CONSIDERATION OF METHODS OF REMOVAL OF SULFUR-CONTAINING COMPOUNDS AT OIL REFINERIES

Abstract

The principal objective of hydrocarbon purification is to eliminate sulfur-containing compounds so that fuels comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations and exhibit superior performance. For many years, industry has relied on regenerable alkanolamine solvents – most notably monoethanolamine (MEA) and diethanolamine (DEA) to remove hydrogen sulfide and related acidic gases. Although MEA remains popular thanks to its high capacity and modest purchase price, its pronounced corrosivity, thermal instability, and elevated energy demand during regeneration considerably raise operating costs. To mitigate these limitations, processing facilities are progressively adopting methyldiethanolamine (MDEA). Compared with MEA, MDEA achieves equivalent or deeper desulfurization at lower reboiler temperatures, diminishes corrosion rates, and performs efficiently even when the gas stream contains substantial carbon dioxide. Consequently, operators benefit from reduced utility consumption, extended equipment life, and enhanced product quality. Current research further indicates that «hybrid» solvent systems where MDEA is blended with kinetically active additives can accelerate absorption and shorten contact times, offering another pathway to process optimization. Collectively, these developments highlight a broader trend: selecting absorbents that balance economic viability, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship is central to modern hydrocarbon purification. The industry’s shift toward MDEA therefore reflects not merely a solvent substitution but a strategic advance toward cleaner, more sustainable processing technologies.