Careers Amine Stripper Column at an NGL Plant
This facility processes sour gas and has the capacity to handle approximately 1.5 billion standard cubic feet per day (BSCFD) of natural gas. It produces sales gas as well as natural gas liquids (NGLs).
The plant’s main processing units include:
- Gas separation and treatment
- Sulfur recovery units
- NGL recovery
- Gas compression facilities
- Associated infrastructure and utilities
Corrosion Issues
The plant came online in 2010 and started seeing corrosion develop in their amine stripper column.
Long-Term Evaluation of HVTS Cladding Applications (2014-2024)
This case study examines the long-term performance of HVTS® cladding applications at a gas plant in Saudi Arabia, specifically focusing on protection against corrosion in amine service. The study spans a 10-year period from 2014 to 2024, documenting multiple application phases and subsequent inspections of the amine stripper column.
Long-Term Evaluation of HVTS Cladding Applications (2014-2024)
This case study examines the long-term performance of HVTS® cladding applications at a gas plant in Saudi Arabia, specifically focusing on protection against corrosion in amine service. The study spans a 10-year period from 2014 to 2024, documenting multiple application phases and subsequent inspections of the amine stripper column.
Project Background
The gas plant faced challenges with corrosion in their amine processing equipment, particularly in the amine stripper column. IGS was selected to implement a protective solution using its proprietary HVTS cladding technology. The project was executed in two major phases:
1st Project: Tray 01 to Tray 07 completed in Spring 2014
2nd Project: Tray 07 to Tray 18 completed in Autumn 2020. Additional scope of work included reboiler vapor line inlet nozzles.
Technical Solution
The HVTS process utilized IGS’s proprietary Metalspray® application equipment, featuring:
- High-velocity application for enhanced density and decreased permeability
- Low internal cladding stresses
- Optimized particle sizes for maximum protection
- Specialized pattern application to minimize permeation pathways
Protected Areas:
- Tray 1-7 protected in 2014
- Tray 7-18 protected in 2020
Long-Term Evaluation of HVTS Cladding Applications (2014-2024)
This case study examines the long-term performance of HVTS® cladding applications at a gas plant in Saudi Arabia, specifically focusing on protection against corrosion in amine service. The study spans a 10-year period from 2014 to 2024, documenting multiple application phases and subsequent inspections of the amine stripper column.
Project Background
The gas plant faced challenges with corrosion in their amine processing equipment, particularly in the amine stripper column. IGS was selected to implement a protective solution using its proprietary HVTS cladding technology. The project was executed in two major phases:
1st Project: Tray 01 to Tray 07 completed in Spring 2014
2nd Project: Tray 07 to Tray 18 completed in Autumn 2020. Additional scope of work included reboiler vapor line inlet nozzles.
Technical Solution
The HVTS process utilized IGS’s proprietary Metalspray® application equipment, featuring:
- High-velocity application for enhanced density and decreased permeability
- Low internal cladding stresses
- Optimized particle sizes for maximum protection
- Specialized pattern application to minimize permeation pathways
Protected Areas:
- Tray 1-7 protected in 2014
- Tray 7-18 protected in 2020
Performance Results: 2024 Inspection Findings
2020 Project (4-year evaluation):
- Cladding intact and in excellent condition
- Average thickness within specified parameters
- Effective protection against aggressive process environment
2014 Project (10-year evaluation):
- Cladding intact and in excellent condition
- Average thickness within specified parameters
- Sustained protection over extended service period
Key Success Factors
- Comprehensive surface preparation
- Strict quality control procedures
- Advanced application technology
- Regular inspection and monitoring
Recommendations
- IGS to partner with the client and inspect during subsequent scheduled turnarounds
- Consider extending HVTS protection to uncladded areas
- Maintain detailed documentation of inspections
- Schedule next comprehensive inspection for 2029
Conclusion
After a decade of service in aggressive amine processing conditions, the HVTS cladding system has demonstrated exceptional longevity and performance. Both the 2014 and 2020 applications continue to provide effective protection, validating the long-term reliability of the HVTS technology in corrosive service environments.
HVTS™ Technology Advantages
- Proprietary Superalloy Cladding: IGS’s patented HVTS™ material was specifically designed for high-temperature environments and validated through multi-year testing in collaboration with OEMs.
- High Velocity Thermal Spray (HVTS): The technology ensures dense, impermeable cladding with minimal stress on the substrate material.
- Custom Protective Isolation Tooling: Designed to shield areas not being treated and maintain critical tolerances during application.
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