The AGCU is a unique combination of specialized equipment assembled in a compact package for just one purpose ... to get the contamination out of your amine or glycol streams and provide you, our customer, with a multitude of benefits. In a recent independent report, the following were listed as advantages to the application of the AGCU for typical amine and glycol conditioning:

• Extremely high hydrocarbon and solids removal efficiency (99% +)
• Can remove particles down to 1 micron
• Much more effective in reducing foaming and corrosion tendency of circulating chemical
• No filter changes necessary - runs continuously
• Easier waste disposal
• Return on investment much faster than conventional filtration due to no filter cartridges being needed and less waste disposal
• Portable units available for "batch treatments"
• Effective even if only small slip stream of chemical is being treated

Click for larger image

Photos Courtesy of

www.amineexperts.com

AGCU Application

The AGCU has been utilized in many gas plants throughout North America. Through a slipstream, the AGCU removes solids (1.0 uM and larger) and hydrocarbons. The cleaned fluid is returned to the process and over a relatively short period of time, the total system is refreshed. By maintaining your amine/glycol system with CUI's AGCU, the potential for foaming caused by particulates or hydrocarbons contamination is minimized if not eliminated.

Service Anywhere - On Land or Off Shore
The AGCU equipment is compact and easily transported to remote sites. Standard handling accessories include lifting lugs for crane or helicopter lifts. The relatively light weight of the AGCU is ideal for all types of plants or platforms.

Low power requirements never strain limited electrical supply. The only requirements not already installed are for electrical power, water supply line (minimum 30 psi), and connection points for the fluid to the unit and return to the system.

There are some general scenarios in which an AGCU should be considered:

1. Particle filter changes are too frequent (greater than 3x/week) - meaning the solids production within system is too much for current filtration program
2. Solution is so dirty that particle filters are not practical for clean up
3. Foaming problems persist despite carbon filtration

Plants with higher filter change frequencies will find the AGCU pay back period shorter (as short as 90 days in extreme cases). An economic comparison does not take into account the operators time saved as a result of not having to change particle and carbon filters several times per week, nor the reduction in risk associated with changing filters.

"Clearly" a Difference

Proof Positive
The photo on the left is an actual amine that was processed with CUI's Model AGCU-5036. Although the facility had sock filters, the contamination continued to foul their amine. The AGCU was able to remove virtually all the contamination from the 25,000 gallon inventory in less than four days and without disruption to the process.

Amine Before & After	Glycol Before & After

Compare the Cost

Similar Results at a Fraction of the Cost
The compact CUI AGCU returns a quality fluid to the system virtually free of particulate and hydrocarbons and at a fraction of the cost for distillation or replacement with new chemical. There is very little fluid loss associated with the use of the AGCU system, compared with conventional filter systems. So much less that many customers often rely on the economy and quick response characteristics of the AGCU.

Compared to huge trailer mounted distillation units, the AGCU is compact and can be handled and positioned with conventional on-site material handling equipment. It has low power requirements and quick, easy connection capabilities.

Compact in size but huge in performance, the AGCU is adaptable to virtually any type and volume of fluid.

Low cost + Effective Performance =
Great Value.

Case Studies

The following case studies information appeared in a recent independent report.

Case Study #1: Frequent particle filter plugging
Despite only processing 100 m3/d of amine out of a total flow of 9000 m3/d, the upstream particle filter change out frequency has been cut in half, and filters now last as long as 3 months at certain points in time. Foaming problems decreased significantly and the appearance of the amine improved, going from black to amber. The operators are extremely happy with the performance of the AGCU and recommend it whole heartedly.

Case Study #2: Low sweetening efficiency
Usually the unit is brought in when the plant starts to experience sweetening and foaming problems. At this time the operators note the DEA is generally dark green and "sludgy". Having the AGCU online for 4-5 days allows the entire 20,000 gallon amine inventory to be filtered. After this time the plant notes that any problems previously associated with dirty amine go away for quite awhile.

Case Study #3: Heavy hydrocarbon contamination of amine
Extremely heavy hydrocarbon contamination of the MDEA system at the facility originally led the engineers at this plant to install inlet coalescing filters. While these filters were effective, the filter cartridges had to be changed out at such a frequent rate that the plant staff decided to source out alternatives. The coalescers were taken offline and a portable AGCU was brought in to filter the resulting contaminated lean amine (% levels of hydrocarbons present). This proved to very effective, and every six months an AGCU was brought up for 4-5 days to clean up the system. Eventually the customer went ahead and bought their own unit. Currently they have a unique set up where the AGCU can be moved between their two amine systems as well as two TEG dehy systems. The unit is used wherever contamination or foaming is a problem, and the operators and engineers are extremely happy with it's performance.

Safe Operation

Automated Controls
The explosion proof controls constantly monitor the operation of the equipment. They remain ready to react instantly to any deviation in normal performance whether the unit operator is nearby or not. Confidence that the installation is secure and safe is of highest priority for Centrifuges Unlimited Inc.

Qualified Service Technicians
All service technicians have considerable experience with the equipment and process. Each of them holds many safety certificates and each is very familiar with the requirements for operating within hazardous areas.

Our technicians' expertise benefits the customer by completing the conditioning process quickly and effectively.

Air Quality Concerns

Emissions and the Environment
The specific design of CUI's AGCU minimizes vapor emissions to the atmosphere. All connections are tested prior to start up and monitored during operation, ensuring that all regulatory criteria during the operation of the AGCU are met. Prior to the intermittent but confined discharge of particulate, the gravity chamber is purged with fresh water to preclude any process material from being discharged.