DMAPA: 2,2-dimethyl-l,3-diaminopropane DIPA: Diisopropanolamine 241063

[0036] 5

[0037] EDEA: Ethyldiethanolamine

[0038] EDA: Ethylenediamine

[0039] HMD: Hexamethylenediamine

[0040] HEPIP: 1- (2- hydroxyethyl pi perazine)

[0041] HCN: Hydrogen Cyanide

[0042] IBC: Intermediate Bulk Container

[0043] MAPA: Methylaminopropylamine

[0044] MDEA: N-Methyldiethanolamine

[0045] MEA: Monoethanolamine

[0046] MDIPA: Methyldiisopropanolamine

[0047] NDIR: Non-Dispersive Infrared Spectroscopy

[0048] Niax: Bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl)ether

[0049] N-Me-PIP: N-Methylpiperazine

[0050] PCCU: Post-Combustion Carbon Capture Unit

[0051] PIP: Piperazine

[0052] PSA: Pressure Swing Adsorption

[0053] SO2: Sulfur Dioxide

[0054] TBAEE: t-butylaminoethoxyethanol

[0055] TEDA: Triethylenediamine

[0056] TEA: Triethanolamine

[0057] TEPA: Tetraethylenepentamine

[0058] TETA: Triethylenetetramine

[0059] TMPDA: N',N,N',N'-Tetra methyl- 1,3- pro panediamine

[0060] TSA: Temperature Swing Adsorption

[0061] Unless otherwise specified, all references to pressures are references to absolute pressures

[0062] First Aspect of the invention

[0063] The first and most general aspect of the present invention is directed to a kit-of-parts comprising: a) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and b) a transportation vessel.

[0064] The kit-of-parts comprises an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2.

[0065] Within the frame of the present invention, it was found that loading an aqueous amine composition with CO2 lowers the transition temperature by such an extent that transportation of loaded aqueous amines composition is significantly facilitated, when transporting such compositions in a transportation vessel.

[0066] The aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 comprises one or more amines. 241063

[0067] 6

[0068] The one or more amines can be any amine suitable for the removal of acid gases from a fluid stream comprising acid gases, such as flue gas, synthesis gas, biogas or a natural gas. The concept of increasing the solubility of an amine through loading the amines with CO2 or the lowering of the transition temperature will theoretically work for any amines comprising primary, secondary and / or tertiary amine functions. The increase of solubility is believed to be based on the formation of dissociated ammonium carbamate salts (for primary and secondary amine functional groups) and dissociated ammonium bicarbonate salts (for primary, secondary and tertiary amine functional groups) by reaction of CO2 with the corresponding amines. If the amine itself already has a high solubility and its aqueous mixture have a sufficiently low transition temperature, the effect of CO2-loading on transportation and storage may be less pronounced at ambient temperatures but is still believed to be existent at sufficiently low temperatures which can occur under more severe climatic conditions.

[0069] The following specifications regarding the composition of the aqueous amine compositions refer to the aqueous amine compositions prior to loading with CO2. The weight percentages are based on the total weight of the unloaded aqueous amine composition, which is the sum of the weight of the individual components, including the weight of all amines, additives, water, except for the weight of CO2 or other potentially co-absorbed gases, which is not considered in the total weight of the aqueous amine composition.

[0070] The aqueous amine composition comprises water.

[0071] Further, the aqueous amine composition may optionally comprise one or more additives. Additives are usually compounds which enhance or impart a certain property on the aqueous amine composition and include, but are not limited to chemicals which are used as corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, enzymes, antifoams, buffers etc.

[0072] Buffers may include inorganic carbonate salt buffers, such as mixture of alkali carbonates and alkali bicarbonates, in particularly mixtures of potassium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate.

[0073] The aqueous amine composition may also compromise other components, which are not amines, water or additives.

[0074] Such components may be organic and physical solvents, such as methanol, ethanol, N- methylpyrrolidone, tetramethylenesulfone, oligoethylene glycol dialkyl ethers such as oligoethylene glycol methyl isopropyl ether (SEPASOLV MPE), oligoethylene glycol dimethyl ether (SELEXOL) or propylene carbonate.

[0075] The total content of amines in the aqueous amine composition (total amine content) is preferably 3 percent by weight or more, more preferably 5 percent by weight or more, even more preferably 10 percent by weight and most preferably 15 percent by weight or more, such as 20 percent by weight or more, 25 percent by weight or more or 30 percent by weight or more. 241063

[0076] 7

[0077] The total content of amines in the aqueous amine composition (total amine content) is preferably in the range of 3 to 85 percent by weight, more preferably 5 to 80 percent by weight, even more preferably 10 to 75 percent by weight and most preferably 15 to 70 percent by weight. Within the preferred ranges, the total content of amines in the aqueous amine composition is typically in the range of 20 to 70 percent by weight, or 25 to 65 percent by weight, or 30 to 64 percent by weight.

[0078] If additives are present, the total content of additives in the aqueous amine composition is preferably 25 weight percent or less, more preferably 10 weight percent or less, even more preferably 5 weight percent or less and most preferably 3 weight percent or less.

[0079] The content of other components, other than amines, additives and water, such as so-called physical solvents or organic solvents, is preferably 5 weight percent or less, more preferably 3 weight percent or less and even more preferably 1 weight percent or less.

[0080] Most preferably, the aqueous amine compositions do not comprise other components, other than amines, additives, and water.

[0081] The amount of water in the aqueous amine composition is preferably determined to ensure that the content of amines is in the previously specified ranges.

[0082] Preferably, the water content is 97 percent by weight or less, more preferably 95 percent by weight or less, even more preferably 75 percent by weight or less and most preferably 50 percent by weight or less. The lower the water content, the less water needs to be transported.

[0083] Second Aspect of the Invention: Amine Compositions with a High Transition Temperature

[0084] The teachings of the present invention are particularly useful for aqueous amine compositions with a high transition temperature. The transition temperature for aqueous amine compositions is the temperature where upon cooling or heating of an aqueous amine composition a phase transition occurs. The measurement or determination of the transition temperature is described below.

[0085] The invention is particularly useful for aqueous amine compositions which have a transition temperature of 0° C or higher. Aqueous amine compositions having a transition temperature of 0° C or higher are likely to precipitate under cooler ambient conditions and if the temperature during transport sinks below this value.

[0086] Accordingly, a second aspect of the invention is directed towards a: kit-of-parts comprising: a) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and b) a transportation vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition in its unloaded state has transition temperature of 0° C or higher. 241063

[0087] 8

[0088] The transition temperature is the temperature at which the aqueous amine composition undergoes a phase transition from liquid to solid (freezing point) or from solid to liquid (melting point). The transition temperature of an aqueous amine composition can be essentially measured by any method useful to determine the freezing point or melting point of the aqueous amine composition. The common principle behind the various methods for measuring melting and freezing points is based on the observation of phase transitions of the aqueous amine composition, specifically the temperature at which the composition changes from solid to liquid (melting point) or from liquid to solid (freezing point).

[0089] Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a commonly used technique for measuring phase transitions. It works by comparing the heat flow into a sample and a reference material as they are subjected to controlled temperature changes. The heat flow differences indicate phase transitions, such as melting or crystallization, allowing for precise determination of transition temperatures and enthalpy changes.

[0090] In research settings, visual observation or optical methods, e.g., by using optical microscopy, is commonly used. Changes in morphology or crystallization patterns during heating or cooling can indicate phase transitions. The temperature at which the phase transitions is optically or visually detected corresponds to the transition temperature.

[0091] To determine the transition temperature, methods for determining the precipitation or crystallization of a solid from solution or methods for determining the dissolution or melting of a solid to a liquid can be used because they both reflect the same thermodynamic equilibrium condition from opposite directions. Any discrepancies are usually due to non-ideal conditions or kinetic factors, but under conditions which are substantially at or close to equilibrium conditions, e.g. in the slow heating or cooling regime, it usually does not matter if the transition temperature is measured by heating or cooling.

[0092] Preferably the transition temperature of the aqueous amine composition in its unloaded state is 5° or higher, more preferably 10° or higher, even more preferably 15° C or higher and most preferably 20° C or higher. If the transitions temperatures occur at these temperatures, the danger of segregation already occurs at warmer ambient temperatures and conditions, and not only under cold or ultra-cold climatic conditions.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, the transition temperature of the aqueous amine composition in its unloaded state is in the range of 0 to 60° C, preferably 5 to 50° C and more preferably 10 to 40° C. In these ranges, the aqueous amine composition is especially prone to precipitation or segregation upon small changes of the transportation temperatures which can occur under ambient conditions under normal climatic conditions.

[0094] The following specifications regarding the composition of the aqueous amine compositions refer to the aqueous amine compositions prior to loading with CO2. The weight percentages are based on the total weight of the unloaded aqueous amine composition, which is the sum of the weight of the individual components, including the weight of all amines, additives, water, except for the weight of CO2 or other potentially co-absorbed gas, which is not considered in the total weight of the aqueous amine composition. 241063

[0095] 9

[0096] The aqueous amine composition comprises water.

[0097] Further, the aqueous amine composition may optionally comprise one or additives. Additives are usually compounds which enhance or impart a certain property on the aqueous amine composition and include, but are not limited to chemicals which are used as corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, enzymes, antifoams, buffers etc.

[0098] Buffers may include inorganic carbonate salt buffers, such as mixture of alkali carbonates and alkali bicarbonates, in particularly mixtures of potassium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate.

[0099] The aqueous amine composition may also compromise other components, which are not amines, water or additives.

[0100] Such components may be organic and physical solvents, such as methanol, ethanol, N- methylpyrrolidone, tetramethylenesulfone, oligoethylene glycol dialkyl ethers such as oligoethylene glycol methyl isopropyl ether (SEPASOLV MPE), oligoethylene glycol dimethyl ether (SELEXOL) or propylene carbonate.

[0101] The total content of amines in the aqueous amine composition (total amine content) is preferably 3 percent by weight or more, more preferably 5 percent by weight or more, even more preferably 10 percent by weight and most preferably 15 percent by weight or more, such as 20 percent by weight or more, 25 percent by weight or more or 30 percent by weight or more. total content of amines in the aqueous amine composition (total amine content) is preferably in the range of in the range of 3 to 85 percent by weight, more preferably 5 to 80 percent by weight, even more preferably 10 to 75 percent by weight and most preferably 15 to 70 percent by weight. Within the preferred ranges, the total content of amines in the aqueous amine composition is typically in the range of 20 to 70 percent by weight, or 25 to 65 percent by weight, or 30 to 64 percent by weight.

[0102] If additives are present, the total content of additives in the aqueous amine composition is preferably 25 weight percent or less, more preferably 10 weight percent or less, even more preferably 5 weight percent or less and most preferably 3 weight percent or less.

[0103] The content of other components, other than amines, additives and water, such as so-called physical solvents or organic solvents, is preferably 5 weight percent or less, more preferably 3 weight percent or less and even more preferably 1 weight percent or less.

[0104] Most preferably, the aqueous amine compositions do not comprise other components, other than amines, additives, and water.

[0105] The amount of water in the aqueous amine composition is preferably determined to ensure that the content of amines is in the previously specified ranges.

[0106] Preferably, the water content is 97 percent by weight or less, more preferably 95 percent by weight or less, even more preferably 75 percent by weight or less and most preferably 50 percent by weight or less. The lower the water content, the less water needs to be transported.

[0107] Third Aspect of the invention:

[0108] A third aspect of the present invention is directed to a: kit-of-parts comprising: a) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and b) a transportation vessel, wherein in the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one or more amines selected from group I, wherein group I consists of:

[0109] (i) amines with a solubility at 20° C in water of 500 g amine or less per 100 g water,

[0110] (ii) amines with a melting point of 20° C or higher, and

[0111] (iii) unsubstituted or substituted 5- to 7-membered saturated heterocycles which have at least one nitrogen atom in the ring, which optionally may comprise one or two further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen and oxygen in the ring, a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, and a-4) optionally, one or more amines not selected from group I.

[0112] The following specifications regarding the composition of the aqueous amine compositions according to the third aspect of the present invention refer to the aqueous amine compositions prior to loading with CO2. The weight percentages are based on the total weight of the unloaded aqueous amine composition, which is the sum of the weight of the individual components, including the weight of all amines, additives, water, except for the weight of CO2 which is not considered in the total weight of the aqueous amine composition.

[0113] According to the third aspect of the invention, the aqueous amine composition a) comprises one or more amines a-1) selected from group I, wherein group I consists of:

[0114] (i) amines with a solubility at 20° C in water of 500 g amine or less per 100 g water,

[0115] (ii) amines with a melting point of 20° C or higher, and

[0116] (iii) unsubstituted or substituted 5- to 7-membered saturated heterocycles which have at least one nitrogen atom in the ring, which optionally may comprise one or two further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen and oxygen in the ring.

[0117] In one preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the group I amines are selected from amines with a solubility at 20 ° C in water of 500 g amine or less per 100 g water.

[0118] If one or more of the amines is an amine with a low solubility in water, it is especially suited for obtaining an unloaded aqueous amine composition with a transition temperature in within the previously mentioned limits and ranges in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. 11

[0119] Preferably, the solubility at 20° C of the one or more amines in water is in the range of 5 to 500 g per 100 g water, more preferable in the range of 10 to 400 g per 100 g water and most preferably in the range of 15 to 300 g per 100 g water.

[0120] Preferred amines selected from the group I of amines having a solubility in the ranges specified above are: piperazine (PIP)

[0121] 2-alkyl-piperazines, with alkyl preferably being methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n- butyl, and iso-butyl, most preferably 2-methyl-piperazine (2-Me-PIP),

[0122] 2.5-alkyl piperazine, with alkyl preferably being methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n- butyl and iso-butyl, most preferably 2,5-methylpiperazin (2,5-DiMe-PIP),

[0123] 1-(2-hydroxyethylpiperazine) (HEP) triethylenediamine (TEDA)

[0124] 2.6-dimethy I piperidine triethylenetetramine (TETA) tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) hexamethylenediamine (HMD)

[0125] In another preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the group I amines in the aqueous composition are selected from amines with a melting point of 20 ° C or higher. If one of the one or more amines is an amine with a melting point of 20° C or higher, it is usually also suited for obtaining an unloaded aqueous amine composition with a transition temperature within the previously mentioned limits and ranges in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

[0126] Preferably, the melting point of the one or more amines is 25° or higher, more preferably 30° or higher, even more preferably 40° or higher and most preferably 50° C or higher. In a preferred embodiment, the melting point of the one or more amines is in the range of 20 to 250° C, preferably 30 to 225° C and more preferably 50 to 200° C.

[0127] Preferred amines are: piperazine (PIP)

[0128] 2-alky-piperazines, with alkyl preferably being methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n- butyl and iso-butyl, most preferably 2-methyl-piperazine (2-Me-PIP),

[0129] 2,5-alkyl piperazine, with alkyl preferably being methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n- butyl and iso-butyl, most preferably 2,5-methylpiperazin (2,5-DiMe-PIP), triethylenediamine (TEDA) triethylenetetramine (TETA) tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) hexamethylenediamine (HMD)

[0130] In still another preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the group I amines in the aqueous composition are preferably selected from unsubstituted or substituted 5- to 7-membered saturated heterocycles which have at least one nitrogen atom in the ring, which optionally may comprise one or two further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen and oxygen in the ring (hereinafter “Heterocyclic Amines”). 241063

[0131] 12

[0132] Such Heterocyclic Amines often have physical and chemical properties that make them particularly suited for preparing aqueous amine compositions with a transition temperature within the specified limits or ranges described above and which are in accordance pursuant to the first aspect of the invention.

[0133] Preferred Heterocyclic Amines are:

[0134] Piperazine (PIP), 2-methylpiperazine (2-MePIP), 2,5-dimethylpiperazine (2,5-DiMePIP), N- methylpiperazine (N-Me-PIP), 1-hydroxyethylpiperazine (HEP), 1,4-bishydroxyethylpipera- zine (BHEP), 4-hydroxyethylpiperidine, homopiperazine, piperidine, 2-hydroxyethylpiperi- dine, triethylendiamine (TEDA), morpholine, tert-butylaminoethoxyethylmorpholine, tert-bu- tylaminoethylmorpholine and tert-butylaminoethylpyrrolidone.

[0135] Especially preferred Heterocyclic Amines are piperazine, 2-methyl-piperazine, 2,5-dime- thylpiperazine and triethylenediamine.

[0136] Some amines, for example piperazine, selected from group I amines can belong to more than one subgroup (i) (amines with a solubility in water at 20° C of 500 g amine or less per 100 g water), (ii) (amines with a melting point of 20° C or higher), and (iii) (unsubstituted or substituted 5- to 7-membered saturated heterocycles which have at least one nitrogen atom in the ring). For the purpose of the third aspect of the invention, it is not relevant from which subgroup a specific amine is selected or if a specific amine is selected from more than one subgroup because at the end, the selected amine will present the same ingredient, namely the selected amine, irrespective of it being selected from more than one subgroup.

[0137] The aqueous amine composition a) of the third aspect of the invention may optionally comprise other amines a-4) which are not selected from group I.

[0138] Preferable other amines not selected from group I usually fall in the group of amines represented by formula A:

[0139] NR1(R2)2(A) in which R1is selected from C2-C6-hydroxyalkyl groups, C1-C6-alkoxy-C2-C6-alkyl groups, hy- droxy-C1-C6-alkoxy-C2-C6-alkyl groups and l-piperazinyl-C2-C6-alkyl groups, and R2is independently selected from H, Cx-C6-alkyl groups and C2-C6-hydroxyalkyl groups.

