Amine Premix Solidification Point Control for Gas Absorbent Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transport and storage of absorbents for removing acidic gases are hindered by the crystallization of piperazine, which requires specialized equipment and safety measures due to its solid form at ambient temperatures, and existing concentrated premixes face challenges with high temperatures causing piperazine crystallization, leading to pumping issues and contamination during transport.
Innovation Solution
A concentrated premix with a molar ratio of water to piperazine between 1.6 to 4.8, achieving a solidification point below 35°C, allowing for easier transportation and storage, comprising alkanolamines like methyldiethanolamine and piperazine, with a total amine content exceeding 65% by weight, which can be diluted on-site to form the absorbent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the absorbent is concentrated to reduce transport costs, then transport efficiency is improved, but piperazine crystallization occurs at high temperatures causing pumping issues and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the water-to-piperazine molar ratio to a specific range (1.5-3.0) and controlling the solidification point to be below 35°C. This allows the concentrated premix to remain liquid under transport conditions while minimizing water content for cost efficiency. The alkanolamine composition is also adjusted to prevent crystallization during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
Alkanolamines serve as intermediaries that prevent piperazine crystallization in the concentrated premix. These substances act as protective agents that lower the solidification point and maintain fluidity during transport, enabling the premix to be pumped without specialized heating equipment while still achieving concentration benefits.
2Volume of moving object
If piperazine is used in solid form to reduce transport volume, then transport efficiency is improved, but specialized equipment and safety measures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter by formulating piperazine as a liquid premix rather than solid form. By controlling the composition and solidification point, the premix remains liquid at ambient temperatures, eliminating the need for specialized storage and handling equipment required for solid piperazine while maintaining high concentration for transport efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If the water content is reduced to minimize transport costs, then transport efficiency is improved, but the premix becomes more prone to crystallization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the water content to a specific range (15-40% by weight) rather than minimizing it completely. This balanced approach reduces transport costs compared to fully aqueous solutions while maintaining enough water to prevent crystallization. The solidification point is controlled to be below 35°C through this optimized composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite premix system combining piperazine, water, and alkanolamines in specific proportions. This composite formulation leverages the synergistic effects of the components where alkanolamines prevent crystallization while water provides necessary fluidity, achieving both cost efficiency and 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
The premix with a low solidification point facilitates safe and efficient transport and storage of acidic gas absorbents, reducing the need for specialized equipment and minimizing contamination risks, while allowing for easy on-site dilution to achieve the desired amine concentrations for gas treatment.
Implementation Method 1
When acid gases dissolve in the absorbent, ions form with the bases
Implementation Method 2
When acid gases dissolve in the absorbent, ions form with the bases. The absorbent can be regenerated by relaxing to a lower pressure or stripping, whereby the ionic species react back to acid gases
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A premixture for preparing an absorbent for removing acidic gases from fluid streams is described. The premixture comprises at least one alkanolamine, piperazine and water, the premixture having a total amine content of more than 65% by weight and the molar ratio of water to piperazine in the premixture being from 1.6 to 4.8. The premixture is characterized by a low solidification point. It is diluted with water and/or alkanolamine to give the ready-to-use absorbent.