3-(Amino)propane-1,2-diol Amine Absorbent for Liquefied Hydrocarbon Acid Gas Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for removing acid gases from liquefied hydrocarbons, such as LPG and NGL, face significant economic penalties due to high amine solubility and loss rates, limiting the concentration of amine solutions that can be used effectively in refineries, especially when treating cracked LPG.
Innovation Solution
The use of 3-(amino)propane-1,2-diol compounds as an absorbent in aqueous solutions, which have a lower solubility in hydrocarbon streams and can maintain higher amine concentrations without increased loss rates, allowing for enhanced acid gas removal capacity without the need for significant equipment modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional amines (MDEA, DEA) are used to remove acid gases from liquefied hydrocarbons, then acid gas removal capacity is improved, but amine solubility loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the amine by introducing fluorinated alkyl groups with specific chain lengths (C3-C8) and fluorine substitution patterns. This structural modification alters the amine's solubility characteristics in hydrocarbon phases while preserving its acid gas absorption capacity, thereby reducing amine losses without sacrificing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite amine structure by combining traditional amine functional groups (primary, secondary, or tertiary amines) with fluorinated hydrocarbon chains. This composite molecular structure leverages the acid gas reactivity of the amine group while the fluorinated chain provides hydrophobicity and reduced solubility in hydrocarbon phases, simultaneously achieving both high acid gas removal capacity and low amine loss
2Productivity
If amine concentration in aqueous solution is increased to enhance acid gas removal capacity, then productivity is improved, but amine solubility loss and hydrocarbon contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
By modifying the amine's molecular parameters through fluorinated chain attachment, the patent changes the amine's interfacial properties and solubility behavior. This allows the use of higher amine concentrations in the aqueous absorbent solution without proportionally increasing solubility losses, as the fluorinated structure resists partitioning into the hydrocarbon phase even at elevated concentrations
3Reliability
If higher amine concentrations are used to reduce replacement costs, then economic viability is improved, but equipment compatibility and operational stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorinated alkyl chain modification changes the physical parameters of the amine including its volatility, thermal stability, and interfacial tension characteristics. These parameter changes enable the use of higher concentrations in a way that maintains operational stability and compatibility with existing equipment, as the fluorinated structure provides enhanced thermal and chemical stability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables refineries to operate at higher amine concentrations, reducing amine replacement costs and increasing acid gas removal capacity while minimizing solubility losses, thus providing an economically viable solution for treating liquefied hydrocarbons.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the liquefied hydrocarbons with an absorbent aqueous solution of a first amine compound
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating liquefied hydrocarbons including acid gases to remove said acid gases while minimizing loss of amine species, said method comprising the steps of contacting the liquefied hydrocarbons with an absorbent aqueous solution of a first amine compound, the first amine compound having the structure:wherein R1 is propane-2,3-diol; R2 is hydrogen, methyl ethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, or propane-2,3-diol; and R3 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl or propane-2,3-diol.