[0140] Preferred examples of amines of formula A are:

[0141] 2-aminoethanol (monoethanolamine or MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), 2-(methylamino)ethanol, 2-(ethylamino)ethanol, diethylethanolamine (DEEA), 2-(n- butylamino)ethanol, 2-amino-2-methyl-l-propanol (AMP), N-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine, methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), 3-amino propyl diethylene glycol (ADEG), ethyldiethanolamine (EDEA), dimethylaminopropanol (DIMAP), aminoethoxyethanol (AEE), t-butylaminoethoxy- ethanol (TBAEE), 2-amino-2-methylpropanol, diisoproanolamine (DIPA); 241063

[0142] 13

[0143] Preferable other amines which are not selected from group I usually also fall in the group of amines represented by formula B:

[0144] R3R4N-X-NR5R6(B) in which R3, R4, R5and R6are independently selected from H, C!-C6-alkyl groups, C2-C6-hy- droxyalkyl groups, C1-C6-alkoxy-C2-C6-alkyl groups and C2-C6-aminoalkyl groups, and X is a C2-C6-alkylene group, -Xx-NR7-X2- or -X^O-X2-, in which X1and X2are independently C2-C6- alkylene groups and R7is H, a C!-C6-alkyl group, C2-C6-hydroxyalkyl group or C2-C6-aminoal- kyl group;

[0145] Preferred amines of formula B are:

[0146] 3-methylaminopropylamine (MAPA), ethylenediamine (EDA), diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetramine (TETA), 2,2-dimethyl-l,3-diaminopropane (DMAPA), hexamethylenediamine (HMD), 1,4-diaminobutane, 3,3-iminobispropylamine, tris(2-aminoethyl)amine, bis(3- dim ethylaminopropyl) a mine, tetra methyl hexa methylenediamine

[0147] In a preferred embodiment the other amine a-4) not selected from group I is one or more amines selected from the group consisting of monoethanolamine (MEA), methylaminopropylamine (MAPA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), diethylethanolamine (DEEA), diisopropanolamine (DIPA), methyldiisopropanolamine (MDIPA), aminoethoxyethanol (AEE), tert-butylaminoethoxyethanol (TBAEE), dimethylaminopropanol (DIMAP), 3- amino propyl diethylene glycol (ADEG), N-[2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethyl]-2-methyl- propan-2-amine, bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl)ether (Niax) and methyldiethanolamine (MDEA).

[0148] Especially preferred other amines a-4) which are not selected from group I amines are amines which are highly soluble in water. Such amines are particularly suited for forming aqueous amine compositions and usually do not additionally contribute to the problem segregation of precipitation of amines.

[0149] Especially preferred other amines a-4) have a solubility in water at 20° C of 550 g amine per 100 g of water or more, preferably 600 g amine per 100 g of water or more and most preferably 650 g amine per 100 g of water.

[0150] Examples for preferred amines a-4) which are not group I amines and which have high solubility in water are ADEG, MDEA, MEA, MAPA, DEA, TEA, DEEA, DIPA, DIMAP and AMP.

[0151] Especially preferred other amines a-4) which are not selected from group I amines are amines which have a boiling point in the range of 120 to 300° C, more preferably in the range of 130 to 290° C and most preferably in the range of 140° C to 280° C.

[0152] Other amines having a boiling point in this range have a boiling point sufficiently different to water so they can be readily separated in the regeneration step.

[0153] Preferred examples for preferred amines having a high solubility in water are ADEG, MDEA, MEA, MAPA, DEA, TEA, DEEA, DIPA, DIMAP and AMP. 241063

[0154] 14

[0155] Especially preferred other amines a-4) which are not selected from group I amines are amines which have a solubility in water at 20° C of 550 g amine per 100 g of water or more, preferably 600 g amine per 100 g of water or more and most preferably 650 g amine per 100 g of water and a boiling point in the range of 120 to 300° C , more preferably in the range of 130 to 290° C and most preferably in the range of 140° C to 280° C.

[0156] Preferred examples for preferred amines having a high solubility in water and a high boiling point in the specified ranges are ADEG, MDEA, MEA, MAPA, DEA, TEA, DEEA, DIPA, DIMAP and AMP.

[0157] Further, the aqueous amine composition may optionally comprise one or more additives a- 3).

[0158] Additives are usually compounds which enhance or impart a certain property on the aqueous amine composition and include chemicals which are used as corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, enzymes, antifoams, buffers etc. Buffers may include inorganic carbonate salt buffers, such as mixture of alkali carbonates and alkali bicarbonates, in particularly mixtures of potassium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate.

[0159] The aqueous amine composition may also compromise other components a-5), which are not water, amines or additives.

[0160] Such components may be organic and physical solvents, such as methanol, ethanol, N- methylpyrrolidone, tetramethylenesulfone, oligoethylene glycol dialkyl ethers such as oligoethylene glycol methyl isopropyl ether (SEPASOLV MPE), oligoethylene glycol dimethyl ether (SELEXOL) or propylene carbonate.

[0161] It is however preferred that the aqueous amine compositions do not comprise any other components in additions to amines, water and additives constituting the aqueous amine composition.

[0162] Water

[0163] The aqueous amine composition according to the first and second aspect of the invention comprises water a-2).

[0164] The following specifications regarding the composition of the aqueous amine compositions according to the third aspect of the present invention refer to the aqueous amine compositions prior to loading with CO2. The weight percentages are based on the total weight of the unloaded aqueous amine composition, which is the sum of the weight of the individual components, including the weight of all amines, additives, water, except for the weight of CO2 which is not considered in the total weight of the aqueous amine composition. 241063

[0165] 15

[0166] The total content of amines in the aqueous amine composition (total amine content) is preferably 3 percent by weight or more, more preferably 5 percent by weight or more, even more preferably 10 percent by weight and most preferably 15 percent by weight or more, such as 20 percent by weight or more, 25 percent by weight or more or 30 percent by weight or more.

[0167] The total content of amines in the aqueous amine composition (total amine content) is preferably in the range of 3 to 85 percent by weight, more preferably 5 to 80 percent by weight, even more preferably 10 to 75 percent by weight and most preferably 15 to 70 percent by weight. Within the preferred ranges, the total content of amines in the aqueous amine composition is typically in the range of 20 to 70 percent by weight, or 25 to 65 percent by weight, or 30 to 64 percent by weight.

[0168] In a preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the aqueous compositions comprise one or more amines a-4) not selected from group I amines and the weight ratio between the sum of the weights of the one or more amines a-1) selected from group I amine and the weight ratio of the sum of the weights of the one or more amines a-4) not selected from group I amines is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1, more preferably 1:9 to 9:1, more preferably 1:8 to 8:1 and most preferably 1:4 to 4:1.

[0169] In a further preferred embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the aqueous composition does not comprise any optional amines a-4) which are not selected from group I amines.

[0170] If additives a-3) are present, the total content of additives in the aqueous amine composition is preferably 25 weight percent or less, more preferably 10 weight percent or less, even more preferably 5 weight percent or less and most preferably 3 weight percent or less.

[0171] The content of other components a-5), other than amines, additives and water, such as so- called physical solvents or organic solvents, is preferably 5 weight percent or less, more preferably 3 weight percent or less and even more preferably 1 weight percent or less. Most preferably, the aqueous amine compositions do not comprise other components, other than amines, additives, and water.

[0172] The amount of water a-2) in the aqueous amine composition is determined to ensure that the content of amines is in the previously specified ranges.

[0173] Preferably, the water content is 97 percent by weight or less, more preferably 95 percent by weight or less, even more preferably 75 percent by weight or less and most preferably 50 percent by weight or less. The lower the water content, the less water needs to be transported.

[0174] Although the concept of the present invention can be applied to a wide variation of amines and combinations of amines, the following compositions and kits-of-parts comprising the aqueous amine compositions denoted as Compositions 1 and Compositions 2 and which are specified below are especially preferred. 241063

[0175] 16

[0176] Fourth Aspect of the Invention: Kit-Of-Parts with Composition 1

[0177] Accordingly, a fourth aspect of the present invention is directed to a: kit-of-parts comprising: a) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and b) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one or more amines selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine (PIP), 2-methylpiperazine (2-MePIP), 2,5-dime- thylpiperazine (2,5-DiMePIP), N-methylpiperazine (N-Me-PIP), 1-hydroxyethy Ipi- perazine (HEPIP), 1,4-bishydroxyethylpiperazine (BHEP), 4-hydroxyethylpiperidine, homopiperazine, piperidine, 2-hydroxyethy Ipiperidine, triethylendiamine (TEDA), morpholine, tert-butylaminoethoxyethylmorpholine, tert-butylaminoethyl morpholine and tert- butylaminoethyl pyrrolidone; a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives.

[0178] The following specifications regarding the composition of the aqueous amine compositions according to the third aspect of the present invention refer to the aqueous amine compositions prior to loading with CO2. The weight percentages are based on the total weight of the unloaded aqueous amine composition, which is the sum of the weight of the individual components, including the weight of all amines, additives, water, except for the weight of CO2 which is not considered in the total weight of the aqueous amine composition.

[0179] The aqueous amine composition a-1) according to the fourth aspect of the present invention comprises one or more amines selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine (PIP), 2-methylpiperazine (2-MePIP), 2,5-dime- thylpiperazine (2,5-DiMePIP), N-methylpiperazine (N-Me-PIP), 1-hydroxyethylpiperazine (HEPIP), 1,4-bishydroxyethylpiperazine (BHEP), 4-hydroxyethylpiperidine, homopiperazine, piperidine, 2-hydroxyethy Ipiperidine, triethylendiamine (TEDA), morpholine, tert-butylami- noethoxyethylmorpholine, tert-butylaminoethylmorpholine and tert-butylaminoethylpyrroli- done.

[0180] Preferred selected amines from group N are PIP, 2-Me-PIP, 2,5-Di-Me-PIP, HEPIP and TEDA, or combinations thereof.

[0181] Most preferred amines selected from group N are PIP and TEDA, or combinations thereof.

[0182] Preferably, Composition 1 does not comprise any other amines which are not selected from group N. 241063

[0183] 17

[0184] Preferred embodiments of the amine composition a) are the following:

[0185] An amine composition a) comprising: a-1) piperazine a-2) water a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives.

[0186] An amine composition a) comprising: a-1) triethylenediamine a-2) water a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives.

[0187] An amine composition a) comprising: a-1) 2,5-dimethylpiperazine a-2) water a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives.

[0188] An amine composition a) comprising: a-1) triethylenediamine and piperazine a-2) water a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives.

[0189] An amine composition a) comprising: a-1) 2,5-dimethylpiperazine and piperazine a-2) water a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives.

[0190] An amine composition a) comprising: a-1) hydroxyethylpiperazine and piperazine a-2) water a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives.

[0191] The total content of amines a-1) selected from group N in the aqueous amine composition is preferably 3 percent by weight or more, more preferably 5 percent by weight or more, even more preferably 10 percent by weight and most preferably 15 percent by weight or more. 241063

[0192] 18

[0193] The total amount of amines a-1) selected from group N is preferably in the range of 3 to 85 percent by weight, more preferably 5 to 80 percent by weight, even more preferably 10 to 75 percent by weight and most preferably 15 to 70 percent by weight. Within the preferred ranges, the total content of amines in the aqueous amine composition is typically in the range of 20 to 70 percent by weight, or 25 to 65 percent by weight, or 30 to 64 percent by weight.

[0194] Further, the amine composition a) of Composition 1 may optionally comprise one or additives a-3).

[0195] Additives are usually compounds which enhance or impart a certain property on the aqueous amine composition and include chemicals which are used as corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, enzymes, antifoams, buffers etc. Buffers may include inorganic carbonate salt buffers, such as mixture of alkali carbonates and alkali bicarbonates, in particularly mixtures of potassium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate.

[0196] If additives are present, the total content of additives in the aqueous amine composition is preferably 25 weight percent or less, more preferably 10 weight percent or less, even more preferably 5 weight percent or less and most preferably 3 weight percent or less. Composition 1 may also compromise other components a-4), which are not amines or additives.

[0197] Such components may be organic and physical solvents, such as methanol, ethanol, N- methylpyrrolidone, tetramethylenesulfone, oligoethylene glycol dialkyl ethers such as oligoethylene glycol methyl isopropyl ether (SEPASOLV MPE), oligoethylene glycol dimethyl ether (SELEXOL) or propylene carbonate.

[0198] The content of other components a-4), other than amines, additives and water, such as so- called physical solvents or organic solvents, is preferably 5 weight percent or less, more preferably 3 weight percent or less and even more preferably 1 weight percent or less. Most preferably, the aqueous amine compositions do not comprise other components, other than amines, additives, and water.

[0199] The amount of water a-2) in the aqueous amine composition a) is determined to ensure that the content of amines is in the previously specified ranges.

[0200] Preferably, the water content is 97 percent by weight or less, more preferably 95 percent by weight or less, even more preferably 75 percent by weight or less and most preferably 50 percent by weight or less. The lower the water content, the less water needs to be transported.

[0201] Fifth Aspect of the invention: Composition 2:

[0202] A fifth aspect of the present invention is directed to a: kit-of-parts comprising: a) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and b) a transportation vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: 241063

[0203] 19 a-1) one or more amines selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine (PIP), 2-methylpiperazine (2-MePIP), 2,5-dimethylpiper- azine (2,5-DiMePIP), N-methylpiperazine (N-Me-PIP), 1-hydroxyethylpiperazine (HEPIP), 1,4-bishydroxyethylpiperazine (BHEP), 4-hydroxyethylpiperidine, homopiperazine, piperidine, 2-hydroxyethylpiperidine, triethylendiamine (TEDA), morpholine, tertbutylaminoethoxyethylmorpholine, tert-butylaminoethylmorpholine and tert-butylami- noethylpyrrolidone, more preferably PIP, 2-Me-PIP, 2,5-Di-Me-PIP, HEPIP and TEDA; a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives, a-5) one or more amines selected from group A, wherein group A consists of ADEG, MDEA, MEA, MAPA, DEA, TEA, DEEA, DIPA, MDIPA, TBAEE, Niax and AMP.

[0204] The following specifications regarding the composition of the aqueous amine compositions according to the third aspect of the present invention refer to the aqueous amine compositions prior to loading with CO2. The weight percentages are based on the total weight of the unloaded aqueous amine composition, which is the sum of the weight of the individual components, including the weight of all amines, additives, water, except for the weight of CO2 which is not considered in the total weight of the aqueous amine composition.

[0205] The aqueous amine composition a) according to the fifth aspect of the invention comprises one or more amines a-1) selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine (PIP), 2-methylpiperazine (2-MePIP), 2,5-dimethylpiperazine (2,5-DiMePIP), N-methylpiperazine (N-Me-PIP), 1-hydroxyethylpiperazine (HEPIP), 1,4- bishydroxyethylpiperazine (BHEP), 4-hydroxyethylpiperidine, homopiperazine, piperidine, 2- hydroxyethylpiperidine, triethylendiamine (TEDA), morpholine, tert-butylaminoethoxyethyl- morpholine, tert-butylaminoethylmorpholine and tert-butylaminoethylpyrrolidone.

[0206] Preferred amines a-1) from group N are PIP, 2-Me-PIP, 2,5-Di-Me-PIP, HEPIP and TEDA.

[0207] Most preferred amines a-1) from group N are PIP and TEDA.

[0208] The aqueous amine composition according to the fifth aspect of the invention comprises one or more amines a-5) selected from group A, wherein group A consists of ADEG, MDEA, MEA, MAPA, DEA, TEA, DEEA, DIPA, MDIPA, TBAEE, Niax and AMP.

[0209] Preferred amines a-5) from group A are ADEG, MDEA, MEA, TBAEE, Niax and AMP.

[0210] Most preferably, Composition 2 does not comprise any other amines other than the amines of group A and N or the combinations of selected amines from group A and N listed in the previous paragraph.

[0211] Preferred embodiments of the amine composition a) are the following: 241063

[0212] 20

[0213] An amine composition a) comprising: a-1) piperazine, a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives a-5) ADEG.

[0214] An amine composition a) comprising: a-1) piperazine, a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives a-5) MDEA.

[0215] An amine composition a) comprising: a-1) piperazine, a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives a-5) AMP.

[0216] An amine composition a) comprising: a-1) piperazine, a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives a-5) TBAEE.

[0217] An amine composition a) comprising: a-1) piperazine, a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives a-5) Niax.

[0218] An amine composition a) comprising: a-1) piperazine, a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives a-5) TBAEE and MDEA.

[0219] The total amount of amines a-1) from group N is preferably in the range preferably in the range of in the range of 3 to 85 percent by weight, more preferably 5 to 80 percent by 241063

[0220] 21 weight, even more preferably 10 to 75 percent by weight and most preferably 15 to 70 percent by weight. Within the preferred ranges, the total content of amines a-1) in the aqueous amine composition is typically in the range of 10 to 60 percent by weight, or 12 to 55 percent by weight, or 15 to 50 percent by weight.

[0221] The weight ratio of the sum of the weights of the one or more amines a-5) selected from group A to the sum of weights of the amines a-1) selected from group N is preferably in the range of 1:10 to 10:1, more preferably 1:9 to 9:1, and most preferably 1:8 and 8:1.

