Solvent Selection for Natural Gas Sweetening Process by Analytical
Hierarchy Process: Simulation & Optimization
Abstract
In this study, the desirable amine solution for the natural gas
sweetening process was selected. The four parameters of yield,
availability, cost, and operational conditions were selected as criteria
of this process. Also, seven alternatives (amine solution) were proposed
for ascertaining the best amine solution. The AHP results indicated that
the MDEA as an alternative and the cost as criteria have the highest
preference with 21% and 53%, respectively, in comparison to other
criteria and alternatives. According to the objectives functions (The
reduction of acid gas contents and reboiler duty), the simulation
results reveal the best of feed gas temperature, and MDEA concentration
is 30 ºC and 39 wt.%, respectively. In this condition, the MDEA
solution consumption and reboiler duty reduced by 5% and approximately
0.04% as compared to the initial conditions, respectively. The amount
of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide achieved 2.4 and 88 ppm in the
optimal condition.