ABHEX Assembly for Selective Hydrogen Sulfide Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for removing hydrogen sulfide from natural gas streams are economically unviable due to the large and expensive equipment required, which is inefficient in separating hydrogen sulfide from carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon gases.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an absorber-heat exchanger (ABHEX) assembly that exchanges thermal energy between a mixed stream and a thermal management fluid stream, facilitating the selective absorption of hydrogen sulfide by a lean solvent stream while maintaining fluid separation and controlling temperature ranges to enhance absorption efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional equipment is used to remove hydrogen sulfide from natural gas streams, then hydrogen sulfide removal is achieved, but the equipment size becomes large and installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the absorption process and heat exchange function into a single integrated absorber-heat exchanger assembly. The rich solvent stream exiting the absorber section directly enters the heat exchange section where it contacts the lean solvent stream, eliminating the need for separate cooling equipment and reducing overall system volume while maintaining hydrogen sulfide removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorber-heat exchanger assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it absorbs hydrogen sulfide from the gas stream using the lean solvent, cools the rich solvent stream through heat exchange with the lean solvent, and prepares the rich solvent for regeneration. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate equipment components needed.
2Reliability
If conventional separation processes are used, then hydrogen sulfide is removed, but the equipment becomes expensive to install and operate
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the absorption and heat exchange operations into a single compact assembly, the patent reduces the total equipment count, installation complexity, and capital cost. The integrated design also improves operating efficiency by eliminating intermediate transfer operations and reducing energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the lean solvent stream to simultaneously absorb hydrogen sulfide and provide cooling to the rich solvent stream through heat exchange. The lean solvent is cooled by the rich solvent in the heat exchange section, creating a self-sufficient thermal management system that reduces external cooling requirements and operating costs.
3Reliability
If traditional absorption systems are used, then hydrogen sulfide absorption occurs, but thermal energy generated during mixing is not controlled, reducing absorption efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the heat exchange function directly into the absorption process by positioning the heat exchange section immediately after the absorber section. This allows the rich solvent stream to be cooled by the lean solvent stream in close proximity to where hydrogen sulfide absorption occurs, maintaining optimal temperature for absorption efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous flow of lean solvent stream through both the absorption section and heat exchange section ensures that thermal energy generated during mixing is continuously removed. The lean solvent absorbs heat from the rich solvent stream in the heat exchange section, maintaining a continuous cooling action that prevents temperature buildup and sustains high absorption efficiency.
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 allows for efficient and selective removal of hydrogen sulfide, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the rich solvent stream, thereby decreasing the size of downstream components and improving the economic viability of natural gas treatment systems.
Implementation Method 1
absorption of hydrogen sulfide by the lean solvent stream and to generate the mixed stream
Implementation Method 2
exchanges thermal energy between a mixed stream and a thermal management fluid stream
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for selectively removing hydrogen sulfide from a feed gas stream. The systems include an absorber-heat exchanger (ABHEX) assembly configured to exchange thermal energy between a mixed stream and a thermal management fluid stream. The ABHEX assembly defines a mixed stream volume and a thermal management fluid stream volume. The ABHEX assembly includes an isolation structure that maintains fluid separation between the mixed stream and the thermal management fluid stream and facilitates thermal communication between the mixed stream and the thermal management fluid stream. The ABHEX assembly is configured to receive and to mix the feed gas stream and a lean solvent stream to generate the mixed stream, to separate the mixed stream into a product gas stream and a rich solvent stream, and to cool the mixed stream. The methods include methods of operating the systems.