[0222] Further, the amine composition a) of Composition 2 may optionally comprise one or additives a-3).

[0223] Additives are usually compounds which enhance or impart a certain property on the aqueous amine composition and include chemicals which are used as corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, enzymes, antifoams, buffers etc. Buffers may include inorganic carbonate salt buffers, such as mixture of alkali carbonates and alkali bicarbonates, in particularly mixtures of potassium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate.

[0224] If additives are present, the total content of additives a-3) in the aqueous amine composition is preferably 25 weight percent or less, more preferably 10 weight percent or less, even more preferably 5 weight percent or less and most preferably 3 weight percent or less. Composition 2 may also compromise other components, which are not amines or additives. Such components may be organic and physical solvents, such as methanol, ethanol, N- methylpyrrolidone, tetramethylenesulfone, oligoethylene glycol dialkyl ethers such as oligoethylene glycol methyl isopropyl ether (SEPASOLV MPE), oligoethylene glycol dimethyl ether (SELEXOL) or propylene carbonate.

[0225] The content of other components a-4), other than amines, additives and water, such as so- called physical solvents or organic solvents, is preferably 5 weight percent or less, more preferably 3 weight percent or less and even more preferably 1 weight percent or less.

[0226] Most preferably, the aqueous amine compositions a) do not comprise other components, other than amines, additives, and water.

[0227] The amount of water a-4) in the aqueous amine composition is determined to ensure that the content of amines is in the previously specified ranges.

[0228] Preferably, the water content is 97 percent by weight or less, more preferably 95 percent by weight or less, even more preferably 75 percent by weight or less and most preferably 50 percent by weight or less. The lower the water content, the less water needs to be transported.

[0229] Amine Compositions At Least Partially Loaded with CO 2

[0230] According to the invention, the aqueous amine composition of the kit-of-parts of the present invention, such as the aqueous amine compositions of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth aspect of the invention, are at least partially loaded with CO2.

[0231] In the context of the present invention, at least partially loaded with CO2 means that the aqueous amine composition has at least partially absorbed CO2 to obtain an aqueous amine composition comprising CO2. 241063

[0232] 22

[0233] Absorption of CO2 in amines usually proceeds via the carbamate route, in case of primary and / or secondary amine functional groups or the bicarbonate route, in case of tertiary amine functional groups.

[0234] The so-called carbamate route is usually represented by the overall reaction equation: CO2+ 2 RjF^NH o RjF^NI J2N COO'.

[0235] The so-called bicarbonate route is usually represented by the following overall reaction equation:

[0236] CO2+ H2O + HNR1R2R3HN+R1R2R3+ HCO3-

[0237] Tertiary amines usually do not react via the carbamate route due to their inability to form a carbamic acid intermediate.

[0238] For the sake of the present invention, the quantitative amount of CO2 absorbed or loaded by the amines in the aqueous amine composition is based on the total number of amine functional groups present in the aqueous amine composition. Basing the amount of absorbed or loaded amount of CO2 on the entire composition and not on individual components is based on the assumption that the individual reactions of the bicarbonate- and carbamate route are often fast and reversible, and that CO2 distributes between the different species in accordance with the given equilibrium constants of the system. For illustrative purposes, if a piperazine solution is loaded with 0.3 mol CO2 per mol secondary amine functional group and mixed with an unloaded MDEA solution (0 mol CO2 per mol tertiary amine functional group) it is assumed that the CO2 will at least partially be transferred from the piperazine carbamate species to MDEA to form at least some MDEA-bicarbonates. To avoid a hypothetical discussion of to which amine species the absorbed or loaded CO2 is associated or bonded to and in which amount, the following preferred values for the CO2 loading are therefore based on the total amount of primary, secondary and tertiary amine functional groups present in the aqueous amine composition.

[0239] In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous amine composition comprises CO2 or is loaded with CO2 in an amount of [0.025*(x+y)+0.05*z]or more of moles CO2 per mol of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition, wherein the number of mols of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition is given by x+y+z, wherein x is the mol number of primary amine functional groups, y is the mol number of secondary functional groups and z is the number tertiary functional amine groups in the aqueous amine composition.

[0240] Even more preferably, the aqueous amine composition comprises CO2 or is loaded with CO2 in an amount of [0.05*(x+y)+0.1*z]or more of moles CO2 per mol of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition, wherein the number of mols of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition is given by x+y+z, wherein x is the mol number of primary amine functional groups, y is the mol number of secondary functional groups and z is the number tertiary functional amine groups in the aqueous amine composition.

[0241] Most preferably, the aqueous amine composition comprises CO2 or is loaded with CO2 in an amount of [0.075*(x+y)+0.15*z]or more of moles CO2 per mol of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition, wherein the number of mols of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition is given by x+y+z, wherein x is the mol number of primary amine 241063

[0242] 23 functional groups, y is the mol number of secondary functional groups and z is the number tertiary functional amine groups in the aqueous amine composition.

[0243] In still a further preferred embodiment, the aqueous amine composition comprises CO2 or is loaded with CO2 in an amount of [0.025*(x+y)+0.05*z] to [0.5*(x+y) + l*z] mols CO2 per mol of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition, wherein the number of mols of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition is given by x+y+z, wherein x is the mol number of primary amine functional groups, y is the mol number of secondary functional groups and z is the number tertiary functional amine groups in the aqueous amine composition.

[0244] Even more preferably, the aqueous amine composition comprises CO2 or is loaded with CO2 in an amount of [0.05*(x+y)+0.1*z] to [0.45*(x+y)+0,9*z] moles CO2 per mol of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition, wherein the number of mols of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition is given by x+y+z, wherein x is the mol number of primary amine functional groups, y is the mol number of secondary functional groups and z is the number tertiary functional amine groups in the aqueous amine composition.

[0245] Most preferably, the aqueous amine composition comprises CO2 or is loaded with CO2 in an amount of [0.075*(x+y)+0.15*z] to [0.4*(x+y)+0.8*z] of moles CO2 per mol of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition, wherein the number of mols of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition is given by x+y+z, wherein x is the mol number of primary amine functional groups, y is the mol number of secondary functional groups and z is the number tertiary functional amine groups in the aqueous amine composition.

[0246] Transportation Vessel:

[0247] The kit-of-parts according to the invention, in particularly the kit-of-parts according to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth aspect of the present invention comprise a transportation vessel.

[0248] Within the meaning of the present invention, the feature “transportation vessel” excludes vessels which are typically used in a research or laboratory setting, like test tube, vials, beakers and flasks.

[0249] Preferably, the feature “transportation vessel” excludes vessels with a volume of 50 liters or less. Accordingly, the transportation vessel is preferably a vessel with a volume of more than 50 liters.

[0250] More preferably, the feature “transportation vessel” excludes vessels with a volume of 100 liters or less. Accordingly, the transportation vessel is more preferably a vessel with a volume of more than 100 liters.

[0251] Even more preferably, the feature “transportation vessel” excludes vessels with a volume of 150 liters or less. Accordingly, the transportation vessel is even more preferably a vessel with a volume of more than 150 liters.

[0252] Even still more preferably, the feature “transportation vessel” excludes vessels with a volume of 500 liters or less. Accordingly, the transportation vessel is even still more preferably a vessel with a volume of more than 500 liters. Most preferably, the feature “transportation vessel” excludes vessels with a volume of 1000 liters or less. Accordingly, the transportation vessel is most preferably a vessel with a volume of more than 1000 liters.

[0253] The advantages of the present invention typically become more pronounced and of greater practical relevance the larger the volume of the transported amine composition within the kit-of-parts is. The larger the volume of the transport vessel, the more difficult it becomes to reheat and handle any amines which have segregated or precipitated from the aqueous amine solution. Also, the longer the storage time and the transportation distance, the more pronounced will the problems of segregation or precipitation of amines become. Handling and reheating, which is fairly unproblematic in a laboratory setting will become more complicated on a larger technical scale.

[0254] A transportation vessel in which the aqueous amine composition, which is at least partially loaded with CO2, is transported, has the advantage that the risk of segregation, such as precipitation or crystallization of amine from the aqueous amine composition is reduced. In some cases, it may even be possible to reduce heat insulation or heating equipment in the transportation vessel. It is also possible to avoid having to reheat and to bring any segregated amine in solution again, saving time and equipment necessary for redissolving the amine. The temperature range in which the aqueous amine composition can be handled and transported without encountering segregation of amines is increased when transporting aqueous amine composition loaded with CO2 compared to an unloaded aqueous amine composition.

[0255] The transportation vessel can be any vessel suitable for transporting an aqueous amine solution from one location to another location.

[0256] Preferred transportation vessels are drums, ISO-tank containers, intermediate bulk containers (IBC), or tankers, such as a tank truck, a tank train or a tanks wagon or a tank ship. More preferred transportation vessels are drums, ISO-tank containers, intermediate bulk containers (IBC) and tankers, in particularly tank trucks, tank wagons or tank trains or tank ships.

[0257] Most preferred transportation vessels are drums, ISO-tank containers, intermediate bulk containers and tankers, in particularly tank ships, tank trucks, tank trains and tank wagons.

[0258] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transportation vessel is a vessel which can be easily loaded onto different freight carriers. Such transportation vessels are preferably drums, IBCs and ISO-tank containers. Such transportation vessels have the advantage that they are intermodal and can be transported to locations which may not be accessible by only one type of freight carriers. For illustrative purposes, an ISO-tank container can be transported from the filling station to a harbor facility by truck, where it is loaded on a ship. The ship can transport the ISO-container to a different harbor facility for unloading onto another truck and the truck can finally transport the ISO-container to its location of use, specifically the AGRU. 25

[0259] In a preferred variant of the preferred embodiment in which the transportation vessel can be loaded onto different freight carriers, the transportation vessel is a drum.

[0260] Drums have the advantage of being less expensive than other containers and due to their smaller size, such drums are usually easier to handle manually. Drums usually have standardized sizes making them easy to handle or stack. Drums are generally easily integrated into existing storage and handlings systems and are suitable for smaller quantities of liquids.

[0261] The drum is preferably a tight-head drum, preferably made of steel (tight -head steel drum), plastic (tight-head plastic drum) or a composite drum, usually made up of a steel outer shell and an inner plastic layer, in particularly polyethylene (polylined steel drum).

[0262] Tight-head drums are usually closed-head drums with a permanently attached top head. Tight-head drums usually have an inserted-flange-type closure system of a threaded bung closures.

[0263] Thread bung closure systems usually comprise one or two threaded access fittings, closed by threaded bungs after filling. Inserted-flange-type closure systems usually comprise a flange ring permanently inserted into the drum opening with a removable lid or cover secured by locking ring or bolts.

[0264] Tight-head drums are usually available in sizes of 60 liters, 120 liters and 200 or 210 liters, but other sizes may also be available.

[0265] Further information may be found in applicable or related standards for drums, such as ISO 15750-2:2002 for tight head drums and ISO 157503:2022 for inserted flange type closure systems.

[0266] Further information on suitable drum can be found in the Wikipedia article “Drum” (https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Drum_%28container%29).

[0267] In a preferred embodiment, the drum is a drum that can hold liquids with a pressure above- atmospheric pressure, preferably in the range of 1 to 10 bar, more preferably 1.1 to 8 bar and most preferably 1.2 to 5 bar.

[0268] Suitable drums for handling pressurized liquids are preferably steel drums, owing to the material strength of steel, or plastic drums. The pressure-handling capabilities of such drums can be increased by increasing the wall thickness, reinforcing ribs and pressure resistant closure systems.

[0269] In a further preferred embodiment, the drum comprises a safety system for relieving pressure above a certain pressure threshold.

[0270] In particularly, the safety system is a pressure relief valve, which release pressure once a certain, predetermined pressure threshold is reached.

[0271] In another preferred variant of the preferred embodiment in which the transportation vessel can be loaded unto different freight carriers, the transportation vessel is an intermediate bulk container (IBC).

[0272] IBCs have the advantage that they are easier to empty compared to drums, as they can be completely drained using gravity or pressurizing the container with a gas or pumps, thereby reducing product residues left in the container. Also, IBCs are considered more space-efficient than drums, as they can be stacked and transported without the need for pallets or shrink wrap, saving storage space and transportation costs. IBCs are usually more 241063

[0273] 26 convenient to handle, as they can be moved using forklifts or pallet jacks, reducing manual labor and the risk of injuries.

[0274] Usually, IBCs are made up of an inner container made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or stainless steel, surrounded by a protective outer metal cage or frame, typically made of galvanized steel. The inner container is designed to hold the liquid, while the outer cage provides structural support and protection against damage during handling and transportation. IBCs are typically mounted on a pallet base, which allows for easy handling using forklifts or pallet jacks. The top of the IBC usually features a screw-on lid or cap that provides access for filling and emptying the container. Some IBCs may have additional features like discharge valves, vents, or heating jackets, depending on the specific requirements of the stored material.

[0275] Further information for selecting and handling suitable IBCs can be found in applicable or related norms, such as ISO 15867:2003, ISO 21898:2004, ISO 16106:2020 and ISO 13274:2013.

[0276] Preferably, the IBC comprises pressure-relief equipment capable of releasing a sufficient amount of vapor in case the loaded amine solution spontaneously degasifies or in the event of a fire engulfment or other heat increase in the surroundings. Such pressure-relief equipment is preferably a pressure valve or a pressure vent.

[0277] In still another preferred variant of the preferred embodiment in which the transportation vessel can be loaded unto different freight carriers, the transportation vessel is an ISO-tank or ISO-tank container. ISO-tank containers have the advantage that they can transport more product per shipping slot compared to drums or IBCs. ISO-tank containers usually have a long working life and are globally approved with standard quality certifications recognized internationally to ensure safety standards. ISO-tank containers usually have a lower carbon footprint compared to drums. In addition, ISO-tanks are fully intermodal, allowing transport via road, rail or sea in standard 20- or 40-foot slots (6.096 to 12.192 meters) available on freight carriers, such as ships, trucks, trains, or airplanes.

[0278] ISO tank containers usually are cylindrical tanks made of stainless-steel alloys, surrounded by an outer protective frame. This construction usually allows them to safely contain and transport a wide variety of liquid cargoes. ISO-tank containers typically have capacity in the range of 21,000 to 40,000 liters, making them suitable for transporting large volumes of liquids. ISO tank containers are usually built to international standards (ISO standards) for size, strength, durability, and fitness to carry specific types of liquid cargoes, including hazardous liquids like chemicals, acids, and flammable liquids. ISO-containers are usually equipped with valve systems to facilitate safe loading and unloading of liquid cargo. Some also have features like insulation or heating / cooling systems for temperature-sensitive liquids. The outer protective frame allows ISO tanks to be easily handled, stacked, and transferred between different modes of transport (ship, rail, truck) using standard container handling equipment. After each use, ISO tanks can go through a cleaning and inspection process to prepare them for the next liquid cargo shipment.

[0279] The selection and handling of ISO-tank containers may be subject of or mentioned in several ISO-norms, including but not limited to ISO 1496-3, ISO 10374, ISO 6346, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 18154. 241063

[0280] 27

[0281] In the preferred embodiment in which the transportation vessel can be loaded onto different freight carriers, the transportation vessels described above, namely drums, IBCs and ISO- tank container, can be transported on one or more suitable freight carriers.

[0282] Preferred freight carriers are motorized vehicles, in particularly cars, trucks, ships, trains, airplanes, helicopters, carts and forklifts.

[0283] Most preferred freight carriers are trucks, trains and ships.

[0284] In the preferred embodiment in which the transportation vessel can be loaded onto different freight carriers, the kit-of-parts of the invention comprises one or more transportation vessels and a freight carrier. For the purpose of the invention, the term transportation vessel preferably also comprises transportation vessels, in particularly, IBCs, drums and ISO-con- tainers that form a kit-of-parts with a freight carrier, such as a car, a truck, a train, a ship or an air transport vehicle, in particularly an airplane or helicopter.

[0285] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transportation vessel is not explicitly designed to be loaded onto different freight carriers, but the transportation vessel is designed to be more efficiently integrated with the freight carrier itself.

[0286] Preferred examples of transportation vessels which are usually integrated into or with a freight carrier are tank trucks or trucks with tanks trailers, tanks trains or trains with tank wagons, or tank ships. Such integrated transportation vessels, in particularly tank trucks or tanks trains can also be transported by other freight carriers which are designed to handle tank trucks or tank trains or the trailers of truck or the railroad cars or wagons itself. In particularly ferries or trains can transport entire tank trucks or their trailers and ferries can also transport entire tank trains or separate railroad cars or wagons or tank trucks or tank trailers. For the purpose of the invention, transportation vessels integrated with or permanently joined or integrated with one or more freight carriers, such as ships, trucks, trains or planes, are also included under the feature transportation vessel.

[0287] In the further preferred embodiment where the transportation vessel is designed to be integrated with the freight carrier, the transportation vessel is preferably a tank truck or tank trailer.

[0288] Tank trucks and trailers usually are specialized vehicles designed for the transportation of liquids, gases, and dry bulk materials. They usually consist of a truck or trailer chassis equipped with a tank body for containing the transported cargo.

[0289] The primary function of a tank truck or trailer is to transport liquid safely and efficiently over long distances by road. The tank body is usually designed to withstand the internal pressure of the cargo, which can range from 1 to 15 bar, more preferably 1 to 10 and most preferably 1 to 8 bar.

