Basic Design and Cost Data on MEA Treating Dnits
By CHARLES R. PERRY
Portable Treoters, Inc.
Odessa, Texas
Although many new processes for treating sour
natural gos have been developed in recent years the
p'rocess employing monoethanolamine (MEAl is still
used predominently in the smaller field units. These
MEA treating vnits are relatively simple, can be pack-
aged and skid mounted, and designed for unattended
operation. They are, however, relatively expensive,
and it is frequently desirable ta make rapid cast esti-
mates of an amine treating unit ta determine the
feasibility of a project. Dafa and grophs presented
below will enable a process engineer ta rapidly size
and estima t e initial and operating cast of an MEA
treating unit.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCESS:
The MEA process for treoting sour natural gos
involves a closed loop cycle of a 15 to 20 % MEA
solution in water. The solution is pumped into a con -
tactor co/umn, .........here it removes acidic components
from the natural gas by absorption, and by reaction
with the mildly basic monoethanolamine. The fouled
amine solution is then dumped to the feed point of a
stripping column. The acidic gos components are re-
moved from the fouled solution by heat, which will
cause the decomposition of the amine salt of the ocid
gos components, and by distillation from the solution.
ln the amine treating process, a chemical reaction
occurs between the monoethanolamine as a base,
and hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide as an
acid. The result is the salt of the hydrogen sulphide
and monoethanolamine, and of carbonic add and
monoehanolamine. However, in th e simpler units such
as those under discussion in this paper, the process
engineer con design the unit almost as if if were an
absorption and distillation process, in which no chemi-
cal reaction occurred. In larger units, or in those desig -
ed primarily for the removol of carbon dioxide, the
design engineer must toke into consideration reaction
rates , equilibrium points, et cetera.
1. Self ContainOO Unit.:
On the smaller field units, in which the total add
gos is less thon 0 .75 'Yo, it is possible ta design an MEA
treating unit which requires no external utilities whot-
soever. In such a unit, the only external cooHng em-
ployed is heat exchanged between the Jean , regen-
erated solution and the sweet outlet gas from the
contactor. Coolîng for the reflux condenser from the
stripping still Îs turnîshed by the fouled solution trom
the bottom of the contactor ~ Figure l is a flow sheet
of a typical unit of this type. In a unit such as this,
however, the temperature of the outlet gos may be as
high os 20° obove the temperature of the inlet gos.
Referring to Figure 1, solution circulation is ef-
fected with a rich solution drive pump. Fouled, rlch
solution from the bottom ~ of the contactor passes
through the power sicle of the solution pump. Inas-
much as a small amount of gas is passed with this
rich solution, a flash tank should be employed on this
line to remove the excess 9as prior to passing the rich
solution through the heat exchanger tubes. From the
flash tank, the solution passes through a coil in the
top of the stripping still, ta furnish internai, 'ïmock-
bock" type reflux condensation. The rich solution from
this reflux condenser then passes through a heot ex-
changer coil in the surqe tank, and then ta the feed
point on the side of the stripping still. Solution from
the botlom of the stripping still drains by gravity into
the reboiler, with vapor trom the reboiler returning to
the still. Lean solution in the reboiler spills over a
wier into the surge tank, and from the surge tank to
the suction of the pump side of the solution driven
pump. From the discharge side of the pump, the lean
solution passes through the shell of the solution cooler,
countercurrent to the outlet sweet gos from the con-
tactor. The leon solution then enters the contractor on
the top tray (or top of the packing) and drains through
the contador countercurrent te;> the inlet sour gos
stream.
This type system requires a slightly different con-
trol system for the reboiler burner. An overriding
temperature controller in the outlet add gas vent line
is used ta control the burner of the reboiler. In this
system, the amount of cooling in the reflux condenser
Îs controlled by the amount of solution being circulat-
ed. The ov.::rriding temperature control/er in the ocid
gas vent line causes the reboiler to tire only sufficient-
Iy ta provide enough steam to warm the feed stream
in the stripping still, and completely load the reflux
condenser. This prevents excessive loss of water vapor
through the acid gas vent line, while assuring a maxi-
mum steam rate in 1he stripping still.
