From challenges to efficiency: how Veolia supports and optimizes amine units
Operational challenges of amine units in refineries
The efficiency of amine units in refineries is one of the key factors in achieving regulatory compliance and reducing the carbon footprint. This is driven by increasing demands related to sustainability goals and stricter H₂S and CO₂ emission limits, which put additional pressure on energy efficiency and solvent recovery.
The most common technical and operational challenges associated with amine units performance include:
- Amine solution contamination – caused by the presence of heat stable salts (HSS), metals, and organic compounds, which accelerate solvent degradation
- Corrosion of installation – acidic environments, high temperatures, and contaminants can lead to system damage and amine losses
- Foaming – leads to unstable amine unit operation and reduced performance
- High energy and water consumption – mainly related to the regeneration process in strippers (regeneration units)
- Insufficient H₂S/CO₂ removal – in some amine systems, traditional solvents may show limited separation efficiency under increased acid gas concentrations
- Variable process conditions can destabilize the operation of amine units, which is why they require optimal and flexible solutions.
How Veolia helps improve the reliability and efficiency of amine systems
At Veolia, we understand the complexity of these challenges. That’s why we take an integrated approach to managing amine units when selecting the most suitable solution.
Our solutions and services include:
- Purification and optimization of amine solvent – improving selectivity, reducing degradation, and extending solvent life
- Elimination of foaming, corrosion, and contamination – through precisely selected chemical treatments
- Advanced solvent regeneration – including electrodialysis (ED) technology, which reduces costs and minimizes waste
- Service and diagnostic support – including monitoring, process data analysis, and preventive action recommendations.
With our Total Amine Solutions (TAS) – a comprehensive amine management program encompassing chemical supply, service and support, consulting, and engineering – we can help you:
- Lower operating costs
- Reduce energy and water consumption
- Minimize amine consumption and losses
- Reduce your carbon footprint and improve CO2 capturing
- Increase amine system reliability.
Total Amine Solutions - Veolia’s integrated approach to amine system management
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Thanks to our services and technologies, refineries across Europe achieve savings of hundreds of thousands of euros annually while increasing the reliability and environmental compliance of their operations.