[0290] There are several types of tank trucks and trailers:

[0291] Tanker trucks are usually equipped with a single tank body for transporting a single liquid. The tank body may be insulated or heated depending on the cargo requirements.

[0292] Compartment trucks usually have multiple separate compartments within the tank body to transport different materials simultaneously. Each compartment has its own access hatches and discharge valves. 241063

[0293] 28

[0294] The tank body is preferably made of stainless steel or aluminum alloy for corrosion resistance. It is also preferably equipped with baffles or surge plates inside to dampen the movement of the liquid cargo during transport, improving driving stability. Electronic systems are increasingly used to monitor and control the tank contents and unloading process. Tank trucks or trailers are also preferably equipped with pressure-relief equipment, preferably safety valves or vents, to relieve pressure when it exceeds safe limits.

[0295] In the further preferred embodiment where the transportation vessel is designed to be integrated with the freight carrier, the transportation vessel is preferably a tank ship.

[0296] Tank ships usually are specialized vessels designed for the transportation of liquid cargo. They usually consist of a ship hull equipped with one or more cargo tanks for containing the transported liquid. The primary function of a tank ship is to safely and efficiently transport liquid materials over long distances over waterways, e.g. rivers, canals, oceans or lakes. The cargo tanks preferably are designed to withstand an internal pressure and temperature requirements of the specific liquid cargo. It is usually recommended to clean the ship tanks prior to changing the transported good to prevent cross-contamination.

[0297] Typical types of tank ships are: chemical tankers, which are usually ships which are equipped with multiple segregated stainless-steel tanks for transporting various liquid cargoes. Chemical tankers usually have extensive cargo handling equipment. parcel tankers, which are usually ships designed to carry many different liquid cargoes simultaneously in separate tanks. They are preferably used for transporting smaller parcels; barge carriers, which are usually ships equipped with docking space to carry and transport multiple barges loaded with liquid cargoes. This allows the barges to be loaded and unloaded at sea.

[0298] The cargo tanks of tank ships are typically made of mild steel, stainless steel, duplex steel or aluminum alloy depending on the corrosiveness of the cargo. They may be coated internally with epoxy or other protective linings. Sophisticated cargo handling systems are often used to load, transport, and discharge the liquid cargo efficiently and safely.

[0299] The tanks of tank ships are preferably also equipped with pressure-relief equipment.

[0300] In the further preferred embodiment where the transportation vessel is designed to be integrated with the freight carrier, the transportation vessel is preferably a tank train or a tank railroad car.

[0301] Tank trains and railroad cars usually designate specialized rolling stock designed for the transportation of liquids. They usually consist of a series of interconnected tank cars, each equipped with a tank body for containing the transported liquid cargo.

[0302] The primary function of a tank train is to safely and efficiently transport large volumes of liquid materials over long distances by rail.

[0303] The tank bodies are usually designed to withstand the internal pressure and temperature requirements of the specific liquid cargo.

[0304] Proper management of the cargo is recommended to prevent cross-contamination, including thorough cleaning of the tanks between different cargoes. 241063

[0305] 29

[0306] There are several types of tank cars that make up a tank train: general purpose tank cars, which are usually non-pressurized cars that can carry a wide variety of liquid commodities; pressure tank cars, which are also designed to transport liquids under higher internal pressure. Pressure tanks cars usually have thicker tank walls to withstand higher internal pressures. insulated and / or coated tank cars, which are another type of tank car which usually have specialized linings or coatings, such as stainless steel, glass, rubber, and epoxy coatings, on the interior of the tank to protect the cargo or the tank itself.

[0307] The tank bodies are typically made of fine grain heat-treated steel alloys for strength and corrosion resistance. They also typically incorporate a variety of safety features such as protective housings for the valves and fittings, thermal protection systems, and enhanced puncture resistance.

[0308] Typical specifications for railroad tank cars are the US Department of Transportation specifications, such as the DOT-105, the DOT-111, the DOT-114 being the most common specifications. Other norms, such as RID / ADR tanks codes, EN 12561 and ISO standards 1496-3, 6436 and 10374 may also be applicable.

[0309] The transportation vessels described above, especially any tanks or drums which are in direct contact with the pre-loaded aqueous amine composition are preferably stainless steel or duplex steel. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the tank or parts of the transportation vessel which is in contact with the pre-loaded aqueous amine compositions has a lining or coating of corrosion resistant material, in preferably stainless steel, duplex steel, epoxy coating, polyurethane coating, fluoropolymer coatings, vinyl ester linings, rubber coating, glass coating or metallized paint coatings. If the tanks or those parts of the transportation vessels which are in contact with the pre-loaded amine compositions comprise such materials, the tanks or transportation vessels are more resistant to potential corrosion stemming from carbamic acids, carbonic acids or salts of carbamic acids or carbonic acids which may be present or form in the pre-loaded aqueous amine compositions.

[0310] It is further preferred that the transportation vessels, especially the tanks, are suited to handle pre-loaded aqueous amine compositions under an increased pressure. Preferably, the transportation vessels, especially tanks and drums, are designed and suited to handle internal pressures (pressures inside the transportation vessel) ranging from ambient atmospheric pressure to pressures up to 15 bar, preferably 10 bar and more preferably up to 8 bar, because these pressures can be reached in pre-loaded aqueous amine compositions according to the invention.

[0311] It is further preferred that the transportation vessels, such as tanks or drums, are equipped with pressure-relieving equipment, preferably pressure valves or pressure vents, which can relieve the pressure in case of a pressure increase. Transportation vessels equipped with pressure-relief equipment are in particularly suited to handle the pre-loaded aqueous amine composition according to the present invention as the compositions can show effervescence, meaning that they can spontaneously discharge carbon dioxide when pressure is relieved or changed. Also, such pressure-relieving equipment is beneficial for coping with 241063

[0312] 30 sudden or irregular movement when transporting a kit-of-parts according to the present invention, e.g., movements which would occur on bumpy roads or rough seas.

[0313] In another aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a kit-of-parts comprising an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, a transportation vessel and a storage vessel, wherein the transportation vessel and the storage vessel are temporarily in fluid communication with each other.

[0314] Kit-of-parts according to the present invention comprising a transportation and a storage vessel have the advantage that a storage vessel at the AGRU can receive the pre-loaded amine compositions directly from the transportation vessel as further outlined below. Not only does the connection between a transportation vessel and a storage vessel allow for an easy disassembly of the kit-of-parts comprising the transportation vessel and the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 as further set out below, the storage vessels themselves can be operated at lower ambient temperatures without segregation of amines, or that the amount of energy to heat the storage tanks may be reduced because of the storage temperatures where segregation of amines occur are lowered. It may also be possible to save insulation material because it can be afforded that the inside of the storage tank can cool to lower temperatures without segregation of amines. In addition, the unloading of the aqueous amine composition is facilitated in cases where it is possible to perform the unloading without additional heating equipment or insulation.

[0315] A storage vessel in which the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is stored, has the advantage that the storage vessel itself can be operated at a lower temperature without segregation of amine therefore being able to safe energy or even costly equipment, such as heat insulation or heating equipment, during storage.

[0316] A storage vessel according to the present invention is a vessel for storing liquids which is stationary at one location, preferably the location of the AGRU, while transportation vessels are mobile and used to move liquids from one location to the other.

[0317] Preferably, a storage vessel is permanently connected to a stationary location by steel and / or concrete foundations and permanently connected to an AGRU, preferably by pipelines and tubing and preferably also permanently connected to other utilities required for operating a storage tanks, such as electricity or water, whereas a transportation vessel is mobile and only intermittently and not permanently connected to the AGRU or to a storage vessel connected with the AGRU.

[0318] Storage tanks are available in many shapes: vertical and horizontal cylindrical; open top and closed top; flat bottom, cone bottom, slope bottom and dish bottom. Large tanks tend to be vertical cylindrical, with flat bottoms, and a fixed frangible or floating roof, or to have rounded corners transition from the vertical side wall to the top or bottom profile, in order to withstand hydraulic hydrostatic pressure.

[0319] Preferably, the storage tank is a pressure vessel, or a container designed to store liquids at a pressure above ambient pressure. Pressure vessels can theoretically be almost any shape, but shapes made of sections of spheres, cylinders, and cones are usually employed. A common design is a cylinder with end caps called heads. Head shapes are frequently either hemispherical or dished (torispherical). 241063

[0320] 31

[0321] The part of the storage tanks which is in contact with the aqueous amine composition is preferably made of stainless steel or duplex steel. Alternatively, the parts of the storage tank in contact with the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 have an inner lining or coating of corrosion resistant material, preferably stainless steel, duplex steel, epoxy coating, polyurethane coating, fluoropolymer coatings, vinyl ester linings, rubber coating, glass coating or metallized paint coating.

[0322] Storage tanks are preferably designed to hold a pressure between ambient pressure and 12 bars, more preferably between 1 and 10 bars and most preferably between 1 and 8 bars. Storage tanks are also preferably equipped with pressure-relief equipment such as safety valves or vents to be able to handle spontaneous releases of carbon dioxide from the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2.

[0323] In a preferred embodiment, the storage tank is heat insulated or equipped with heating equipment. This provides for an additional safety measure to prevent unwanted segregation or precipitation. However, when handling an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, these heat insulation or heating requirements can often be reduced compared to handling an unloaded aqueous amine composition.

[0324] It is further preferred that the mean residence time of the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with carbon dioxide in the storage tank is 10 days to about 3 years, preferably 30 days to about 2 years and more preferably 90 days to about 1 year.

[0325] The transportation vessel and the storage vessel are temporarily in fluid communication with each other. Fluid communication is preferably achieved by connecting the transportation vessel to the storage vessel through hoses, pipes, valves, pumps and / or manifolds. By establishing a fluid communication, the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 can be easily transferred from the transportation vessel to the storage vessel. If the ambient outside temperature is above the transition temperature, the transfer of the aqueous amine composition can proceed without additional heating equipment and the risk of clogging or formation of deposits which could otherwise hinder the transport of the aqueous amine composition from the transportation vessel to the storage vessel. If the ambient outside temperature is below the transition temperature, it is still possible to transfer the aqueous amine composition by providing for insulation and heating, but which may be substantially less than the amount of heating or insulation needed when transferring convention aqueous amine compositions which are not preloaded with CO2.

[0326] One aspect of the invention is related to a process of assembling a kit-of-parts according to the invention.

[0327] The kit-of-parts according to the invention, in particularly the kit-of-parts according to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth aspect of the present invention, are preferably prepared by a process comprising the steps of: a) providing an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, b) feeding the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with carbon dioxide to a transportation vessel.

[0328] The process for assembling a kit-of-parts comprises the step a) of providing an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2.

[0329] Such an aqueous amine composition is preferably be provided by: 241063

[0330] 32 a-1) contacting one or more amines with water to obtain an aqueous amine composition; a-2) contacting the aqueous amine compositions with carbon dioxide to obtain an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with carbon dioxide.

[0331] Suitable aqueous amine compositions which can be contacted with CO2 are the aqueous amine compositions described in the previous part of this specification prior to loading with CO2, in particular those aqueous amine compositions described in the first, second, third, fourth and fifth aspect of the invention, especially Compositions 1 and 2, prior to loading these compositions with CO2.

[0332] The process for assembling a kit-of-parts according to the invention preferably comprises a step a-1) of contacting one or more amines in water to obtain an aqueous amine composition.

[0333] Contacting the one or more amines with water preferably occurs by contacting solid or molten amine with water.

[0334] Contacting of the one or more amines with water can proceed discontinuously (batchwise) or continuously.

[0335] Preferably, the contacting of the one or more amines occurs under or is followed by mixing the one or more amines with water.

[0336] Discontinuous contacting of the one or more amines is usually conducted in a mixing vessel. Preferably, the mixing vessel is first filled with water and the amine is added, preferably under a stirring action, in solid or liquid form. Most preferably, the mixing vessel is heated. Preferably, contacting and mixing of the one or more amines with water occurs at temperatures in the range between ambient temperatures and temperatures beneath the boiling point of water, more preferably in the range of 20 to 95° C, even more preferably 25 to 90° C and most preferably 30 to 70° C.

[0337] Mixing can be facilitated by a mechanical stirrer, a shear disperser, or an impeller.

[0338] The mixing time is usually in the range of 1 minute to 120 minutes, more preferably 5 to 90 minutes and most preferably 10 to 60 minutes.

[0339] Continuous contacting of the one or more amines may preferably also take place continuously if the amine is in liquid form. Continuous contacting of the one or more amines with water preferably occurs in a static mixer. A static mixer is usually a device with an arrangement of channels, baffles or other mixing elements inside a housing to create turbulence resulting in thorough mixing. Common designs include plate-type mixes and housed-elements mixers with helical or other shaped static mixing elements. In the housed elements design the static mixer elements often consist of a series of baffles made of metal or a variety of plastics. Similarly, the mixer housing can be made of metal or plastic. The housed-elements design incorporates a method for delivering two streams of fluids into the static mixer. As the streams move through the mixer, the non-moving elements continuously blend the materials. A common application of a static mixture is a nozzle through which one or both liquids eject a turbulent liquid stream into the other liquid or the mixed liquid.

[0340] After mixing, the aqueous amine composition can be discharged to another vessel, such as a storage vessel prior to contacting the aqueous amine composition with CO2 or it may be directly discharged to the equipment in which step b) is carried out. Step b) may also be 241063

[0341] 33 carried out in the same mixing vessel in which step a) is carried out, especially if contacting is carried out batchwise in a mixing vessel.

[0342] In case more than one amine is to be contacted with water, contacting of the more than one amine can proceed sequentially or parallel. Sequential contacting of the amine usually proceeds by first dissolving a first amine and after dissolving the first amine, a further amine is added to the solution of the first amine and water. The sequential adding of further amines can be repeated until all desired amines are mixed with water. The amines can also be contacted in the form of an amine mixture. This usually requires pre-mixing of the one or more amines with each other prior to mixing with water. The amines can also be contacted in parallel with water, meaning that one or more amines are fed to the mixing vessel or the static mixer, which is designed to mix more than one amine.

[0343] Contacting one or more amines with water preferably results in a homogenous aqueous amine composition.

[0344] Step a-1) is usually followed by a step a-2) in which the aqueous amine composition is contacted with CO2 to obtain an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2. Contacting the aqueous amine composition produced in step a) with CO2 can also occur batchwise or continuously.

[0345] Preferably, contacting occurs in a mixing vessel or tank where pressurized CO2 is introduced or contacted with the aqueous amine composition. The pressure in the carbonization tank is preferably in the range of more than 1 to 15 bars, preferably 2 to 10 bars and more preferably 3 to 8 bars. CO2 is usually injected into the aqueous amine composition by means of a nozzle or a diffuser.

[0346] In a further preferred embodiment, contacting of the aqueous amine composition with CO2 occurs continuously. Most preferably the continuous contacting of aqueous amine composition and CO2 occurs in an absorption tower. The absorption tower is preferably designed as a tall, vertical pressure vessel, filled with a packing material that provides a large surface area for the gas-liquid interaction. CO2 is preferably introduced near the bottom of the absorption tower, while the absorbing liquid (in this case, the aqueous amine composition) is preferably introduced at the top of the absorption tower. The aqueous amine composition then flows downward over the packing material, while the CO2 flows upward. The countercurrent flow maximizes the contact time and area between the gas and the liquid, promoting the absorption of the CO2 into the aqueous amine composition. As the CO2 comes into contact with the aqueous amine composition, it is absorbed into the liquid phase due to the chemical affinity between the CO2 and the amine. The resulting aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 preferably exits the bottom of the absorption tower. It is further possible that step a-2) occurs in the transportation vessel itself. The premixed aqueous amine compositions or the separate components of the aqueous amine compositions can be fed to the transportation vessel and then brought into contact with CO2, e.g. by introducing CO2 into the transportation vessel.

[0347] Most preferably, step a-2) occurs in an absorption tower under defined conditions because this method allows the achievements of the desired CO2-loading and other processing conditions, such as temperature and pressure, in a more reproducible manner. 241063

[0348] 34

[0349] Step a-2) yields an aqueous amine composition which is at least partially loaded with CO2.

[0350] An aqueous amine composition which is at least partially loaded with CO2 can also be prepared by contacting one amine with CO2 and adding one or more additional amines or aqueous amine compositions which has not been contacted with CO2. For the purpose of the present invention, it is deemed that the uncontacted and contacted amines will equilibrate in mixed amine composition. Preferably, the aqueous amine composition comprises all desired amines prior to contacting with CO2.

[0351] The contact time, the pressure and the temperature in the mixing vessels or the height, the diameter, the flow rates of the aqueous amine composition and CO2 as well as other design parameters to achieve the preferred degree of CO2 loading of the aqueous amine compositions can be determined and specified by using thermodynamic models, such as the modified Kent-Eisenberg model, the extended Debye-Huckel model or the Pitzer models implemented, into well-known simulation tools, such as ChemaSim, Aspen or Unisim. Usually, this requires measuring and validating the solubility of CO2 in the aqueous amine composition at different temperatures and pressures.

[0352] The CO2 loading of amine solutions is typically measured by contacting the amine with a CO2-containing gas stream and monitoring the absorption over time. The measurement usually comprises the following steps:

[0353] (1) preparing an amine solution at a known initial concentration

[0354] (2) contacting the amine solution with a gas stream containing a known mole fraction of CO2, usually 10-15%.

