sulfites in amines - why, where do they come from, consequences...
sulfites in amines - why, where do they come from, consequences...
(OP)
Hello,
Recently we got the analysis report back from our formulated MDEA in our refinery unit. The sulfites level was over 4000 mg/L, where all previous analysis showed levels below the labs detection limit.
Where would these sulfites be coming from?
What harm will they do to the system?
What can we do to deal with them?
Thanks for the help.
Recently we got the analysis report back from our formulated MDEA in our refinery unit. The sulfites level was over 4000 mg/L, where all previous analysis showed levels below the labs detection limit.
Where would these sulfites be coming from?
What harm will they do to the system?
What can we do to deal with them?
Thanks for the help.





RE: sulfites in amines - why, where do they come from, consequences...
RE: sulfites in amines - why, where do they come from, consequences...
You dont mention the service. If it is MDEA for a SRU tail gas treater I can see a reason for some SO2 slippage serve as a source for sulfite in the amine
The other possible source I can come to think about is if the MDEA storage isnt gas-blanketted i.e. contains oxygen that can serve as a oxidaton source.
Howwever I havent found any litterature sources to support this statement.
RH
RE: sulfites in amines - why, where do they come from, consequences...
If oxygen is the contaminant from unblanketed tank breathing, then usually color of the solvent in the tank is the telltale of the problem. I've never seen that as a problem with MDEA even in tanks with no blanket system.
RE: sulfites in amines - why, where do they come from, consequences...
Corrosion problems are the main concern here, correct?
RE: sulfites in amines - why, where do they come from, consequences...