Solutions to Amine Headaches # 1

Understanding Amine System Terminology

Some of these acronyms and terms are confusing!

As we work with valued customers in our business, we have come to realize that there is confusion with some of the terms used to describe
amine systems. Some of these terms such as Heat Stable Salts, Heat Stable Amine Salts, Lean Loading, Bound Amine, etc may need clarification.
We explain below the differences with these terms because we recognize it is helpful to understand them.
Heat Stable Salts (HSS) - Salts are really a combination of anions and cations. Heat Stable
Salts (HSS) are salts that do not significantly leave the amine solution in the regenerator
(stripper). Formate, acetate, thiocyanate, etc. salts are HSS whether their cation is protonated
amine (AmineH+; Bound Amine) or a Strong Cation like sodium (Na+) or potassium (K+) ion.
Sulfide, carbonate, bisulfide, bicarbonate salts are NOT HSS, when their cation is protonated
amine. However, if an ample amount of sodium or potassium caustic were added to an amine
system, heat stable sulfide and carbonate salts could result.
Heat Stable Amine Salts (HSAS) - HSAS typically stands for Heat Stable Amine Salts, but is
meant to indicate the amount of protonated amine (Bound Amine) that is accounted for by
HSS anions. If strong cations are not present (sodium or potassium) in an amine solution, then
HSAS moles equal HSS anion moles. If there are strong cations present in an amine solution,
then HSAS moles are less than HSS anion moles by the moles of strong cations. Often that
difference is overlooked and HSAS are misinterpreted to be total HSS.
Inorganic Heat Stable Salts (IHSS) The amount of HSS anions that is equivalent to Strong
Cations in the amine solution. Thus Total HSS = HSAS+ IHSS.
Bound Amine (BA) - Bound Amine (BA) is a protonated amine (AmineH+). The amine is bound to a hydrogen ion. The cation needs an anion as
a companion. The companionship is loose, that is, a bound amine cation does not stay very long with any particular anion, and it wanders from
anion to anion.
Lean Loading (LL) - LL is the concentration of H2S and CO2 residual in a regenerated amine solution. These compounds are present as their
-

anions HS , S , HCO3 and CO3 . The pH of MDEA solutions is such that there is no S . H2S is all HS . CO2 is mostly HCO3 with some CO3 . These
anions need a cation companion.
HSS are reported four different ways:
1) HSS Anions measured in ppm (wt) of the solution
2) HSS expressed as amine as weight percent of the solution
3) HSS expressed as two types: HSAS and IHSS (see above).
4) HSS expressed as Percent of Amine Capacity (HSS expressed as weight percent amine, divided by the amine
strength).
*Attached is an example showing the various ways HSS are expressed.
We hope the explanation of these terms is helpful. If you are experiencing high HSS, corrosion, solids, hydrocarbon incursions, or foaming as
well as related operating issues we invite you to contact us for a CLEAR SOLUTION to overcoming these issues. We can provide in-house analysis
of your amine, a discussion of our findings and if appropriate, perform a mobile cleaning or design the installation of a permanent solution.
Finally, our Clear Solution will lead to a trouble free system.

MPR Services, Inc.

1201 FM 646
Dickinson, Texas 77539-3014
Phone: 281-337-7424
Fax: 281-337-6534
Email: info-mprservices@tkinet.com
Webstie: www.mprservices.com

Four Different Ways Heat Stable Salts are expressed in Analysis Reporting

Solvent Impurities
(1) Heat Stable Salt

Anions

14268

ppm(m)

(2) Heat Stable Salt Anions

3.04%

as DEA

(3) HSAS

1.89%

as Amine

(4) HSS/Total Amine

0.0814

mol/mol

MPR Services, Inc.

1201 FM 646
Dickinson, Texas 77539-3014
Phone: 281-337-7424
Fax: 281-337-6534
Email: info-mprservices@tkinet.com
Webstie: www.mprservices.com

Website: www.mprservices.com