[0355] (3) measuring the CO2 concentration in the outlet gas stream over time using a CO2 analyzer.

[0356] (4) calculating the CO2 absorption rate at each time point using a gas phase mass balance, wherein the Rate of CO2 absorption = Molar flow rate of CO2 in - Molar flow rate of CO2 out.

[0357] (5) integrating the absorption rate over time to obtain the total moles of CO2 absorbed, wherein CO2 loading (mol CO2 / mol amine) = Total moles CO2 absorbed / Initial moles of amine,

[0358] (6) repeating the measurement at different concentrations, temperatures, and CO2 partial pressures to study the effects on CO2 loading.

[0359] Raman spectroscopy can also be used to directly measure the CO2 loading in-line by correlating the Raman spectrum to the CO2 concentration.

[0360] Preferably, near infrared spectroscopy or even more preferably non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy (NDIR) can be used to measure the CO2 loading. For that a diluted amine sample is preferably acidified by an acid, preferably H3PO4, so all chemically bonded CO2 is released and then stripped out of solution by a flow stream of synthetic air. This CO2 loaded air flow is usually fed into an NDlR-detector to determine quantitively the amount of CO2.

[0361] Also, the amount of absorbed CO2 can be determined gravimetrically.

[0362] The CO2 loading is typically reported in units of moles CO2 per mole of amine. It depends on the amine type, concentration, temperature, and CO2 partial pressure. Measuring the 241063

[0363] 35 absorption rate and integrating over time is usually the most common experimental method to determine the CO2 loading.

[0364] The CO2 used for contacting the aqueous amine composition usually has a purity level of 98 percent or more, preferably 99 percent or more, more preferably 99.5 percent or more and most preferably 99.9 percent or more.

[0365] It is also possible, although not preferred that the CO2 brought into contact with the aqueous amine composition comprises other acid gases, such as H2S, SO2, CS2, HCN or COS which may also form soluble amine salts. But since the effect of these salts on the transition temperature of the aqueous amine compositions is less predictable and the other acid gases accompanying CO2 often are more problematic with respect to SHE-issues (safety, health and environment) and corrosion, it is preferred to use CO2 in the grades specified above. However, it is conceivable that the effect of lowering the transition temperature may also be achieved by using flue gases itself, or stripper-off-gases from an acid gas removal unit or other sources for gases comprising a high CO2-content, although this is not the preferred embodiment, if the CO2-purity is not in the ranges specified above.

[0366] In a further step b), the kits-of-parts of the present invention are preferably assembled by filling an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 into a transportation vessel.

[0367] The aqueous amine composition which is at least partially loaded with CO2 and prepared in step a-2) is preferably filled into a transportation vessel by means of creating a pressure differential between the equipment used in step a-2) and the transportation vessel. The pressure differential can be created by pressurizing the equipment used in step a-2) with an inert gas or by means of a pump or by exploiting a pressure differential resulting from different heights between the equipment used for step b) and the transportation vessel. Preferably, the pressure differential is already existing in the equipment used for step a-2) if loading with CO2 in step a-2) is conducted at an increased pressure and the transportation vessel is at a lower pressure. The partially loaded aqueous amine compositions is usually transported to the transportation vessel through connecting pipes, lines or hoses connecting the equipment used to prepare the partially loaded aqueous amine composition in step a-2) with the transportation vessel.

[0368] Prior to receiving the at least partially loaded aqueous amine composition from step a-2), the transportation vessels are preferably flushed with an inert gas, preferably CO2 or N2, to prevent contacting the aqueous amine solution with oxygen during the filling process.

[0369] As outlined above, it is also possible to prefill the transportation vessel with the aqueous amine composition and contact the aqueous amine composition with CO2 inside the transportation vessel.

[0370] After performing step b), a kit-of-parts according to the invention, such as kit-of-parts according to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth aspects of the invention are obtained.

[0371] In a preferred embodiment the kit-of-parts according to the invention are assembled at a first location which is not the location of the AGRU, comprising an absorption unit and a regeneration unit, where the amine solutions are ultimately deployed to treat acid gas 241063

[0372] 36 comprising gas streams (second location). It is especially preferred that the distance from the assembly site of the kit-of-parts and the location of the AGRU comprising an absorption unit and a regeneration unit is preferably 1 km or more, more preferably 10 km or more, even more preferably 100 km or more and most preferably 150 km or more.

[0373] One more aspect of the invention is therefore related to transporting a kit-of-parts according to the invention, in particularly according to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth aspect of the invention, from a first location to a second location.

[0374] The first location is preferably the location of origin, which is preferably the site where the method for assembling the kit-of-parts described above is carried out. This is usually a chemical production facility or a compounding facility. The second location is preferably the location of destination, which is preferably the site of the AGRU where the aqueous amine composition is used.

[0375] In case of cross-border transportation, the first location may also be a border or a port of exit, such as a harbor or an airport and the second location may be a border or a port-of entry, such as a harbor or an airport. Accordingly, the invention covers a) the transport from the location of origin, in particularly the site of producing the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 to a border or an exit port, b) the transport between two borders or a port of exit and a port of entry or c) the transport between a port of entry and the location of destination, in particularly the site of the AGRU.

[0376] The transportation vessel can be transported by a freight carrier.

[0377] Preferred freight carriers are cars, trucks, trains, ships or airborne carriers, such as airplanes, helicopters, blimps and zeppelins.

[0378] The transportation vessel can be transported on or in an appropriate cargo space on such a freight carrier. This would preferably be the case if the transportation vessel is a drum, an IBC or an ISO-container.

[0379] Alternatively, the transportation vessel is fully or partially integrated or temporarily or permanently integrated with the freight carrier to form a tank truck, a tank train, a tank wagon or a tank ship (as described above) and is transported with the freight carrier.

[0380] The freight carriers can use any kinds of transportation routes, preferably roads, waterways, such as canals, rivers, lakes and oceans, or train tracks or air spaces, depending on the kind of freight carrier.

[0381] The transportation distance can be any distance between the first location and the second location. The advantages of the present invention and the method transportation will become more pronounced the longer the transportation distance is. Preferably, the transportation distance between the first location and the second location is 10 km or more, more preferably 50 km or more, still more preferably 100 km or more and most preferably 150 km or more.

[0382] Likewise, the transportation time can be any time period. But the advantages of the present invention will become more pronounced the longer the transportation time is. Preferably, the transportation time is 1 hour or more, more preferably 6 hours or more and more preferably 8 hours or more. In a further embodiment the transportation time is in the range of 1 hours to 12 weeks, more preferably 6 hours to 2 weeks and more preferably 8 hours to 1 week. 241063

[0383] 37

[0384] When the kit-of-parts of the invention comprising the transportation vessel and the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 reaches the destination location, preferably the AGRU, the kit-of-parts can be dissembled by unloading the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 from the transportation vessel.

[0385] Accordingly, a further aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of dissembling a kit-of-parts according to the invention, in particularly a kit-of-parts according to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth aspect of the invention, by unloading the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 from the transportation vessel.

[0386] The kit-of-parts can be dissembled by conveying the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 from the transportation vessel to another destination.

[0387] The other destination is preferably a storage vessel or the AGRU.

[0388] A preferred destination is a storage vessel.

[0389] Suitable and preferred storage vessels have been described in a previous section. Preferably the storage vessel is in fluid communication with the AGRU, e.g., through pipes or hoses, so that the aqueous amine composition can be easily fed to the AGRU from the storage vessel when required to fill or replenish absorbent to the AGRU, such as in a first- fill or re-fill.

[0390] Another preferred destination is the AGRU itself, either directly, or indirectly, via a storage vessel.

[0391] Because the AGRU is normally operated in a recycling or circular mode, the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 can be fed to any point of the AGRU. Preferably, the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is conveyed or fed to a part of the AGRU which is in fluid communication with the absorber. Typically, an AGRU has a feedline for “fresh” absorbent above an absorption section, preferably at the top part of the absorber which is preferably used to feed the aqueous amine composition. The aqueous amine composition can also be mixed with regenerated absorbent prior to feeding the mixture into the absorber.

[0392] The aqueous amine composition is also preferably fed to the AGRU after the absorber. In this way, the CO2 content of the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 can be reduced in one of the regeneration steps, e.g., a flash step or in the stripper / re- generator. Accordingly, the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 can be preferably fed to a flash vessel or mixed with the rich absorbent leaving the absorber prior to entering the flash vessel. The aqueous amine composition can also be fed to the regenerator. For example, it can be fed to the regenerator through a separate inlet, or it can be mixed with the rich or semi-lean absorbent after the absorber or flash steps prior to feeding it to the regenerator.

[0393] Conveying the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 from the transportation vessel is usually carried out by creating a pressure differential between the transportation vessel and the acid gas removal unit or the storage vessel, preferably by means of a pump or by pressurizing the transportation vessel with an inert gas, preferably nitrogen or CO2, and forcing the liquid out through discharge valves and hoses or pipes. 241063

[0394] 38

[0395] After being conveyed to a storage tank or the AGRU, the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 taken from the transportation vessel can be used as an absorbent in a process for the removal of acid gases from a fluid stream.

[0396] Accordingly, another aspect of the invention is related to a method or process for the removal of acid gases from a fluid stream with an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 and which is conveyed from a transportation vessel to the AGRU. A preferred method for the manufacture of a treated fluid gas stream, is a method comprising the steps of: a) an absorption step in which a fluid stream FS1 is contacted with an absorbent Al comprising one or more amines in an absorber A to obtain an absorbent A2 laden with acid gases and an at least partly deacidified fluid stream FS2; b) a regeneration step in which at least a portion of the laden absorbent A2 obtained from step b) is regenerated in a regenerator R obtain an at least partly regenerated absorbent A3 and a gaseous stream GS comprising least one acid gas; c) a recycling step in which at least a sub stream of the regenerated absorbent A3 from step c) is recycled into the absorption step a); and wherein at least a part of the absorbent Al is intermittently or continuously provided to the AGRU from a kit-of-parts according to the invention.

[0397] In the method according to the present invention for the manufacture of a treated gas, the absorbent Al is preferably provided from a kit-of-parts according to the invention, in particularly to the kit-of-parts of the first, second, third, fourth and fight aspect of the present invention. The absorbent Al is preferably provided to the AGRU by dissembling the kit-of- parts as previously described.

[0398] Preferably the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is conveyed from the transportation vessel to the AGR, either directly or indirectly through a storage vessel.

[0399] The aqueous amine composition from the kit-of-parts according to the present invention can constitute the first fill of the acid gas removal unit before start-up or after a solvent exchange, or the aqueous amine composition from the kit-of-parts according to the present invention can be used to refill or make-up smaller losses of absorbent which may potentially occur during the operation of an acid gas removal unit.

[0400] Preferably the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is fed to the absorber, preferably through a feed line designed for refilling or making-up absorbent losses or for filling in fresh absorbent to the absorber. This embodiment is in particularly preferred for replenishing smaller amounts of solvent losses which occur during the regular operation of the AGRU. Because the aqueous amine composition from the transportation vessel is at least partially loaded with CO2, the absorption capacity of the partially loaded 241063

[0401] 39 aqueous amine composition may be reduced compared to an unloaded aqueous amine composition. Accordingly, step a) of the method of the present invention may proceed to a lesser extent in the first pass of the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 through the absorber. But after regeneration step b) the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is regenerated, i.e., the CO2 is desorbed to obtain CO2-lean absorbent Al, which is then fed or recycled to step a) of the method according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment, if the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is fed to step a) prior to feeding to step b), the flow of fluid stream FS1 to the absorber is reduced or stopped until at least some of the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 conveyed from the transportation vessel has been regenerated in step b) and is fed to step a) as fresh or regenerated absorbent Al. Reducing or stopping the flow of fluid stream FS1 until all or at least a part of the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is regenerated, reduces the offtake of fluid stream FS2 which is not deacidified or insufficiently deacidified.

[0402] In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous amine composition from the transportation vessel or storage vessel is therefore fed to the acid gas removal unit after step a) of the method of the invention. Preferably, the aqueous amine composition is fed to a flash vessel which may be optionally present in or before the regeneration step b). But more preferably, the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is fed to the regenerator of step b), as previously described. In step b), the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is regenerated to form absorbent Al which can be recycled to step a).

[0403] According to the present invention, fluid stream FS1 is deacidified in an absorption step a) in which fluid stream FS1 is contacted with an absorbent Al comprising one or more amines in an absorber A to obtain an absorbent A2 laden with acid gases and an at least partly deacidified fluid stream FS2.

[0404] The fluid stream FS1 entering the absorber in step a) may be any fluid stream comprising at least one acid gas.

[0405] Preferably the preferably the fluid stream FS1 comprises CO2. In addition to CO2, other acid gases, such as H2S, CS2or COS may be present. In addition, oxides of sulfur and nitrogen SOxand NOXmay be present.

[0406] The content of acid gases in the fluid stream FS1 is generally 0.01% to 50% by volume, preferably 2% to 30% by volume and more preferably 3% to 25% by volume.

[0407] The fluid stream FS1 may comprise water. The water content in the fluid stream is generally within a range from > 0% by volume up to a content corresponding to the saturation concentration of water in the fluid stream under the existing pressure and temperature conditions.

[0408] The pressure of fluid stream FS1 usually depends on the source of the fluid stream FS1 as further outlined below. But in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure of the fluid stream FS1 is 5 bar or less, more preferably 4 bar or less, even more preferably 3 bar or less and most preferably 2 bar or less. Preferably the pressure of fluid stream FS1 is 241063

[0409] 40 at or around atmospheric pressure. In the aforementioned pressure ranges, the process of the present invention is particularly effective.

[0410] Preferably, the fluid stream 1 is a flue gas.

[0411] Flue gases are preferably obtained by combustion of carbon-based fuels, such as fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and oil, or biomass feedstocks from plants, algae or animals. Such combustion processes can occur in power plants or power stations or engines, such as ship engines. Preferably, the source of the flue gas is from combustion of coal, natural gas, oil, biofuels, such as bioethanol or biodiesel, or biomass derived from forestry, agriculture or aquaculture.

[0412] Preferably, fluid stream FS1 is a flue gas exiting the steam turbine of a steam-electric power stations in which the generator is driven by steam obtained from the combustion of carbon-based fuels.

[0413] Most preferably, fluid stream FS1 is a flue gas exiting the steam turbine of a gas-fired power plant which is designed as a simple cycle gas-turbine or a combined cycle power plant or FS1 is the flue gas of a ship motor, especially a motor of a large ship, such as an LNG carrier, an oil tanker, a container ship or a cruise ship.

[0414] Prior to being used in the method of the present invention, the flue gas stream FS1 is optionally treated to remove particulate matter by filtration or electrostatic precipitation.

[0415] In a preferred embodiment, the flue gas stream FS1 is desulfurized by removing sulfur dioxide. An overview of flue-gas desulfurization methods can be found in the Wikipedia article “Flue-gas desulfurization” (https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Flue-gas_desulfurization).

[0416] Fluid flue gas stream FS1 preferably comprises:

[0417] CO2: 1 to 25 vol.%, preferably 3 to 20 vol.-%;

[0418] H2O: 3 to 50 vol.%, preferably 5 to 30 vol.-%; and

[0419] O2: 0.1 to 16 vol.%, preferably 1 to 10 vol.-%,

[0420] Additionally, flue gases comprise small amounts of other gases, in particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx), even after a flue gas desulfurization step.

[0421] Flue gas also comprises nitrogen in an amount so that sum of the volume fractions of each component present in the flue gas add up to a value of 1 (or 100 voL-%). Typically, the nitrogen content is in the range of 40 to 95 vol.%.

[0422] Fluid stream FS1 is preferably in the gaseous state. Depending on the temperature and the water content, fluid stream FS1 may also comprise condensed water and acids.

[0423] When the fluid stream is a flue gas, the pressure of the fluid stream FS1 entering the cooling step is usually at atmospheric pressure, preferably in the range of 0.7 to 1.5 bar, more preferably 0.8 to 1.3 bar and more preferably 0.9 to 1.2 bar.

[0424] The temperature of fluid flue gas stream FS 1 is preferably in the range of 5 to 100° C, preferably 10 to 60° C and most preferably 20 to 45° C.

[0425] Fluid stream FS1 may also be an off-gas stream in which CO2is emitted in an industrial process which liberates CO2from a chemical reaction. Such industrial process streams include CO2-emissions from the thermal decomposition of limestone and dolomite in the production of cement, CO2-emissions from using carbon as a reducing agent in the commercial production of metals from ores (e.g. the production of iron in a blast furnace), or C02-emis- sions from the fermentation of biomass (e.g. to convert sugar to alcohol) or the decomposition of biomass in landfills (landfill gas). In a preferred embodiment, fluid stream FS1 is stream which combines flue gas from a carbon-fuel combustion process with CO2-emissions from a CO2-producing industrial process, such as cement production, metal production or fermentation or decomposition processes. In a further preferred embodiment, fluid stream FS1 is a flue gas stream coming from a furnace of a cracker, in which hydrocarbons, such as petroleum fractions, naphtha, natural gas liquids, such methane, ethane and propane, are thermically or catalytically cracked to obtain shorter chain molecules or recombined molecules having a different structure. Preferably, the fluid stream FS1 is the flue gas of a steam cracker furnace.

