Calculator
Enter solvent details and lean/rich loadings. The tool estimates acid gas removal capacity using the loading swing method.
Formula used
This calculator estimates acid gas removal using the loading swing approach:
- Solution mass flow:
m_solution = Q * rho - Amine mass flow:
m_amine = m_solution * wt% - Amine molar flow:
n_amine = m_amine / MW - Capacity (component):
n_acid = n_amine * (Loading_rich - Loading_lean) - Derated capacity:
n_eff = n_acid * (1 - margin)
Standard volume is estimated from kmol to scf using a typical conversion, then reported as MMSCFD.
How to use this calculator
- Select the amine type, then verify molecular weight and density.
- Enter solution concentration and circulation rate with units.
- Input lean and rich loadings for H2S and CO2.
- Add a margin to reflect operational variability.
- Click Calculate Capacity to view results above the form.
- Use Download CSV or Download PDF for records.
Example data table
Sample values to demonstrate inputs and outputs. Replace with your plant data.
| Case | Amine | wt% | Q (m^3/h) | Lean H2S | Rich H2S | Lean CO2 | Rich CO2 | Margin | Total removed (kg/h) | Total (MMSCFD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | MDEA | 45 | 120 | 0.03 | 0.12 | 0.12 | 0.28 | 10% | ~3,080 | ~1.05 |
| B | DEA | 30 | 90 | 0.02 | 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.22 | 12% | ~1,600 | ~0.55 |
| C | MEA | 18 | 70 | 0.01 | 0.08 | 0.08 | 0.18 | 15% | ~820 | ~0.28 |
Example outputs are approximate and depend on density and molecular weight assumptions.
FAQs
1) What does capacity mean here?
It estimates how much H2S and CO2 the circulated amine can absorb based on the difference between rich and lean loadings, with an optional margin applied.
2) Where do lean and rich loadings come from?
They are typically measured values from lab analysis or inferred from process simulation. Use mol acid gas per mol amine on a consistent basis.
3) Why is derating recommended?
Real systems face foaming, degradation, heat stable salts, and hydraulic limits. A margin helps prevent overestimating practical operating capacity.
4) Can I use this for blended amines?
Yes. Choose Custom, then enter the effective molecular weight and density for your blend. Use loadings that match your reporting method.
5) Does temperature affect the calculation?
Temperature strongly affects equilibrium and kinetics, but this tool uses the loading swing method. Record temperature for context and compare cases consistently.
6) Why are outputs shown as MMSCFD?
MMSCFD provides an intuitive standard volume basis for gas treating. The conversion uses a typical standard-condition factor; adjust externally if your standard differs.
7) My rich loading is lower than lean. What happens?
The calculator clamps negative loading swing to zero and shows a warning. Check sampling points, unit basis, or whether numbers were swapped.
8) Is this suitable for final design?
No. Use it for screening and quick comparisons. Final design should use detailed simulation, field constraints, lab data, and process safety review.
Notes
This tool provides simplified estimates for educational and engineering screening purposes. Always validate with your process model, vendor data, and plant measurements.