2. Externally CoolOO Unils:
The process shown in Figure 2 is recommended
for larger units, and for 9as streams which contoin
more thon 0.75 % total ocid gas . This unit Îs quite
similor to that shawn in Figure l , with the exception
that external aerial coolers are employed for the solu-
tion cooling, and the reflux condenser. Also, a reflux
accumulator collect~ condensate from the still over~
head, and a reflux pump returns this condensate to
the stripping still top tray. Either electric or 90S engine
driven solution circulation pumps are normally used.
ln this process, rich amine from the bottom of the
contactor passes first through the heat exchanger, and
then the rich solution motor valve. 8y maintaining full
contactor pressure on the heat exchange coil, a mini-
mum amount of f1ashing will occur in this coil, thus re-
ducing the erosion and corrosion of this heat exchange
FIGURE 1
coil. Rich solution then passes through a filter, and to
the feed tray of the stripping still. The solution from
the botfom of the stripping still drains into the re-
boiler, with the va par From the reboiler being returned
ta the stripping still. Lean solution spi Ils over a wier
from the reboi/er info the surge tank. In this system,
the reboiler is normally fired at a constant rate, in
order to provide a constant quantity of steam through
the stripping still. An overriding thermostat is normal-
Iy employed in the reboiler to prevent excessively
high temperatures, in the event of malfunction of other
contrais on the unit. The temperature of the acid gas
stream is contra lied by the shutters on the reflux con-
denser, with ail overhead condensate From the still re-
turned as reflux to the still. Lean solution from the
surge tank passes through a solution cooler booster
lor charge) pump; through the solution cooler, and
then to the suctiOn of the solution pump. It is then
pumped ta the top of the contactor, where .it drains
through the contactor, countercurrent to the inlet sour
9as stream . Temperature of the lean solution Îs con-
trolled by a temperature controller on this line, con-
trolling shutters on the solution cooler. It is important
that the Jean sa/ut ion temperature be above the gas
temperature, ta prevent any possibility of condensa-
tion of distillate in the solution as it passes through the
contactor.
3. Externally Cooled Unit. with Reclaimel'5:
The process shown in Figure 3 is a more complex
unit than that shawn in Figures 1 and 2, and Îs nor-
filaI/y used for larger installations. In the process
shown in Figure 3, a separate lean-rich solution heat
exchanger is normally used, and the surge tank is a
completely separate tank. This process also includes
a · .red a imer reboiler designed ta reclaim by total dis -
tillation approximate/y a 3 % side stream of the foul-
e.d· solution. Ail other components in this pro cess are
th e saine as those shawn in Figure 2.
2
ln the operation of a si de stream reclaimer, the
fouled solution in the base of the stripping still drains
into the boftom of the reclaimer reboiler. A level con-
trol in the reclaimer reboiler contrais the motor valve
from the still base to keep the reclaimer flooded to the
level contra lied by this level control. The reclaimer re-
boiler is also fired at a constant rate which will provide
sufficient heaf ta evaporafe approximately 3 % of the
., ''
"
""
l,
,,
"
,, ,,
FIGURE 2
total solution circulation. The reclaimer reboilers nor-
molly include a dome with 0 mist extrador, to prevent
carry-over of entrained droplets from the redaimer re-
boiler vaDor sDace. It is also desirable to add make-
up water through the reclaimer reboiler, ta assure
that the unit will be charged with distilled water. The
operating temperature of the redaimer reboiler will
normally start at approximately 285°. As the heavy
ends and non-volatile components build in the re-
claimer, this operating temperature will start to rise.
At approximate/y 3000 operating temperature in the
reclaimer, the reclaiming stream shou/d be shut-off,
and the reclaimer allowed to operote for a few days
with only water being fed into the reclaimer. This will
steam distill residual amine from the reclaimer kettle.
Soda ash may be added ta the reclaÎrner reboiler ot
this time ta neutrolize strong acidic components, which
w ill allow more amine to be sfeam distilted from 1he
reclaimer reboiler. After this operation, the residual
moteriol in -the reclaimer reboiler should be dumped
to a disposaI pit, and the cycle started agoin.
