A Holistic Approach of New Amine Solvent Evaluation and Transition in Banyu Urip Acid Gas Treatment Unit, From Study to Field Implementation

Banyu Urip Acid Gas Treatment Unit consist of Acid Gas Removal Unit (AGRU), Acid Gas Enrichment Unit (AGE), Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU), and Tail Gas Treating Unit (TGTU) where generic Methyl Diethanolamine (MDEA) solvent is chosen to treat acid gas with 45%-mole CO2 and 1.6%-mole H2S, however the proprietary amines may be substituted in the future with minimal design changes or modifications. As local industry has capability to produce formulated MDEA solvent, ExxonMobil Cepu Limited took the opportunity to perform the feasibility study of utilizing proprietary formulated amine for Banyu Urip AGRU and AGE system. This paper shares Banyu Urip Acid Gas Treatment’s holistic approach for a new solvent change from evaluation into real implementation while minimizing negative impact to existing operations. Several steps were carried out sequentially, starting from process simulation, pre-solvent selection, laboratory and material compatibility check to determine a suitable solvent and continued with field trial and optimization. Field trial was conducted by introducing new solvent into the AGRU and AGE system while the system was running with careful strategy to minimize process interruption. Subsequently, process parameter and field laboratory analysis were closely monitored and assessed to maintain stable operation. Throughout the field trial, all key performance indicator (KPI) parameters were within acceptable limits and no process anomalies, foaming issues, leaks, and other integrity issues identified. Despite amine solvent transition is practical in gas processing, such strategy should be considered from desktop process study to extensive laboratory works prior to field implementation. Good workmanship exhibited by all parties involved in this Field Trial resulted all the works carried out safely without major concerns. In this case, the amine solvent transition process will provide benefit for a continuous supply chain, cost optimization, and support domestic content enhancement and utilization.