Exxonmobil Chemical Patents Inc.

Richard A Symes

Michael A Radzicki

Thomas W Pavia

William A Butler

John R Delaney

Asit K Mondal

The invention generally relates to processes for reducing fouling in amine systems and to equipment useful in such processes. Such amine systems are useful for removing one or more acidic gases such as COor HS from olefin containing hydrocarbon streams. The invention generally relates to minimizing residence time of foulant and foulant precursors at the relatively high temperature found in the amine regenerator and/or to purging the foulant and foulant precursors from the regenerator system. This is accomplished by operating the regenerator column as a stripper (no reflux) and re-routing reflux liquid containing foulant or foulant precursors to a processing location that is less prone to fouling or, optionally, by replacing the reflux liquid with fresh make-up amine or water.

Reducing fouling in amine systems

The invention generally relates to processes for reducing and removing foulant and foulant precursors from regenerated amine mixtures and to equipment useful in such processes. Such amine mixtures are useful for removing one or more acidic gases such as COor HS from olefin hydrocarbon streams. A first feed comprising regenerated amine, foulant, and foulant precursors is provided. A second feed comprising aromatic hydrocarbons is provided. The first and second feeds are combined and then separated to form first and second products. The first product is an upgraded regenerated amine mixture that comprises the first feed's amine. The second product comprises second feed's aromatic hydrocarbons and a portion of the first feed's foulant.

Reducing and removing foulant from regenerated amine mixtures

The invention generally relates to a hydrocarbon process for reducing condensation in a vapor-liquid amine or caustic acid gas scrubber. A first mixture is provided, the first mixture being superheated and comprising Cmono-olefin, acid gases, and diolefin molecules. The first mixture is divided into a first stream and a second stream, the first and second streams having substantially the same composition. The first stream is cooled to produce a gas phase and a liquid phase, the gas phase comprising less C, the liquid phase containing more C. The gas phase is separated to create a third stream. The third stream and the second stream are combined to form a second substantially superheated mixture. The second mixture is conducted to an acid gas scrubbing tower. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out this process.

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Midlothian, United Kingdom

Richard A Symes