Overview
Gas plants and refineries use amine and glycol solutions to remove acid gases and moisture. These solutions pick up hydrocarbons that cause foaming and corrosion, and activated carbon keeps them clean. Impregnated carbons also remove mercury from natural gas, and carbon purifies condensates and treats fuels.
How it works
- A side stream of amine or glycol solution is filtered.
- It passes through a carbon bed that removes hydrocarbons and degradation products.
- The cleaned solution returns to the process.
- For mercury, gas passes through impregnated carbon that binds the mercury.
Why coconut shell
Coal-based carbons with larger pores are also common in this sector; coconut-based grades suit applications that favor hardness and microporosity.
This page describes activated carbon in general. Suitability for a specific use depends on the activated carbon grade and the system it is used in.