ESTIMATING MEA UNIT SIZES:
ln determining the size of an MEA treating unit,
it is necessary to know (l) the in/et acid gas composi-
tion, 12) the quantity of gas to be processed, (3) the
required maximum outlet acid gos content, and (4) the
anticipated operating pressure of the unit. If the op~
erating pressure is ta be Jess thon 100 psi, it is dif-
ficult to maintain outlet gas with hydrogen sulphide
contents of less thon one grain per 100 SCF. Below 50
psi, it appears to be difficult to maintain hydrogen
sulphide contents of less thon 2 grains per 100 SCF.
Above 100 psi operating pressure, one con normally
design a standard unit ta provide 1/4 grain per 100
SCF hydrogen sulphide content.
ln estimoting the size of on MEA Unit required,
it is necessary to determine first the total acid gas con-
tent in m<?1 %, including bath carbon dioxide and
hydrogen sulphide. Carbon dioxide content is nor-
mally reported in mol ')'0; hydrogen sulphide contents
are normolly repo rted in grains per 100 SCF. Ta can-
vert grains of hydrogen sulphide per 100 SCF ta mol
%, multiply th e grains per 100 SCF by 0.0016, and
this will equal the mol % hydrogen sulphide. Add
this to the mol % carbon dioxide ta determine the
total mol % of ocid gos. The design engineer must
/T""''''' __ TU" .y
,llrqor ~r~_,,<#;.v
,,
",.
"
.\
:" '
~ ..
FIGURE 3
then assume the desired solution concentration. Many
units are designed to opere te with 20 % MEA solution,
but a more conservative design figure is 15 % MEA in
water. At the lower concentration, the operetor will
encounter less corrosion, and less fouling of the solu-
tion. Once th e % total acid gos is calculoted and the
desired so'lution concentration is ossumed, olong with
the tata 1 MMCFD of gas 10 be processed, one may use
the curve shown in Figure 4 to determine the circula-
tion rate required in -GPM, or calcula te the GPM re ~
quired by the following formula,
c."
n R C[ICT ... e,o .... s
, .. , .... El g ... s STII.U. ..
Q x
z
Where: GPM = Solution circulation required in
GPM
Q = MMCFD ga s processed
x - % acid 90S in inlet 90S stream
z - % MEA in the soution
This circu lation rate may then be used as describ-
ed loter in th is poper ta dete rmine the various heat
loads in the regeneration system, and the total cast
of the regeneration system .
Once the regeneration circulation rate is deter-
mined, the next step is to determine the size of the
contactor required. Figure 5 is a graph of the capacity
of various nominal diameter contactors. This curve is
bosed on valve trays designed to operote at 60 % of
flood point, or l ~ Y,-" porcelain saddles operating ot
approximately the sa me % of flood point. The number
of trays required)n the contactor is determined by the
outlet gas hydrogen sulphide s pecificati on. For 90S
streams operating above 100 psi, if 1/~ grain per 100
SCF is required, it is recommended 1hat a minimum of
20 trays be used .in the contactor. If the specification
is for one grain hydrogen sulphide per 100 SCF, the
number of trays may be reduced to 12 ta 14. Below
100 psi operating pressure, it is recomme nded that 20
trays be used regardless. If packing materia! is used,
one should use two 10' packed section s, with a space
between these sections in which redistribution baffles
are instal1ed . Packing is recommended for the smaller
diameter columns, such as those below 24" in outside
diameter,
From the solution circulation rate determined the
heat loads for 1he reboiler,' reflux condenser, sol~tion
heat exchanger, and #solution cooler may be estimated.
The rebo iler heat load should be estimated al ap-
proximately 1100 BTU per gallon drOJlated. The re-
,flux condenser for the stripping sti ll may be estimated
a t 350 BTU per gallon circulaled. The solution heaf
exchanger will normally be rated at approximotely
500 ta 550 BTU per gallon circulated, and the solu-
~lU"O .. C,IICUl ... TI OIO II(O UIItED
S I~"'l l$ nu! , .. c .
