LOW ENERGY DIRECT CONTACT CONDENSER DESIGNS FOR CLAUS TAIL GAS TREATING UNITS IN DESERT ENVIRONMENTS

摘要

When Claus plant tail-gas is hydrogenated to convert sulfur species to H_2S, in preparation for absorption by amine, the tail-gas is first cooled in a Direct Contact Condenser (DCC). In many situations, especially in hot, arid regions, DCC air coolers cannot reduce tail gas temperatures sufficiently to meet amine absorption requirements, requiring additional trim cooling (eg water or refrigerant). A new DCC design has been invented, that transfers as much as 50% of the trim cooling duty to the air coolers, resulting in significant operating and capital cost savings. This paper outlines the technical background for the new DCC technology (patent pending), and discusses economic advantages, along with operational flexibility that can be realized.