Simulating the amine treatment of hydrocarbon liquids
1/9/2026
Liquid extraction in the refining and natural gas industries is used for aromatics removal from reformates and pyrolysis gasolines in refineries and from engine lubricating oils in lube oil plants, as well as the removal of sulfur compounds, mainly hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbonyl sulfide (COS) and mercaptans from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas liquids (NGLs). Regardless of the application, however, there has never been a truly satisfactory way of confidently designing such units. The best possible approach has been an ideal-stage calculation, augmented with anecdotal, experience-based estimates for tray efficiencies and height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP) values
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