Calculators›Amine Treatment
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Amine Treatment Calculator

GPSA · Kohl & Nielsen · API 945/955

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 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 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

  • 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the amine treatment calculator do?

It designs amine acid gas treating systems for H2S and CO2 removal using MEA, DEA, MDEA, or DGA per GPSA and API 945/955 standards.

Which amine solvents does this calculator support?

The calculator supports MEA, DEA, MDEA, and DGA amine solvents for acid gas removal.

What gases does amine treatment remove?

Amine treatment removes H2S and CO2 (acid gases) from natural gas streams.

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