Multi-Component Scavenger System for Ammonia and H2S Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scavenger systems for hydrocarbon and aqueous streams are inefficient in removing contaminants like ammonia, organic amines, H2S, mercaptans, sulfides, and cyanides, leading to corrosion and health hazards due to their low reactivity and potential toxicity concerns.

Innovation Solution

A multi-component scavenger system comprising at least one ester and one electron-deficient organic compound, which can be added separately or together, effectively converts these contaminants into thermally stable, less objectionable products by reacting with them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional scavenger systems are used to remove contaminants from hydrocarbon and aqueous streams, then some contaminant removal is achieved, but the reactivity is low and efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontaminant removal efficiencyVSAvoidreactivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-component scavenger system comprising at least one ester and at least one electron-deficient organic compound. This composite scavenger system enhances contaminant removal efficiency by combining the benefits of different chemical components, each contributing specific reactivity and selectivity toward various contaminants including ammonia, organic amines, H2S, mercaptans, sulfides, and cyanides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If existing scavenger systems are used, then contaminant removal is attempted, but toxicity concerns arise from the scavenger components or reaction products

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontaminant removal capabilityVSAvoidtoxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts potentially harmful contaminants into thermally stable, less objectionable products through the scavenging action of the multi-component system. The electron-deficient organic compounds react with contaminants to form stable compounds that eliminate the harmful properties of the original contaminants while maintaining thermal stability and reducing toxicity concerns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If ammonia and organic amines are present in the stream, then they can be removed by scavenging, but corrosive deposits form on internal surfaces of refinery units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontaminant removalVSAvoidcorrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-component scavenger system performs preliminary removal of ammonia and organic amines from the stream before they can react with hydrogen halides to form corrosive deposits. By pre-scavenging these basic contaminants, the system prevents the formation of acidic corrosive deposits on internal surfaces of refinery units, thereby eliminating the corrosion problem at its source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 multi-component scavenger system significantly reduces contaminant levels and associated corrosion and odor issues, providing a safer and more environmentally friendly solution for hydrocarbon and aqueous streams.

Implementation Method 1

A multi-component scavenger system comprising at least one ester and one electron-deficient organic compound, which can be added separately or together, effectively converts these contaminants into thermally stable, less objectionable products by reacting with them.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS9938470B2Multi-component scavenging systems
Publication Date: 2018.04.10 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A multi-component scavenging system containing at least one ester and at least one electron-deficient organic compound, together with or without one or more optional components such as an aldehyde having from 4 to 20 carbon atoms, a ketone having from 4 to 20 carbon atoms, an ether, a solvent, an alkali metal salt of an alkyl or dialkyl phenol, an epoxide, an alkyl anhydride, and mixtures thereof, may be used to scavenge contaminants from hydrocarbon and/or aqueous streams. The contaminants scavenged or otherwise removed may include, but are not necessarily limited to, ammonia, primary amines, secondary or tertiary amines, H2S, mercaptans, sulfide cyanides, and combinations thereof.