New Technique for the On-line Monitoring of Amine Streams

AppliTek (Belgium) recently documented preliminary results of its research conducted in the field of Raman analyser systems. AppliTek has a firm reputation in the implementation of its on-line expertise in downstream applications. Until now AppliTek proved that real-time measurements on amines such as Monoethanolamine (MEA), Diethanolamine (DEA), Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), Diisopropylamine (DIPA) and Diglycolamine (DGA) are possible, and unique Raman spectra are associated with each of the amines.

Additional modeling of amine streams via Raman related to the decomposition products pointed out significant levels of other relevant parameters. The results demonstrate that the Raman technique, again, is a viable technique for monitoring not only the acid gases (CO2 and H2S), and amine levels, but many other components such as water content, Nitrogen, alkalinity, acids and salts that are present in low ppm concentrations.

AppliTek will blend these findings with the expertise of its systems integrating division to work out an adapted version of its on-line Raman analyser system, baptised EZ-Raman®. This system was implemented, first of its kind, in Europe for monitoring component streams in a refinery. AppliTek was involved in the feasibility study, the development of the chemometric models, and the on-site commissioning of the whole system. The whole analyser system, including multiplexing unit, is Zone 0 certified under the EU ATEX Directive 94/9/EC for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.