Amine units are critical components in refineries and gas processing plants, removing acidic contaminants like H2S and CO2 from process streams. However, these units are particularly vulnerable to corrosion, which can lead to costly shutdowns and safety risks. Let’s explore the key corrosion hotspots in amine units:

Absorber Towers:

• Prone to wet acid gas corrosion, especially in the vapor space at the bottom.
• Water vapor condensation can lead to carbonic acid formation, accelerating corrosion rates.

Flash Tanks:

• Sediment accumulation increases the risk of under-deposit corrosion.
• Inlet nozzles are susceptible to erosion from iron-based corrosion products.

Lean/Rich Amine Heat Exchangers:

• Two-phase flow can cause rapid thinning of metal surfaces and excessive vibration.
• Non-wetted surfaces are vulnerable to carbonic acid attack in CO2-dominant systems.

Regenerator Inlets:

• Two-phase feed formation can lead to erosion of the vessel wall opposite the feed point.
• Liquid droplet carryover in the vapor stream can cause downstream issues.

Reboiler Systems:

• High-velocity vapor flow and turbulence can accelerate erosion on metal surfaces.
• Proper pressure management is crucial to control two-phase flow.

Overhead Condenser and Accumulator:

• High shear rates, turbulence, and steam velocities contribute to corrosion and erosion.
• Impinging vapors can erode equipment walls and remove protective passivation layers.

Throughout the Entire System:

• Heat-stable salts accumulate and cause significant corrosion across the entire unit.
• Entrained corrosion products can lead to operational issues like foaming and fouling.

Monitoring these hotspots is crucial for maintaining the integrity of amine units and preventing unplanned shutdowns. Traditional inspection methods, however, often fall short due to their periodic nature and the need for process interruptions.

This is where Emerson’s advanced corrosion monitoring solutions come into play. Their non-intrusive sensors, such as the Rosemount™ Wireless Permasense ET210 Corrosion and Erosion Monitoring System, offer continuous, real-time corrosion data without compromising system integrity. These sensors can be installed at multiple locations throughout the amine unit, even in hazardous areas, providing comprehensive coverage of all corrosion hotspots.

Emerson’s monitoring systems enable engineers to correlate corrosion rates with process conditions, optimize operations, and make data-driven maintenance decisions. The flexibility in sensor mounting options – including straps, magnetic mounts and studs – allows for easy installation on various equipment types and metallurgies.

By implementing Emerson’s corrosion monitoring solutions, operators can significantly improve their amine unit management. This proactive approach leads to safer operations, extended equipment life, and substantial cost savings by preventing unplanned outages and optimizing maintenance schedules.

Learn more at Emerson.com/Corrosion-Erosion