[0426] Fluid stream FS1 can also preferably be the off gas or tail gas of a Claus Process in which sulfur compounds, such as CS2, SO2and COS, have been reduced to H2S. Such streams usually comprise 0.5 to 10 vol.-% H2S and around 1 to 50 vol-% CO2.

[0427] The pressure of fluid stream FS1 is preferably in the range of 0.7 to 5 bar, more preferably 0.8 to 3 bar and more preferably 0.9 to 1.5 bar when fluid stream FS1 is a so-called tail gas from a Claus Process. Preferably, the pressure fluid stream FS1 is at or around atmospheric pressure when fluid stream FS1 is a tail gas from a Claus Process.

[0428] The fluid stream FS1 is preferably contacted with the absorbent in step a) in an absorber A. The absorber is preferably an absorption tower or an absorption column, for example a column with random packing or structured packing.

[0429] The absorber generally comprises an absorption zone and optionally a rescrubbing zone.

[0430] The absorption zone is deemed to be the section of the absorption column in which the fluid stream comes into mass transfer contact with the absorbent.

[0431] The fluid stream is preferably contacted in countercurrent with the absorbent in the absorption zone.

[0432] To improve contact with the absorbent and provide a large mass transfer interface, the absorption zone generally comprises internals, for example random packings, structured packings and / or trays, such as valve trays, bubble-cap trays, Thormann trays or sieve trays.

[0433] If the absorption zone comprises random packings or structured packings, the height of the random packings / structured packings of the absorption zone is preferably in the range from 5 to 20 m, more preferably in the range from 6 to 15 m and most preferably in the range from 8 to 14 m.

[0434] If the absorption zone comprises trays, the number of trays in the absorption zone is preferably in the range from 8 to 30, more preferably 12 to 25 and most preferably 15 to 23 trays.

[0435] In the case of columns with random packings or structured packings, the absorption zone may be divided into one or more sections, preferably 2 to 4 sections. Bearing and holding trays and / or distributor trays may be disposed between the individual sections of the absorption zone, and these improve the distribution of the absorbent over the entire cross section of the column.

[0436] In a preferred embodiment, the absorber comprises structured packings to improve the contact between fluid stream FS1 and the absorbent in the absorption zone. Structured packings usually have a significantly lower pressure loss than trays and the overall pressure drop in the absorber can be kept low by combining a condenser with a low pressure drop with structured packings. 42

[0437] The temperature of the absorbent introduced into the absorption zone is generally about 0 to 90° C, preferably 10 to 60° C and more preferably 25 to 50° C.

[0438] The pressure in the absorber depends on the pressure and the type of fluid stream FS1 entering the absorber.

[0439] When fluid stream FS1 is a flue gas, the pressure in the absorber is preferably in the range of 0.7 to 1.5 bar, more preferably 0.8 to 1.3 bar and more preferably 0.9 to 1.2 bar.

[0440] When fluid stream FSlis a tail gas from a Claus Process, the pressure in the absorber is preferably in the range of 0.7 to 5 bar, more preferably 0.8 to 3 bar and more preferably 0.9 to 1.5 bar.

[0441] Most preferably, the absorber is operated at about atmospheric pressure, when fluid stream F12 is a flue gas or a hydrogen sulfide comprising tail gas from a Claus Process.

[0442] The feed point for the fluid stream introduced is preferably below or in the lower region of the absorption zone. The feed is preferably evenly distributed over the cross-section of the absorber via a gas distributor.

[0443] The absorber may comprise one or more feed points for the absorbent introduced. For instance, the absorber may comprise a feed point for fresh absorbent Al and a feed point for regenerated absorbent A3. Fresh and regenerated absorbent may alternatively be fed into the absorber together via one feed point. The one or more feed points are preferably above or in the upper region of the absorption zone. It is also possible to feed in individual constituents of the absorbent, such as make-up water, via the feed point for fresh absorbent. If the absorber has an optional rescrubbing zone, the feed is preferably between the absorber zone and the rescrubbing zone.

[0444] The contacting of the fluid stream with the absorbent in the absorption zone affords an at least partly deacidified fluid stream FS2 and an absorbent A2 laden with acid gases. There is generally a draw point for the laden absorbent A2 in the lower region of the absorber, preferably at the bottom.

[0445] In a preferred embodiment, the at least partly deacidified fluid stream FS2 is contacted with a scrubbing liquid in one or more rescrubbing zones (collectively referred to as “rescrubbing zone” or “wash section”).

[0446] The scrubbing liquid is more preferably an aqueous liquid. The scrubbing liquid may be a liquid intrinsic to the process, i.e., an aqueous liquid obtained elsewhere in the process, or aqueous liquids supplied from the outside. Preferably, the scrubbing liquid comprises a condensate (called absorber top condensate) formed in a downstream cooling operation on the deacidified fluid stream and / or fresh water. Most preferably, the scrubbing liquid is water. The scrubbing liquid can also be an acidic aqueous solution with a pH in the range if 2 to less than 7, more preferably 3 to 6.5 and most preferably 3 to 5. Usually, an acid scrubbing liquid can be obtained by dissolving a corresponding acid or acidic oxide. Preferably, the scrubbing liquid is an aqueous solution of an inorganic acid, preferably sulfuric acid or hydrochloric formic acid, or an organic acid, preferably formic, oxalic or acetic acid. Details for the implementation of an acid wash can be found in the SINTEF Report on “Emission Reducing Technologies” from Kolderup et al, ISBN 9788214059240.

[0447] The rescrubbing zone is generally a section of the absorber above the feed point of the absorbent. 241063

[0448] 43

[0449] The rescrubbing zone preferably has random packings, structured packings and / or trays to intensify the contact between the fluid stream and the scrubbing liquid.

[0450] The rescrubbing zone comprises preferably 1 to 7, more preferably 2 to 6 and most preferably 3 to 5 trays, or a packing height (random packings / structured packings) of preferably 1 to 6 m, more preferably 2 to 5 and most preferably 2 to 3 m.

[0451] In a preferred embodiment, the rescrubbing zone comprises structured packings to improve the contact between fluid stream FS1 and the absorbent in the absorption zone. Structured packings usually have a significantly lower pressure loss than trays and the overall pressure drop in the absorber can be kept low by combining a condenser with a low pressure drop with structured packings.

[0452] The scrubbing liquid is generally introduced above the rescrubbing zone or into the upper region of the rescrubbing zone. The scrubbing liquids used may be the abovementioned scrubbing liquids.

[0453] The scrubbing liquid is preferably recycled via the rescrubbing zone. This is achieved by collecting the scrubbing liquid below the rescrubbing zone, for example by means of a suitable collection tray, and pumping it to the upper end of the rescrubbing zone by means of a pump. The recycled scrubbing liquid may be cooled, preferably to a temperature of from 20° C to 70° C, in particular 30° C to 60° C. This is advantageously achieved by recirculating the scrubbing liquid through a cooler. In order to avoid any accumulation of scrubbed- out absorbent constituents in the scrubbing liquid, a sub stream of the scrubbing liquid is preferably discharged from the rescrubbing zone.

[0454] By the contacting of the at least partly deacidified fluid stream FS2 with a scrubbing liquid in a rescrubbing section or wash section, it is possible to scrub out entrained absorbent constituents, such as amines thereby further minimizing amine emissions. The contacting with an aqueous scrubbing liquid can additionally improve the water balance of the process when more water is discharged via the exiting streams than is introduced via the entering streams.

[0455] In a more preferred embodiment, the absorber also comprises a so-called dry bed, which is disclosed in more detail in EP2691163. The term “dry bed” is usually used to is describe a section of the absorber beneath the water wash, where only a very low drain of water from the water wash section at the absorber top is wetting this bed. Nevertheless, this counter current multistage device is described to reduce the concentration of the solvent components in the gaseous phase. Another important effect for the emission mitigation is the slight temperature reduction of the flue gas, particles and droplets in the dry bed. Due to the saturation or oversaturation, water instead of organic compounds will condense on the particles and droplets in the water wash section downstream. Even though the growing droplets will not be removed from the flue gas flow by inertial separation, on the following flue gas path entrainment of organic compounds is reduced by an order of magnitude.

[0456] A deacidified fluid stream FS2, as described above, is preferably drawn off via a draw point in the upper part of the absorber and fed to step d) as further described below. But step d) must not necessarily be conducted in a separate piece of equipment but may alternatively also be integrated in the absorber itself, preferably the top part absorber. 241063

[0457] 44

[0458] Step a) affords an absorbent A2 at least partially laden with acid gases. The laden absorbent A2 may be fed directly to the regeneration step b).

[0459] In a particular embodiment of the process of the invention, an expansion step is first conducted on the laden absorbent A2 before it is introduced into the regeneration step b). In the expansion step, the laden adsorbent A2 is generally guided into one or more expansion vessels where the laden absorbent A2 is expanded through a throttle valve into the expansion vessel.

[0460] The expansion generally leads to the desorption the so-called flash gas. The flash gas may be guided back into the absorption by means of a compressor or incinerated for energy generation or flared off in situ.

[0461] If the fluid stream FS1 is a flue gas, the laden absorbent is preferably pumped to an expansion vessel which is located downstream of a crossflow heat exchanger HE-CF. In this case. In this case, the pump usually increases the pressure of the fluid stream FS1 by approximately 2 to 8 barg so it can be expanded to an expansion vessel which is preferably operating slightly above the pressure of the regenerator. The effect of the expansion step is usually enhanced by the temperature increase of the fluid stream FS1 when passing the crossflow heat exchanger HE-CF. The performance of an additional expansion step has the advantage that at least part of the oxygen comprised in fluid stream FS1 may be flashed-off which has a negative impact on the required purity of CO2.

[0462] The flash vessel is generally a vessel free of any particular internals. The flash vessel is preferably a flash drum. Alternative flash vessels include columns having internals, for example random packings, structured packings, or trays.

[0463] In the upper region of the flash vessel, there is generally a gas draw for the gases converted to the gas phase. A demister may preferably be disposed in turn in the region of the gas draw. If required, the acid gases present may be separated from the flash gas in a further absorption column. Typically, for this purpose, a sub stream of the regenerated solvent is supplied to the additional absorption column.

[0464] At the base of the flash vessel, in general, the absorbent A2 at least partly laden with the acid gases that have not been converted to the gas phase is drawn off and is generally guided into regeneration step b).

[0465] According to the invention, the adsorbent at least partly laden with acid gases A2 is fed into the regeneration step b), in which at least a portion of the laden absorbent A2 obtained from step a) is regenerated in a regenerator to obtain an at least partly regenerated absorbent A3 and a gaseous stream GS comprising at least one acid gas.

[0466] The gaseous stream GS may comprise residual amounts of water which have not been separated off in the rescrubbing zone.

[0467] Before being introduced into the regeneration step b), the adsorbent A2 at least partly laden with acid gases is preferably guided through a crossflow heat exchanger HE-CF.

[0468] In the crossflow heat exchanger HE-CF, the absorbent A2 at least partly laden with acid gases is preferably heated to a temperature in the range from 50 to 150° C, more preferably 70 to 130° C and most preferably 80 to 110° C. In a particular embodiment, the 241063

[0469] 45 regenerated absorbent A3 drawn from the bottom of the regenerator is used as heating medium in the heat exchanger HE-CF. This embodiment has the advantage that the thermal energy of the regenerated absorbent A3 from stage b) can be used to heat the laden absorbent A2 from step a) in heat exchanger HE-CF. In this way, it is possible to reduce the energy costs of the overall process and to reduce the energy requirement in the reboiler of regeneration step b).

[0470] According to the invention, the regeneration step is conducted in a regenerator R.

[0471] The regenerator is generally configured as a stripping column.

[0472] The regenerator preferably comprises a regeneration zone and a reboiler.

[0473] The regenerator is preferably operated at a top pressure in the range from 0.5 to 5 bar, preferably 0.7 to 4 and more preferably 0.9 to 2.5 bar.

[0474] In the bottom of the regenerator, there is generally disposed a liquid draw for the regenerated absorbent A3.

[0475] At the top of the regenerator, there is generally a gas draw for the gaseous stream GS. A demister is preferably mounted in the region of the gas draw.

[0476] The regenerator generally has a regeneration zone disposed above the bottom and below the rescrubbing zone. In the present context, the regeneration zone is regarded as the region of the regenerator with which the laden absorbent comes into contact with the steam which is produced in the reboiler.

[0477] To improve contact and provide a large mass transfer interface, the regeneration zone generally comprises internals, for example random packings, structured packings and / or trays, such as valve trays, bubble-cap trays, Thormann trays or sieve trays.

[0478] If the regeneration zone comprises structured packings or random packings, the height of the structured packings / random packings in the regeneration zone is preferably in the range from 5 to 15 m, more preferably in the range from 6 to 12 m and most preferably in the range from 8 to 12 m.

[0479] If the regeneration zone comprises trays, the number of trays in the regeneration zone is preferably in the range from 10 to 30, more preferably 15 to 25 and most preferably 17 to 23 trays.

[0480] In the case of columns with random packings or structured packings, the regeneration zone may in turn be divided into multiple sections, preferably 2 to 4. Bearing and holding trays and / or distributor trays may be disposed between the sections of the regeneration zone, and these improve the distribution of liquid over the entire cross section of the regenerator. In general, the laden absorbent A2 is preferably introduced into the regenerator in the upper region or above the regeneration zone and below the rescrubbing zone.

[0481] In the regeneration zone, the vapor generated in the evaporator is generally operated in countercurrent to the absorbent flowing downward through the regeneration zone.

[0482] The zone of the regenerator beneath the regeneration zone is generally referred to as the bottom.

[0483] In this region, the absorbent is typically collected and (i) fed as absorbent stream AS1 to the reboiler HE-R via pipelines via a liquid draw in the lower region of the regenerator, and / or (ii) partly recycled into the absorber as regenerated absorbent A3. 241063

[0484] 46

[0485] The bottom may be divided by a collecting tray disposed between the bottom draw and the feed point for the steam produced in the evaporator.

[0486] In general, at least a portion of the regenerated absorbent A3 is guided from the bottom draw of the regenerator into the reboiler as absorbent stream AS1.

[0487] Preferably, the bottom draw from the regenerator is guided completely into the reboiler as absorbent stream AS1.

[0488] The reboiler HE-R is typically a kettle type reboiler, natural circulation reboiler or thermosiphon reboiler or a forced circulation reboiler.

[0489] The reboiler HE-R of the regenerator is preferably disposed outside the regenerator and connected to the bottom draw via pipelines.

[0490] The reboiler H E-R is generally operated at temperatures in the range from 100 to 150° C, preferably 105 to 140° C and most preferably 110 to 130° C.

[0491] In the reboiler HE-R, in general, at least a portion of the bottom draw is evaporated and returned to the regenerator as absorbent stream AS2. Absorbent stream AS2 is preferably fed to the regenerator beneath the regeneration zone, preferably into the bottom of the regenerator.

[0492] If an additional collecting tray is disposed in the bottom, the steam produced in the reboiler is preferably fed in beneath the collecting tray.

[0493] In a preferred embodiment, the regenerator R has a rescrubbing zone above the regeneration zone, especially preferably above the feed point for the laden absorbent A2.

[0494] The rescrubbing zone generally takes the form of a section of the regenerator disposed above the regeneration zone.

[0495] The rescrubbing zone preferably has internals, especially random packings, structured packings and / or trays to intensify the contact between the fluid stream and the scrubbing liquid. Particularly preferably, the scrubbing section has trays, especially valve trays or bubble-cap trays.

[0496] In a preferred embodiment, the internals are random packings and / or structured packings. The packing height (random packings / structured packings) is preferably within a range from 1 to 10, more preferably 2 to 8 and most preferably 3 to 6 m.

[0497] In a very particularly preferred embodiment, the rescrubbing zone has trays, especially valve trays or bubble-cap trays, the number of trays preferably being in the range from 2 to 10, more preferably 2 to 8 and most preferably 2 to 6 trays.

[0498] A scrubbing liquid may be introduced into the upper region of the rescrubbing zone or above the rescrubbing zone.

[0499] The scrubbing liquid used is generally an aqueous or slightly acidic aqueous solution, especially water. The temperature of the scrubbing liquid is generally in the range from 10 to 60° C, preferably in the range from 20 to 55° C and more preferably 30 to 40° C.

[0500] In the rescrubbing zone, entrained residual amounts of amines may be scrubbed out of the absorbent, such that the acidic off gas GS leaving the regenerator is essentially free of amines. In the rescrubbing zone, the water content of the gas stream which is obtained at the top of the regenerator may additionally be reduced since the contact with the colder scrubbing agent can result in condensation of a portion of the vaporous water. 241063

[0501] 47

[0502] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the acid gas stream GS from the regenerator is introduced into a condensation step.

[0503] In the condensation step, a condensate comprising water is condensed out of the gaseous stream (condensate outlet). The uncondensed gas phase is preferably discharged to a compression step, as further described below.

[0504] The condensation step is preferably conducted in such a way that the gaseous stream GS from stage b) is guided through one or more condensers (regenerator top condensers). The top condensers generally comprise a heat exchanger and a vessel in which the liquid phase can be separated from the gas phase (phase separation vessel). However, heat exchanger and vessel may also be integrated in one component.

[0505] The regenerator top condenser is generally operated in such a way that water will condense, while the acid gases remain predominantly in the gas phase.

[0506] Regenerator top condensers used may, for example, be condensers having cooling coils or helical tubes, jacketed tube condensers and shell and tube heat exchangers.

