Sulfur Recovery and Gas Handling Operations & Troubleshooting

Introduction

Natural Gas is considered to contribute less greenhouse gas emissions than other fossil fuels. It has therefore been touted to be the fuel of choice by nations and is considered to serve as a transition until renewable sources mature to the point that they can replace fossil fuels. The abundance of this fossil fuel and the diversity of its composition, requires that in many cases it has to be treated to meet a variety of specifications. This training course aims to equip the attending delegates with the knowledge of all the current processes used for the removal of acidic and other contaminants (primarily H₂S and CO₂ but also water vapor, mercury Nitrogen, Argon) from hydrocarbon streams. This training course will concentrate on Sulphur Recovery Processes including a thorough understanding of the chemical limitations of the Claus Unit and the modifications that have followed, including the Super Claus and Euroclaus. The course will conclude with an examination of the various tail gas treatment processes including Shell’s SCOT and Thiopaq.

This training course will feature:

• Understanding of Amine Gas Processing Units’ operating and maintenance techniques
• Familiarization of Sulphur Recovery process operating and design considerations
• Understand common operational problems and their troubleshooting
• Ability to put in place measures to maximize efficient operation
• Improve process optimization techniques
• Interface with other gas processing units

Objectives

At the end of this training course, you will be able to:

• Gain a thorough Understanding of Amine Sweetening and Sulphur Recovery Technologies
• Grasp an Explanation of the Key Features of Gas Treating
• Understand the Limitations Imposed by Gas Processing Thermodynamics
• Distinguish the Main Criteria in Process Design
• Evaluate, Monitor, and Troubleshoot Gas Treating and Sulphur Recovery Operations

Training Methodology

This training course will utilise a variety of proven adult learning techniques to ensure maximum understanding, comprehension and retention of the information presented. Amine Gas Sweetening and Sulphur Recovery is a hands-on, stimulating learning experience. The programme will be highly interactive, with opportunities to advance your opinions and ideas. Participation is encouraged in a supportive environment. To ensure the concepts introduced during the programme are understood, they will be reinforced through a mix of learning methods, including lecture style presentation, open discussion, case studies and group work.

Who Should Attend?

This training suitable is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:

• Technologists
• Mechanical engineers
• Inspection engineers
• Maintenance or project engineers
• Operations personnel

It is designed for both technical and non-technical personnel as well as operational staff at professional level employed in refineries, petrochemical, and oil and gas process industries. It will serve as an introduction to acid gas removal and sulphur recovery technology for those who are unfamiliar with the subject and will also assist those who need the ability to progress to a detailed knowledge of the gas processing technologies.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Natural Gas

• Hydrocarbon Properties

• Associated/ Non-Associated/ Unconventional Gas

• LNG / NGL Production and Processing

• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

• Environmental and Safety Considerations

• Gas Specifications

Day 2: Objectives of Gas Treatment

• Gas Contaminants & Objectives of Gas Treating

• Gas Dehydration

  • Glycols vs. Solid Desiccants

• Mercury Removal, Nitrogen Rejection Unit

• Chemistry of Amine Gas Sweetening

• Guide to Selection of Gas Sweetening Processes

• Amine Filtration Systems

Day 3: Alkanolamine Processes

• Process Flow and Process Description

• Design Criteria Guidelines for Amine Systems:

• General Considerations for Amine Processes

• Materials Selection and Construction

• General Operating Problems and Troubleshooting

  • Solution Degradation & Amine Losses

  • Foaming

  • Heat Stable Salts

  • Corrosion

Day 4:  : Sulphur Recovery I

• “Claus” Sulphur Recovery Chemistry and Thermodynamics – A question of Equilibrium

• Claus Process - Considerations and Modifications

• The EUROCLAUS Concept

• Process/ Mechanical Considerations

• Thiopaq Process

• Troubleshooting: What Can Go Wrong

• Claus Process Calculations and Exercises

Day 5: Sulphur Recovery II

• Tail Gas Handling

• SCOT Tail Gas Treating

• Particulate Removal

• Mercury/Toxics Emissions

• Incineration

• Sulfur Product Specifications, Storage and Handling

• Safety and Environmental Considerations