Calculators›Amine Treatment
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Amine Treatment Calculator

GPSA · Kohl & Nielsen · API 945/955

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Amine Gas Treating System Design
Calculate rich/lean loading, minimum circulation rate, reboiler duty, and corrosion risk for acid gas (H₂S + CO₂) removal systems. Parameters validated against GPSA Engineering Data Book and API standards.
📊 Quick Reference: Loading Limits (Carbon Steel)
Amine Type Conc. Max Load Best For
MEA Primary 15-20% 0.35 Complete removal
DEA Secondary 25-35% 0.50 COS/CS₂ streams
MDEA Tertiary 35-50% 0.70 H₂S selective
DGA Primary 50-70% 0.35 Cold climate

Amine Selection

wt%

Operating Conditions

°F
psig
Rule of Thumb: Maintain 10°F approach between lean amine and inlet gas to prevent hydrocarbon condensation.

Acid Gas Specification

kmol/h
mol%
m³/h

Loading Parameters

mol/mol
⚡ Lean Loading Guide
MEA: 0.10-0.15 typical
DEA: 0.01-0.05 typical
MDEA: 0.004-0.01 (easily stripped)
Lower lean loading = better treating but higher reboiler duty

About This Calculator

Calculates amine treating system parameters per GPSA Engineering Data Book and API 945/955 guidelines. For preliminary design—verify with process simulation.

Key Terms

  • Rich Loading: Acid gas absorbed per mole amine leaving absorber
  • Lean Loading: Residual acid gas after regeneration
  • Net Loading: Working capacity (Rich − Lean)
  • Circulation Ratio: Actual ÷ Minimum required flow

Design Tips

  • Target 1.2-1.5× minimum circulation for safety margin
  • MDEA allows CO₂ slip—ideal for Claus feed enrichment
  • H₂S forms protective iron sulfide film, reducing corrosion
  • Reboiler temp limit: 120°C (MEA/DEA), 130°C (MDEA/DGA)

Calculation Basis

  • Loading: Rich = Acid Gas ÷ Amine Molar Flow
  • Density: Mass-weighted average with temperature correction
  • Corrosion: API 945 basis for carbon steel equipment
  • Heat Duty: Includes reaction heat + sensible heat components

References

  • GPSA Engineering Data Book, 14th Ed.
  • Kohl & Nielsen, Gas Purification, 5th Ed.
  • API 945: Amine Unit Cracking
  • API 955: Refinery Amine Operations
  • Polasek & Bullin, Bryan Research

⚠️ Corrosion Limits (Carbon Steel)

MEA, DEA, DGA ≤0.35 mol/mol
MDEA ≤0.80 mol/mol
SS304/316 Up to 0.9 mol/mol

Per Polasek & Bullin / GPSA. Higher loadings require upgraded metallurgy.

📚 Learn the Theory

Amine selection, loading calculations, regeneration, and corrosion management fundamentals

Read Engineering Guide →
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