Cil. lIn/ "
FIGURE 4
tion coole r will be rotcd ot 300 to 350 BTU per go lion
circulo ted. Th ese heot lood figures ore opproximote i· r: .. ::' ',"]
only, and will vary as the inlet go s te mp e roture varies ,,;-:- . r::, - . ! li:!.:· !, :~. ..
They are 0150 bosed on 20 % MEA solution concentra- . 1:::" ,':~~ - I:~ . . 1·: -
tions; with 15 % solution concentration, the reboiler, l: <;: 1':;"': i<~; 1" ":: .... l"
so lution heat exchanger, and solution cooler heat ~~'f;:'-:o'fl;:":!?",,,c:b"!?Pt"'H7'I";+'·4+- i-+rÇ.-+-i,-++ + -+-i'::; :j:.I:'"·4 . ~ : .
loods will be slig htl y lower, "''''§::T ·fr--,,·
As on exompl e, consider a unit to treot 20 I§ t.= · -1:"+1-:f~-'1"L-;..'·t'ct
+'::î=f'qk",:
r :,:'"
: fi':"1'
+1"-:... -' 4~+"jV4-i-~i-+~+-kl"c4':;t
-, "4
~-r-:-f-+I:.:·· f-f-yl/4-+-+-+~4:...j.~4~
"11':-:
f

.' .,
C; c·

MMCFD, contoini ng 1 % totol o cid gos ot 600 psi , FCC~'r~:::o:lpj-i.:.'~'17t~'lc~'t::rrrH--t~'~'A-+~++~I~'+;,/Lh+l=+ - ':J,l:'~I~ :,'
Also, it is desired to us e 20 % MEA solution. Referring
to Figu re 4, the circulotlon rote of 20 % MEA required ~tc
P:~~I-'~'~~:tl"~'r,·: :'+';-4
I :c ' ~~=+1~Z '~'=+=+!='~t
·1,' toi' ! =tl~~
.' .Vl~·=·t
:V ! ·ê·'tl'''fu·~b·t!·~"''
would be 41 GPM Refernng to Figure 5, 0 42" 0 , D, bI:: ~. " lëol'c- U
column wou ld be necessary Heat loods would b e os §Ë == le.- . 7 ' '. il 10/1' ,-;c "
fo llows, 1"": ::: :."l::, SY I" ,. ' 'A"t--:: 1.;;
(1) Re boller.. V ,c: ,~ .l'
'~ ;::, '
1 / .. ;=-
Q = 41 GPM x 60 min , x 1100 :' ' :/ /
R ' / 1 , 1., 1/
_. 2,71 0,000 BTU/ h r . . .1:' ' , 'i ,
:~ I ":II I ::- V-
ic ' . l,,· '1 . I~ 1/ . I.. ·..·I-':§
(2) Reflux Condenser, IC.· ' ''~ '', : I· I~:-:- V i, l ' [:C" . 1', . i
Q = 41 GPM x 60 min, x 350 ,-l ,JI cc::;. .• / k .. .. . : l"~ <t::.'~ :'
RC l'" ':'-' 1.,"1'" .:Jl~ :-:"1 '' l'·C:: :'
862,000 BTU/hr , : I ~, , .. l" l" ·vt'.. ' , . ,"1,:. r~ ,.
, :·, ry,!::,. ' l'IF
(3) Solution Heot Exchanger, . :~, ' 1"'-1 .. V f.:'.. 1.J -' " .• p-
Q = 41 GPM x 60 min, x 500
, ~ 1ë"lfC~c • . : .•.• L : :' . : : . 1:- .
HX 1=. ' ,· , ", ,, ' ."
1,230,000 BTU/hr III" , ;"': '1"1·.. ' " .. ·:, I: ~:' · : .' . , i±'
±kX" .. . . . .
(4) Solution Cooler,
Q = 41 GPM x 60 min , x 300 ~ , ! ~I< " .'" " 1'"
. :' . . : . · Z , l "" · .
C
738,000 BTU/hr
" .: .. t't:zt: ' .k 't-" L. ·1. 7 ! "
,êi . ' ,: l'= .r,~~ :c, , , j.,,- I'i Y : ,.' .

Fuel gas required for the reboiler, based on 70% : 1::" ,. l'
fuel gas efficiency ond 1,000 BTU/ SCF notural gos
moy be colculoted as follows..
