PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR ONLINE REJUVENATION OF CONTAMINATED SULFOLANE SOLVENT

摘要

A continuous online process for rejuvenating whole stream of contaminated lean sulfolane in an extraction system is provided. In particular, a rejuvenator is installed in the solvent circulation loop to remove the contaminants continuously to keep the solvent clean, effective and less corrosive. Specifically, the rejuvenator comprises a high pressure vessel with a removable cover and a round rack with vertical stainless steel tubes fitted in the high pressure vessel. A magnetic bar is placed in each stainless steel tube. A screen cylinder is installed inside the ring of stainless steel tubes. As the contaminated sulfolane is passed through the rejuvenator, the rejuvenator picks up its contaminants. The rejuvenator can be dissembled to remove the contaminants periodically. The rejuvenator is characterized by simple in construction, reliable in operation, and low in operation and maintenance costs. With this rejuvenator, the extraction system can be operated at high efficiency and high capacity without the dreaded corrosion.