What gas is primarily produced and dealt with in Amine units?

Amine units are specifically designed to remove acidic gases from natural gas and other hydrocarbon streams, with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) being a primary target. The process involves using amine solutions to selectively absorb these sour gases, which can be detrimental to both equipment and product quality if left unchecked.

Hydrogen sulfide is a toxic compound and poses significant health risks, making its removal essential for safety and compliance with environmental regulations. While carbon dioxide is also an acidic gas dealt with in amine units, hydrogen sulfide has a more critical and immediate impact on refinery operations due to its toxicity.

In contrast, gases like propane and butane are generally not the focus of amine treatment since they are non-acidic hydrocarbons that do not require the same level of removal for process efficacy or safety. Therefore, the focus on hydrogen sulfide in amine units directly aligns with the need to enhance safety and the quality of the hydrocarbons processed.