SCFH Fuel Gas 2,710,000 BTU/ hr
1,000 BTU/ cu, ft, x 0.70
3,870
-
' . J i'. i,'" i .,
,. ,, ''', 1:-,'
VF
1'- .

" .
SCFD Fuel Gos = 3,870 x 24 = 93 ,000 ' ' , 'i'. '~
~,
,
MSCF/ yr. Fuel Gas = 93 x 365 = 33,900 ' -: '" " ; ":: . "
SIVALLS TANKS, INC .
CR P V7/66

FIGURE 5
ln estima ting the Joad on an amine treating unit,
one should olways remember that monoethanolomine
will exfract virtuolly no mercaptans. Most mercaptans
are much weaker adds thon are either hydrogen sul-
phide or carbon dioxide, and they require a stronger
base thon monoethanolamine solution to react with
them. The diethonol and triethanol amines will react

1.
·1K _
with sorne of the more acidic mercaptans; caustic soda
is frequently employed to remove trace quantities of
mercaptans.

i
E5T1MATING MEA TREATING UNIT C05T5:
ln general, it has been determined thot casts vary
Iittle from one unit to the next by changing the heat- , . 1
ing syste m emp loyed (hot oil, steam, or direct fired
reboilers), cooling employed {air cooled, or water
cooledl, and power employed {electric driven pumps,
1--:: )cl ! 0 •
j i
or rich solution d riven pumps]. Therefore it is possible ". 1

to make a broad correlotion of cost s versus the solu-

tion circulation copocity. It is olso possible to plot con-
tactor column dlometer versus cast ot various design FIGURE 6

4
 pressures. This has been done in Figure 6, and this
correlation Îs based on nvmerous complete cast esti-
mates made on treating vnits.
T0 estimate the total cost of an amine treating
unit, one must estimate the cast of each of the com-
ponents in the unit, and add these ta determine the
total cost of the vnit. As a~ example, assume a unit
for 20 MMCFD of gas at 600 psi containing 1 "10 acid
gas, which will require 41 gallons per minute circula-
tion of 20"10 MEA, and a 42" diameter, 20 tray, 1,000
psi contactor column. Also, it is desired ta equip this
unit with a reclaimer and an întegral inlet scrubber in
the contactor. Referring ta Figure 6, one may estimate
"the cast of the variol)'!; components ta be as folows:
41 gpm regeneration system $40,000.00
42" 0.0., 1,000 psi contactor,
without inlet scrubber _ _ _ _ _ $28,000.00
Extra for integral inlet .042" diamenter
scrubber and contactor $ 2,050.00
Extra for 3 % sicle stream reclaimer, for 40 gpm
circulation rate regeneration unit--$ 3,950.00
TOTAL $74,000.00
The above priees would caver the cast of the
unît, delivery, and upending of the towers. It would
not indude installation costs. However, installation
costs for skid mounted, packaged units is nominal
compared ta the overoll cost of the unit, since there
are normally only a few connections ta he made in the
fjeld. Thus the installation costs, including preparation
of foundations will sel dom exceed 5 to 10"10 of the
cast of the unit. The priees as shawn above include 011
of the components for a unit, including suitable acces p
sories, automatic shut~ down devices, stress relieving of
major equipment and piping . . et cetera. These priees
do not include any type of hydrogen sulphide detec-
tian equipment for the out let gas, stand-by pumps,
enclosures, or control houses, et cetera.
MEA TREATING UNIT OPERATING COSTS:
Realistic operating costs of MEA treating units
should include estimates for depreciation, taxes, in-
surance, maintenance, utilities, labor and overhead,
and supplies. Most of the costs discussed below are
based on yearly operating expense; thus it is easier
ta convert the remoinder of the estimated operating
expense to yearly casts to determine the total operat-
ing expense -for MEA treating unit. The cast may be
estimated as follows:
Depreciation: The Internai Revenue has estahlish-
ed 14 year depreciation schedu/es for lease sur-
face equipment. Shorter schedules and/or ac-
cellerated depreciation rates may be used ot
times; however in the absence of' other informa-
tion, fourteen years straight line depreciation
should be used for estimating purposes. Thus
depreciation expense should be estimated at
7 . 14 percent of the equipment cast per year.
