Lean AmineCartridge Carbon Filter

Cartridge Activated Carbon Filter

The carbon filter will protect the sulphur recovery plant from hydrocarbon contaminations and reduce the tendency of the amine solution in the stripper to foam. Activated carbon filters are used to remove liquid contaminants such as large hydrocarbon, corrosion inhibitors, amines degradation products, oils etc., thus reducing foaming problems, inhibiting corrosion, and maintaining the operating efficiency. At the inlet side of the carbon filter a cartridge filter is installed preventing particles from blocking the activated carbon. All of this results in a reduction of operational and maintenance costs. At the outlet of the carbon filter a cartridge guard filter is installed to prevent carbon fines to enter the amine circuit. Filtration requirements depend on the micron size and the quantity of the particulates. Generally, 5 - 10 micron sized filters are suitable for particle removal. Particles in the circulating solution should be kept below 0.02% wt/wt. The filter should be equipped with a differential pressure gauge to monitor removal effectiveness and be able to operate up to a differential pressure of 2 – 2,5 bar(g). A higher differential pressure can lead to collapsing filter elements and ineffective filter elements.
The life time of a carbon filter will vary, depending on the level of contaminants and the flow rate of the amine through the bed. A typical life time is 4 to 6 months, although in some cases beds have lasted for many months longer than that. In determining when a carbon bed should be changed following criteria can be used as a guide:

- High pressure drop across the carbon bed.

- An increased foaming tendency 

- A color comparison of the amine solution which has passed a new and an old carbon bed.