[0507] The regenerator top condenser is generally operated at a temperature in the range from 10 to 60° C, preferably 20 to 55° C, more preferably 30 to 40° C.

[0508] In a preferred embodiment, the gaseous stream GS from stage c) is guided through one regenerator top condenser.

[0509] It is optionally possible to additionally introduce a scrubbing liquid, as described above, into the regenerator together with the condensate from the condensation step. The introduction can be effected via the same feed point. Scrubbing liquid can alternatively be introduced via a separate feed point.

[0510] Fluid stream GS preferably comprises CO2, especially if fluid stream FS1 is a flue gas. To prevent release of such CO2to the atmosphere, the CO2is preferably sequestered in suitable storage locations.

[0511] Sequestration generally requires that the gaseous CO2stream GS is compressed and optionally cooled into a fluid which can be transported through pipelines to its destination, or which can be transported as a chemical to its destination where it is utilized for further uses. Typical pressures of CO2-pressures in pipelines for transportation are 70 to 200 bar, preferably 90 to 150 bar. Typical pressures of CO2for transportation by ship, truck or train are 5 to 50 bar, preferably 6 to 40 and more preferably 7 to 35 bar.

[0512] Compression is usually affected in one or more compressors. The compressor is usually configured to receive the CO2comprising gaseous stream GS and compress the gaseous stream to yield a compressed fluid stream CFS.

[0513] The compressor is typically a positive displacement compressor or a dynamic compressor. Positive displacement compressors comprise reciprocating compressors that use pistons driven by a crankshaft to deliver fluids at higher pressures. Reciprocating compressors can be single or multi-staged. Positive displacement compressors also comprise rotary screw compressors, conical screw compressors, rotary vane compressors, rolling piston compressors or scroll compressors.

[0514] The compressor can also be a dynamic compressor, such as a centrifugal compressor or an axial compressor. 241063

[0515] 48

[0516] Preferably, the compressor is a rotary screw compressor, a centrifugal compressor, a piston compressor, or an axial flow compressor.

[0517] After compression or after each compression step in a compressor, the fluid stream CFS is preferably passed through one or more heat exchangers to dissipate the heat from the compressed fluid or to utilize the heat of compression as a heat source for heating other processes or other steps of the gas treatment process.

[0518] Alternatively, compression may be supplemented by one or more additional refrigeration steps to liquify the CO2. CO2may be cooled in a heat exchanger which is an evaporator for a heat transfer material, preferably liquid ammonia. The evaporated heat transfer material is then compressed, cooled, and expanded in a tradition refrigeration circuit. It is also possible to combine two or more refrigeration circuits in series, which reduces the energy consumption of refrigeration.

[0519] Further, CO2may be compressed and cooled by external water and expansion to the transportation temperature and then compressed. Non-liquefied CO2is preferably separated a recirculated to the compression step. The energy consumption can be reduced by performing the compression and depressurization (evaporation) in several steps.

[0520] It is usually preferred to dry the CO2-comprising stream GS. Drying can occur before, after or after one or more of the compression steps or cooling steps.

[0521] Drying is preferably conducted in the form of a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and more preferably in the form of a temperature swing adsorption (TSA), or in the form of a glycol drying operation.

[0522] PSA or TSA can be conducted by methods known to the person skilled in the art. Standard variant procedures are described, for example, in Nag, Ashis, “Distillation and Hydrocarbon Processing Practices”, PennWell 2016, ISBN 978-1-59370-343-1 or in A. Terrigeol, GPA Europe, Annual Conference, Berlin, Germany, 23rd-25th May, 2012 (https: / / www.cecachemi- cals.com / export / sites / ceca / .content / medias / downloads / products / dtm / molecular-sieves- contaminants-effects-consequences-and-mitigation.pdf).

[0523] In PSA or TSA, preference is given to using zeolites, activated carbon, molecular sieve or silica gels, such as Sorbead, which is an alumino-silicate gel in the form of hard, spherical beads.

[0524] Preference is given to using a molecular sieve as solid adsorbent in PSA or TSA.

[0525] In the glycol drying operation, preference is given to using a liquid absorbent such as monoethylene glycol (MEG), diethylene glycol (DEG), triethylene glycol (TEG) or tetraethylene glycol (TREG). TEG is especially preferably used as liquid absorbent.

[0526] The glycol drying operation can be conducted by process variants known to the person skilled in the art. Examples of glycol drying are likewise found, for example, in Nag, Ashis, "Distillation and Hydrocarbon Processing Practices", PennWell 2016, ISBN 978-1-59370- 343-1.

[0527] Likewise, other components, such as carbonyl sulfide (COS) and hydrogen sulfide may be removed by installing additional filters and adsorbers.

[0528] The fluid stream CFS is preferably transported to its storage location or its final utilization. CO2may be transported via pipelines or by a carrier, such as truck, train, and ship. 241063

[0529] 49

[0530] Suited storage locations are suited geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, mines and saline or other rock formations.

[0531] CO2may also be used by the food industry, the oil industry, and the chemical industry. Preferred uses for CO2in the food industry is the carbonization of beverages.

[0532] Other utilizations of captured carbon dioxide are enhanced oil recovery or conversion to fuel, cement, minerals, or chemicals or use as a material for fire extinguishers, as a solvent, as an inert gas or a refrigerant

[0533] According to the invention, the regenerated absorbent A3 obtained at the bottom of the regenerator from step c) is returned to the absorption step a).

[0534] The regenerated absorbent is preferably recycled in one of the feed points of the absorber for the regenerated absorbent by cooling the absorbent A3 in the cross-flow heat exchanger HE-CF and an additional cooler as described above, to achieve the feed temperature of the lean absorbent also set out above.

[0535] In a preferred embodiment, absorption step a), the regeneration step b) and the recycling step c) are all performed in such a manner that there is a fluid communication, preferably a quasi-permanent or permanent fluid communication, between the steps. In such a preferred embodiment, fluid communication is preferably established through pipelines or pipes or tubes. Fluid communication allows for effective solvent recycling and heat integration of different steps or parts of the AGRU. In order to establish fluid communication it is preferred that step a) and step b) are performed at essentially the same second location of the AGRU in reasonable or close proximity to each other.

[0536] The method for manufacture of a treated fluid gas can be carried out in an acid gas removal unit, such as a carbon capture unit.

[0537] Accordingly, another aspect of the invention is directed to an acid gas removal unit (AGRU) comprising the following elements: a. an absorber a, b. a regenerator b, c. a kit-of-parts c according the first to fifth aspect of the invention, and d. optionally, a storage vessel d for receiving an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 from the kit-of-parts, and e. a temporary fluid connection between the kit-of-parts with the AGRU or the optional storage vessel, and f. in case the acid gas removal unit comprises a storage vessel, a fluid connection between the storage vessel d and the acid gas removal unit.

[0538] The elements of the acid gas removal unit have been previously described.

[0539] As described above, in a preferred embodiment of this invention the absorber a and regenerator b are in fluid communication with each other, preferably in quasi-permanent or permanent fluid communication which is preferably established trough pipes, pipelines or tubes. In order to establish fluid communication it is preferred that step a) and step b) are 241063

[0540] 50 performed at essentially the same second location of the AGRU in reasonable or close proximity to each other.

[0541] The present invention is further illustrated by the following set of embodiments and combinations of embodiments resulting from the dependencies and back-references as indicated. Further, it is explicitly noted that the following set of embodiments numbered 1 to 52 is not the set of claims determining the extent of protection, but represents a suitably structured part of the description directed to general and preferred aspects of the present invention.

[0542] 1. Kit-of-parts comprising: a) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and b) a transportation vessel.

[0543] 2. Kit-of-parts comprising according to embodiment 1, wherein the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 comprises one or more amines, water, optionally one or more additives and optionally one or more other components.

[0544] 3. Kit-of-parts comprising according to embodiment 2, wherein the total amine content of the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is in the range of 3 to 85 percent by weight, preferably 15 to 70 percent by weight, or preferably 20 to 70 percent by weight or preferably 25 to 65 percent by weight or 30 to 64 percent by weight, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine compositions, or

[0545] Kit-of-parts comprising according to embodiment 2, wherein the total amine content of the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is in 3 percent by weight or more, such as 15 percent by weight or more, or 25 percent by weight or more, ore 30 percent by weight or more, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine compositions

[0546] 4. Kit-of-parts comprising according to at least one of embodiments 2 to 3, in which the total content of additives in the aqueous amine composition is in the range of 25 percent by weight or less, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine compositions.

[0547] 5. Kit-of-parts comprising according to at least one of embodiments 2 to 4, in which the total content of other components, other than amines, additives and water, in the aqueous amine composition is in the range of 5 percent by weight or less, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine compositions.

[0548] 6. Kit-of-parts comprising: a) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and b) a transportation vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition in its unloaded state has a transition temperature of 0° C or higher. 241063

[0549] 51

[0550] 7. Kit-of-parts according to embodiment 6, wherein the aqueous amine composition in its unloaded state has transition temperature of 20° C or higher.

[0551] 8. Kit-of-parts comprising: c) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and d) a transportation vessel, wherein in the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one or more amines selected from group I, wherein group I consists of:

[0552] (iv) amines with a solubility at 20° C in water of 500 g amine or less per 100 g water,

[0553] (v) amines with a melting point of 20° C or higher, and

[0554] (vi) unsubstituted or substituted 5- to 7-membered saturated heterocycles which have at least one nitrogen atom in the ring, which optionally may comprise one or two further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen and oxygen in the ring, a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, and a-4) optionally, one or more amines not selected from group I.

[0555] 9. Kit-of-parts according to embodiment 8, wherein the content of amines selected from group I is in the range of 3 to 85 percent by weight, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine compositions, preferably 15 to 70 percent by weight, or preferably 20 to 70 percent by weight or preferably 25 to 65 percent by weight or 30 to 64 percent by weight, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine compositions, or

[0556] Kit-of-parts comprising according to embodiment 8 wherein the total amine content of the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is in 3 percent by weight or more, such as 15 percent by weight or more, or 25 percent by weight or more, ore 30 percent by weight or more, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine compositions

[0557] 10. Kit-of-parts according to embodiment 9, wherein the aqueous amine composition does not comprise any amines not selected from group I.

[0558] 11. Kit-of-parts according to embodiment 9, wherein the aqueous amine composition comprises one or more amines not selected from group I and the weight ratio of the sum of the weights of the one or more amines not selected from group I amines to the sum of weights of the amines selected from group I is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1

[0559] 12. Kit-of-parts according to embodiment 9, 10 or 11, wherein the content of additives in the aqueous amine composition is 25 percent by weight of less, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine compositions. 241063

[0560] 52

[0561] 13. Kit-of-parts according to embodiment 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein the content of other components, other than amines, additives and water, in the aqueous amine composition is 5 percent by weight of less, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine compositions.

[0562] 14. Kit-of-parts according to embodiment 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein the content of water in the aqueous amine composition is 85 percent by weight of less, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine compositions.

[0563] 15. Kit-of-parts comprising: c) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and d) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one or more amines selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine (PIP), 2-methylpiperazine (2-MePIP), 2,5-dime- thylpiperazine (2,5-DiMePIP), N-methylpiperazine (N-Me-PIP), 1-hydroxyethy Ipi- perazine (HEPIP), 1,4-bishydroxyethylpiperazine (BHEP), 4-hydroxyethylpiperidine, homopiperazine, piperidine, 2-hydroxyethy Ipiperidine, triethylendiamine (TEDA), morpholine, tert-butylaminoethoxyethylmorpholine, tert-butylaminoethyl morpholine and tert-butylaminoethylpyrrolidone, more preferably PIP, 2-Me-PIP, 2,5-Di-Me- PIP and TEDA; a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives.

[0564] 16. Kit-of-parts comprising: e) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and f) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one amines selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine (PIP), a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives.

[0565] 17. Kit-of-parts comprising: g) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and h) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one or more amines selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine (PIP) and triethylenediamine TEDA; a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives. 241063

[0566] 53

[0567] 18. Kit-of-parts according to at least one of embodiment 15 to embodiment 17, wherein the content of amines selected from group N is in the range of 3 to 85 percent by weight, more preferably 5 to 80 percent by weight, even more preferably 10 to 75 percent by weight and most preferably 15 to 70 percent by weight (within the preferred ranges, the total content of amines a-1) in the aqueous amine composition is typically in the range of 20 to 70 percent by weight, or 25 to 65 percent by weight, or 30 to 64 percent by weight), based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine composition, or

[0568] Kit-of-parts comprising according to embodiment 15, wherein the total content of amines selected from group N is 3 percent by weight or more, such as 5 percent by weight or more, or 10 percent by weight or more, or 15 percent by weight or more, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine compositions

[0569] 19. Kit-of-parts according to at least one of embodiment 15 to embodiment 18, wherein the content of additives is 25 percent by weight or less, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine composition.

[0570] 20. Kit-of-parts according to at least one of embodiment 15 to embodiment 19, wherein the content of other components, other than amines, additives and water, in the aqueous amine composition is 5 percent by weight of less, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine compositions.

[0571] 21. Kit-of-parts according to at least one of embodiment 15 to embodiment 20, wherein the content of water in the aqueous amine composition is 85 percent by weight of less, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine composition.

[0572] 22. Kit-of-parts comprising: c) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and d) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one or more amines selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine (PIP), 2-methylpiperazine (2-MePIP), 2,5-dime- thylpiperazine (2,5-DiMePIP), N-methylpiperazine (N-Me-PIP), 1-hydroxyethy Ipi- perazine (HEPIP), 1,4-bishydroxyethylpiperazine (BHEP), 4-hydroxyethylpiperidine, homopiperazine, piperidine, 2-hydroxyethy Ipiperidine, triethylendiamine (TEDA), morpholine, tert-butylaminoethoxyethylmorpholine, tert-butylaminoethyl morpholine and tert-butylaminoethylpyrrolidone, more preferably PIP, 2-Me-PIP, 2,5-Di-Me- PIP, HEPIP and TEDA; a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives, 241063

[0573] 54 a-5) one or more amines selected from group A, wherein group A consists of ADEG, MDEA, MEA, MAPA, DEA, TEA, DEEA, DIPA, MDIPA, TBAEE, Niax and AMP,

[0574] 23. Kit-of-parts comprising: a) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and b) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one amine selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine (PIP); a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives, a-5) one amine selected from group A, wherein group A consists of 2-amino-2-methyl-l- propanol (AMP).

[0575] 24. Kit-of-parts comprising: c) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and d) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one amine selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine (PIP); a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives, a-5) one amine selected from group A, wherein group A consists of tert-butylaminoeth- oxyethanol (TBAEE)or wherein group consists of bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl)ether (Niax)

[0576] 25. Kit-of-parts comprising: e) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and f) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one amine selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine (PIP); a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives, a-5) one amine selected from group A, wherein group A consists of N-methyldiethanola- mine (MDEA)

[0577] 26. Kit-of-parts according to embodiment 25, wherein the kit-of-parts comprises alkali carbonate and / or alkali bicarbonate, in particularly 241063

[0578] 55

[0579] 27. Kit-of-parts comprising: g) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and h) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one amine selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of triethylenediame (TEDA) a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives, a-5) one amine selected from group A, wherein group A consists of ADEG

[0580] 28. Kit-of-parts according to at least one of embodiments 22 to 27, wherein the content of amines selected from group N is in the range of 3 to 85 percent by weight, preferably 5 to 80 percent by weight, more preferably 10 to 75 percent by weight (within the preferred ranges, the total content of amines selected from group N is typically in the range of 10 to 60, or 12 to 55 or 15 to 50 percent by weight) based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine composition.

[0581] 29. Kit-of-parts according to at least one of embodiments 22 to 28, wherein the weight ratio of the sum of the weights of the one or more amines selected from group A to the sum of weights of the amines selected from group N is in the range of 1:10 to 10:1.

[0582] 30. Kit-of-parts according to at least one of embodiments 22 to 29, wherein the content of additives is 25 percent by weight or less, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine composition.

[0583] 31. Kit-of-parts according to at least one of embodiments 22 to 30, wherein the content of other components, other than amines, additives and water, in the aqueous amine composition is 5 percent by weight of less, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine compositions.

[0584] 32. Kit-of-parts according to at least one of embodiments 22 to 31, wherein the content of water in the aqueous amine composition is 85 percent by weight of less, based on the weight of the unloaded aqueous amine composition.

[0585] 33. Kit-of-parts according to at least one embodiments 1 to 32, wherein the CO2-load of the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is [0.025*(x+y)+0.05*z]or more of moles CO2 per mol of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition, wherein the number of mols of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition is given by x+y+z, wherein x is the mol number of primary amine functional groups, y is the mol number of secondary functional groups and z is the number tertiary functional amine groups in the aqueous amine composition. 241063

[0586] 56

[0587] 34. Kit-of-parts according to at least one embodiments 1 to 33, wherein the CO2-load of the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is [0.025*(x+y)+0.05*z] to [0.5*(x+y) + l*z] moles CO2 per mol of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition, wherein the number of mols of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition is given by x+y+z, wherein x is the mol number of primary amine functional groups, y is the mol number of secondary functional groups and z is the number tertiary functional amine groups in the aqueous amine composition.

