October 25, 2022

What Is Debottlenecking?

Debottlenecking means improving the efficiency and / or throughput of a chemical process by identifying the limiting factors and eliminating them.

Sulfur Recovery Unit capacity is often limited by waste heat boilers and condensers. These are the most expensive pieces of equipment in a Sulfur Recovery Unit and are normally designed at maximum expected throughput.

Amine Unit capacity can be limited by the Overhead Condenser or Reboiler of the Amine Regenerator. Replacing this equipment can lead to an increase in amine circulation throughout the plant as long as the Amine Regenerator and Contactors do not experience flooding with increased throughput.