Numerical Simulation of Acid Gas Distribution and Corrosion Characteristics in Connecting Pipe of Lean/Rich Amine Heat Exchanger

In the high sulfur natural gas purification unit, connecting pipe of a lean/rich amine heat exchanger is extremely susceptible to corrosion due acid and liquid condition. This work numerically investigated gas–liquid flow real-scale pipeline with two horizontal sections, one vertical section four elbow sections. The effect holdup on pattern, distribution velocity pressure, rate was using an experimental validated model. With increase in fraction from 0.03 0.12, pattern changes bubbly stratified section, while keeps bubbling, proportion bubbles increases all maximum pressure gradient observed top section. most serious found out outlet first where starts stratify, which consistent measured minimum wall thickness. A solution measure for anti-corrosion proposed by adding bifurcated separate accumulated effectively thrown pipe. method provides promising way eliminate avoid forming flow, helpful prolonging service life