[0588] 35. Kit-of-parts according to at least one of embodiments 1 to 34, wherein the kit-of-parts comprises a transportation vessel selected from the group consisting of drums, ISO-tank containers, intermediate bulk containers, tanks trucks, tanks trains or tank wagons, or tank ships.

[0589] 36. Kit-of-parts according to at least one of embodiments 1 to 35, wherein the kit-of-parts additionally comprises a storage vessel and wherein the transportation vessel and the storage vessel are temporarily in fluid communication with each other, or

[0590] Kit-of-parts according to at least one of embodiments 1 to 35, wherein the the kit-of- parts additionally comprises a storage vessel and an acid gas removal unit (AGRU) comprising an absorber for removing acid gas from a feed gas and wherein the transportation vessel and the storage vessel and the acid gas removal unit (AGRU) (preferably the AGRU disclosed in embodiment 50 below) are temporarily in fluid communication with each other,

[0591] 37. Kit-of-parts according to embodiment 35 or 36, wherein the transportation vessel or storage vessel is designed to handle internal pressures in the range of ambient atmospheric pressure to 15 bar.

[0592] 38. Kit-of-parts according to embodiment 37, wherein the transportation vessel or storage vessel is equipped with pressure-relief equipment.

[0593] 39. Kit-of-parts according to embodiment 38, wherein pressure-relief equipment is a pressure valve or pressure vent.

[0594] 40. Method of assembling a kit-of-parts according to at least one of claims 1 to 39, comprising the step of: a) providing an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, b) feeding an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with carbon dioxide to a transportation vessel.

[0595] 41. Method according to embodiment 40, wherein the step a) of providing the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with carbon dioxide comprises the steps of: a-1) contacting one or more amines with water to obtain an aqueous amine composition; 241063

[0596] 57 a-2) contacting the aqueous amine compositions with carbon dioxide to obtain an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with carbon dioxide, including an embodiment where steps a-1) and a-2) are preferably conducted as a continuous process

[0597] 42. Method of transporting a kit-of-parts according to at least one of embodiments 1 to 39 from a first location to a second location.

[0598] 43. Method of transporting a kit-of-parts according to embodiment 42, wherein the first location is a location of origin selected from the group consisting of a) the site of assembling a kit-of-parts according to a method according to embodiments 40 or 41, b) a border between two nations, c) a port-of-entry, to a second location being a destination selected from the group consisting of a) a port-of-exit, b) a border between two nations, and c) the site of an acid gas removal unit, including an embodiment where the AGRU comprises at least one absorber for removing acid gases from a feed gas, preferably CO2 from a flue gas and an embodiment where the AGRU comprises an absorber and a regenerator in fluid communication with each other

[0599] 44. Method of disassembling a kit-of-parts according to at least one of embodiments 1 to 39 by unloading the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 from the transportation vessel.

[0600] 45. Method according to embodiment 44, wherein the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is conveyed from the transportation vessel to an acid gas removal unit or a storage vessel which is in fluid communication with the acid gas removal unit.

[0601] 46. Method according to at least one of embodiments 44 to 45, wherein the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is conveyed from the kit-of-parts by creating a pressure-differential between the kit-of-parts and the acid gas removal unit or the storage vessel.

[0602] 47. Method according to at least one embodiments 44 to 46, in which the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is fed to the acid gas removal unit after the absorber or to the absorber of the acid gas removal unit.

[0603] 48. Method according to embodiment 44 to 46, wherein the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is fed to the acid gas removal unit after the absorber and before a flash vessel or before a regenerator in which CO2 is removed from the aqueous amine composition.

[0604] 49. Method for the manufacture of a treated fluid gas stream, comprising the steps of: 241063

[0605] 58 a) an absorption step in which a fluid stream FS1 is contacted with an absorbent Al comprising one or more amines in an absorber A to obtain an absorbent A2 laden with acid gases and an at least partly deacidified fluid stream FS2; b) a regeneration step in which at least a portion of the laden absorbent A2 obtained from step b) is regenerated in a regenerator R obtain an at least partly regenerated absorbent A3 and a gaseous stream GS comprising least one acid gas; c) a recycling step in which at least a sub stream of the regenerated absorbent A3 from step c) is recycled into the absorption step a); and wherein at least a part of the absorbent Al is intermittently or continuously provided to the AGRU from a kit-of-parts according to any one of embodiments 1 to 39.

[0606] 50. Acid gas removal unit comprising the following elements: a. an absorber a, b. a regenerator b, c. a kit-of-parts c according to at least one of embodiments 1 to 39, and d. optionally, a storage vessel d for receiving an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 from the kit-of-parts, and e. a temporary fluid connection between the kit-of-parts with the AGRU or the storage vessel, and f. in case the acid gas removal unit comprises element d, a fluid connection between the storage vessel d and the acid gas removal unit.

[0607] 51. A kit-of-parts according to at least one of embodiments 1 to 39, wherein the kit-of-parts comprises a transportation vessel and the transportation vessel has a volume of more than 150 liters or wherein the kit-of-parts comprises a storage vessel and the storage vessel has a volume of more than 150 liters.

[0608] 52. kit-of-parts according to at least one of embodiments 1 to 39 and embodiment 51, wherein the aqueous amine composition is enclosed or encompassed within the transportation vessel.

[0609] The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples:

[0610] Examples:

[0611] Aqueous amine compositions a) with the composition described in the following tables 1 to 7 were prepared and loaded with CO2. The loaded aqueous amine composition was filled into a test tube and the loaded aqueous amine composition inside the test tube was cooled in a cooling bath of dry ice and ethanol. The loaded amine composition was slowly stirred during cooling until a solid formed. After the loaded amine composition solidified, the test tube was slowly and gradually heated under running water and the temperature of the 241063

[0612] 59 loaded amine composition was monitored with a thermometer. The melting temperature was determined as the temperature where the solid was completely dissolved.

[0613] The CO2-loading was determined with non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy (NDIR) For that a diluted amine sample is acidified by H3PO4, so all chemically bonded CO2 is released and then stripped out of solution by a flow stream of synthetic air. This CO2 loaded air flow was fed into an N DlR-detector to determine quantitively the amount of CO2.

[0614] 241063

[0615] 60

[0616] Table 1: TEDA / PIP Mixtures 241063

[0617] 61

[0618] The transition temperature substantially decreased from values of above 20° C to temperatures significantly lower than 20° C, such as 15.3° C, 5° C , -14.8° C, -14,0 ° C or -12.3 ° C, depending on the concentration of TEDA and PIP and the CO2 loading. Such a temperature decrease of up to 35° C or more (depending on the CO2-loading) of the transition temperature facilitates the transport of aqueous amine compositions at least partially loaded with CO2 compared to aqueous amine compositions which are not loaded with CO2 and prevents segregation or precipitation in a significantly enlarged temperature window.

[0619] Table 2: MDEA / PIP Mixtures

[0620] The transition temperature substantially decreased from values of about 25° C or higher to temperatures significantly lower than -15° C, such as 18.3° C or -34.3° C, depending on the concentration of MDEA and PIP and the CO2 loading. Such a temperature decrease (depending on the CO2-loading) of the transition temperature facilitates the transport of aque- ous amine compositions at least partially loaded with CO2 compared to aqueous amine 241063

[0621] 62 compositions which are not loaded with CO2 and prevents segregation or precipitation in a significantly enlarged temperature window.

[0622] Table 3: TBAEE / PIP Mixtures

[0623] The transition temperature substantially decreased from values of more than 25° C to temperatures in the range of -45° C, depending on the CO2 loading. Such a temperature decrease (depending on the CO2-loading) of the transition temperature facilitates the transport of aqueous amine compositions at least partially loaded with CO2 compared to aqueous amine compositions which are not loaded with CO2 and prevents segregation or precipitation in a significantly enlarged temperature window.

[0624] Table 4: AMP / PIP Mixtures The transition temperature substantially decreased from values of more than 25° C to temperatures significantly lower than -20° C, such as -24,2 or -45° C, depending on the concentration of AMP and PIP and the CO2 loading. Such a temperature decrease (depending on the CO2-loading) of the transition temperature facilitates the transport of aqueous amine compositions at least partially loaded with CO2 compared to aqueous amine compositions which are not loaded with CO2 and prevents segregation or precipitation in a significantly enlarged temperature window.

[0625] Table 5: TEDA / ADEG Mixtures

[0626] The transition temperature substantially decreased from values of more than 20° C to temperatures significantly lower than 15° C, such as 11,1 or 7,6° C, depending on the concentration of TEDA and ADEG and the CO2 loading. Such a temperature decrease (depending on the CO2-loading) of the transition temperature facilitates the transport of aqueous amine compositions at least partially loaded with CO2 compared to aqueous amine compositions which are not loaded with CO2 and prevents segregation or precipitation in a significantly enlarged temperature window.

[0627] Table 6: Niax / Piperazine Mixtures

[0628] The transition temperature substantially decreased from values of around 20° C to temperatures significantly lower than -10° C, such as -11 or -17° C, depending on the 64 concentration of Niax and piperazine and the CO2 loading. Such a temperature decrease (depending on the CO2-loading) of the transition temperature facilitates the transport of aqueous amine compositions at least partially loaded with CO2 compared to aqueous amine compositions which are not loaded with CO2 and prevents segregation or precipitation in a significantly enlarged temperature window.

[0629] Table 7: Hydroxyethylpiperazine (HEPIP) / Piperazine Mixtures

[0630] The transition temperature substantially decreased from values of around 25° C to temper- atures significantly lower than -10° C, such as -11, -20 or even -31° C, depending on the concentration of HEPIP and piperazine and the CO2 loading. Such a temperature decrease (depending on the CO2-loading) of the transition temperature facilitates the transport of aqueous amine compositions at least partially loaded with CO2 compared to aqueous amine compositions which are not loaded with CO2 and prevents segregation or precipitation in a significantly enlarged temperature window.

Claims

24106365Claims1. Kit-of-parts comprising: a) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and b) a transportation vessel.

2. Kit-of-parts according to claim 1 comprising: c) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and d) a transportation vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition in its unloaded state has a transition temperature of 0° C or higher; or aKit-of-parts according to claim 1 comprising: e) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and f) a transportation vessel, wherein in the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one or more amines selected from group I, wherein group I consists of:(vii) amines with a solubility at 20° C in water of 500 g amine or less per 100 g water,(viii) amines with a melting point of 20° C or higher, and(ix) unsubstituted or substituted 5- to 7-membered saturated heterocycles which have at least one nitrogen atom in the ring, which optionally may comprise one or two further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen and oxygen in the ring, a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, and a-4) optionally, one or more amines not selected from group I; or aKit-of-parts according to claim 1 comprising: i) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and j) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one or more amines selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine, 2-methylpiperazine (2-MePIP), 2,5-dime- thylpiperazine (2,5-DiMePIP), N-methylpiperazine, 1-hydroxyethylpiperazine, 1,4- bishydroxyethylpiperazine, 4-hydroxyethylpiperidine, homopiperazine, piperidine, 2-hydroxyethylpiperidine, triethylendiamine, morpholine, tert-butylaminoethoxy- ethylmorpholine, tert-butylaminoethylmorpholine and tert- butyl a m i noethyl pyrrol i- done, a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives; or a24106366Kit-of-parts according to claim 1 comprising: a) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and b) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one amines selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine (PIP), a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives; or aKit-of-parts according to claim 1 comprising: a) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and b) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one or more amines selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine and triethylenediamine, a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives; or aKit-of-parts according to claim 1 comprising: e) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and f) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one or more amines selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine), 2-methylpiperazine, 2,5-dimethylpipera- zine, N-methylpiperazine, 1-hydroxyethylpiperazine, 1,4-bishydroxyethylpipera- zine, 4-hydroxyethylpiperidine, homopiperazine, piperidine, 2-hydroxyethylpiperi- dine, triethylendiamine, morpholine, tert-butylaminoethoxyethylmorpholine, tertbutylaminoethylmorpholine and tert-butylaminoethylpyrrolidone, a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives, a-5) one or more amines selected from group A, wherein group A consists of 3-amino propyl diethylene glycol, methyldiethanolamine, monoethanolamine, methylaminopropylamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, diethylethanolamine, diisopropanolamine, methyldiisopropanolamine, tert-butylaminoethoxyethanol and 2- amino-2-methyl-l-propanol; or a24106367Kit-of-parts according to claim 1 comprising: i) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and j) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one amine selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine, a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives, a-5) one amine selected from group A, wherein group A consists of 2-amino-2-methyl- 1-propanol; or aKit-of-parts according to claim 1 comprising: a) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and b) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one amine selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine, a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives, a-5) one amine selected from group A, wherein group A consists of tert-butylami- noethoxyethanol; or aKit-of-parts according to claim 1 comprising: a) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and b) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises: a-1) one amine selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of piperazine, a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives, a-5) one amine selected from group A, wherein group A consists of N-methyldiethano- lamine; or aKit-of-parts according to claim 1 comprising: a) an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2, and b) a transportation vessel or a storage vessel, wherein the aqueous amine composition a) comprises:24106368 a-1) one amine selected from group N of N-heterocyclic compounds, wherein group N consists of triethylenediamine, a-2) water, a-3) optionally, one or more additives, a-4) optionally, one or more other components, which are not water, amines or additives, a-5) one amine selected from group A, wherein group A consists of 3-amino propyl diethylene glycol.

3. Kit-of-parts according to at least one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the CO2-load of the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is [0.025*(x+y)+0.05*z]or more of moles CO2 per mol of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition, wherein the number of mols of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition is given by x+y+z, wherein x is the mol number of primary amine functional groups, y is the mol number of secondary functional groups and z is the number tertiary functional amine groups in the aqueous amine composition, or aKit-of-parts according to at least one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the CO2-load of the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is [0.025* (x+y)+0.05*z] to [0.5*(x+y) + l*z] moles CO2 per mol of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition, wherein the number of mols of amine functional groups in the aqueous composition is given by x+y+z, wherein x is the mol number of primary amine functional groups, y is the mol number of secondary functional groups and z is the number tertiary functional amine groups in the aqueous amine composition.

4. Kit-of parts according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the total content of amines in the aqueous amine composition (total amine content) is 20 percent by weight or more, The total content of amines in the aqueous amine composition (total amine content), orKit-of-parts according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the total content of amines in the aqueous composition is in the range of 10 to 75 percent by weight.

5. Kit-of-parts according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the kit-of-parts comprises a transportation vessel selected from the group consisting of drums, ISO-tank containers, intermediate bulk containers, tanks trucks, tanks trains or tank wagons, or tank ships.

6. Kit-of-parts according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the kit-of-parts additionally comprises a storage vessel and wherein the transportation vessel and the storage vessel are temporarily in fluid communication with each other.

7. Method of assembling a kit-of-parts according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the step of: c) providing an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2,24106369 d) feeding an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with carbon dioxide to a transportation vessel.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the step a) of providing the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with carbon dioxide comprises the steps of: a-1) contacting one or more amines with water to obtain an aqueous amine composition, a-2) contacting the aqueous amine compositions with carbon dioxide to obtain an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with carbon dioxide.

9. Method of transporting a kit-of-parts according to at least one of claims 1 to 5 from a first location to a second location.

10. Method of transporting a kit-of-parts according to claim 9, wherein the first location is a location of origin selected from the group consisting of a) the site of assembling a kit-of- parts according to a method according to claims 40 or 41, b) a border between two nations, c) a port-of-entry, to a second location being a destination selected from the group consisting of a) a port-of-exit, b) a border between two nations, and c) the site of an acid gas removal unit.

11. Method of disassembling a kit-of-parts according to at least one of claims 1 to 5 by unloading the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 from the transportation vessel.

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein the aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 is conveyed from the transportation vessel to an acid gas removal unit or a storage vessel which is in fluid communication with the acid gas removal unit to obtain a kit-of-parts according to claim 6.

13. Method for the manufacture of a treated fluid gas stream, comprising the steps of: a) an absorption step in which a fluid stream FS1 is contacted with an absorbent Al comprising one or more amines in an absorber A to obtain an absorbent A2 laden with acid gases and an at least partly deacidified fluid stream FS2; b) a regeneration step in which at least a portion of the laden absorbent A2 obtained from step b) is regenerated in a regenerator R obtain an at least partly regenerated absorbent A3 and a gaseous stream GS comprising least one acid gas; c) a recycling step in which at least a sub stream of the regenerated absorbent A3 from step c) is recycled into the absorption step a); and wherein at least a part of the absorbent Al is intermittently or continuously provided to the AGRU from a kit-of-parts according to any one of claims 1 to 6.2410637014. Acid gas removal unit comprising the following elements: a. an absorber a, b. a regenerator b, c. a kit-of-parts c according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, and d. optionally, a storage vessel for receiving an aqueous amine composition at least partially loaded with CO2 from the kit-of-parts, and e. a temporary fluid connection between the kit-of-parts with the AGRU or the storage vessel, and f. in case the acid gas removal unit comprises a storage vessel, a fluid connection between the storage vessel and the acid gas removal unit.

15. A kit-of-parts according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the kit-of-parts comprises a transportation vessel and the transportation vessel has a volume of more than 150 liters or wherein the kit-of-parts comprises a storage vessel, the storage vessel has a volume of more than 150 liters.

16. Kit-of-parts according to at least one of claims 1 to 6 and claim 15, wherein the aqueous amine composition is enclosed or encompassed within the transportation vessel.

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