Taxes and 'nsurance: Ad valorem taxes on lease
surface equipment vary widely from county ta
county. However, if the exact tax rate is not
known, it may be estimated fa be between land
3 % of the equipment cast per yeor. Insurance
rates 0150 vary widely. If exact rates are unavail-
able, insurance mqy be estimated at 2 % of the
initial cast per yeor. Thus, tofal taxes and insur-
ance run approximately 3 to 5 % of the cast of
the unit per yeaL
5
Maintenance: Maintenance and repair costs can
vary considerably depending on ex peri en ce with
the operation of the unit. In estimating mainten-
ance C05ts, one should consider the sourneS5 of
the inlet gas stream, concentration of MEA solu-
tion employed, whether the gas contoins any ap-
preciable quantities of wax, paraffin, gilsonite,
or sand. whefher the maintenance is to be done
by the company personnel who are in the area,
or by contra ct maintenance crews, et cetera. After
considering these, the maintenance costs for an
MEA treoting unit may be estimated at 3 'Yu to
6"10 of the initial cost of the unit per year.
Utilities: The only two utilities normally consum-
ed on an amine treating unit are fuel 90S and
possible electricity. The natural gas fuel costs
need ta be considered, since this is soleable gas.
It should be discounted at an appropriate dis·
count rate, to reflect its value at the end of the
life of the project. {Refer to an appropriate dis-
count -table to determine the present worth of the
gas being con·sumed.) Electricity normally should
be estimated at $0.02 per kwh, if the exact pow-
er costs are not known in the area where the
plant is ta be located. However, one should also
remember that there is normally at $15.00 to
$20.00 monthly charge for power for consump'
tions of less than 750 to 1,000 kwh per month .'
Labor and Overhead Costs: Direct operating labor
may be estimated for a packaged unit to be ap·
proximately one ta two manhours per day, for 30
days per mon th. Direct labor costs may be esti-
mated at $5.00 per hour, which will include ail
fringe benefits, holiday allowance, vacation 01-
lowances, et cetera. Operating expense of the
smaller units should be based on one manhour
per day, and the larger units based on two man-
hours per day. Overhead will normally equal
100"10 of the direct labor cost. This will include
supervision, accounting, vehicle, minor supplies,
and administration.
Supplies: Supplies normally consumed in MEA
treating units include only the monoethaolamine,
foam inhibitors, and filter elements for the solu-
tion filter. Filter costs may be estimated at $2.00
to $4.00 per month per GPM circulated. This will
allow one ta two filter element changes per
month, depending on the amount of soUd mater-
ial build-up in the solution stream . Foam-inhibi-
tor for amine treating units is normally a nominal
cost, amounting to no more than $5.00 to $10.00
per month. MEA consumption can be estimated
at 1 to 2 pounds per MMCF processed_ The
amount consumed will depend on the tempera-
ture of the gas (higher ·quantities at higher tem-
peraturesl, core with which leaks are elimina~ed,
and spi liage losses. Cost of the monoethanol-
amine is approximately $ .30 per pound.
TYPICAL OPERATING EXPENSE ESTIMATE:
To demonstrate the use of this procedure, assume
the above unit costing $74,000.00 which is designed
to proce,s 20 MMCFD, and the project has a 20 year
IHe. Also, pumps and coolers would require approxi-
mately 40 hp, and power required would be 37
kwh/hr or 900 kwh/ day. For thi, unit, yearly operat-
ing expense would equal :
 Depreciation, 7.14 %
of $74,000.00 _ _ _ _ _ _ $5,280.00
Taxes and Insurance,
4 % of $74,000.00 $2,960.00
Maintenance, 4 1/ , %
of $74,000.00 $3 ,330.00
Fuel Gas, 33,900 x $0.16
x 0.215* $1,220.00
Eleclric Power, 900 kwh / do.
x 365 x $0.02 $6,550.00
Labor, 1 mh per day at $5.00 per man-
hour, $5 .00 x 365 do ys $1,827.00
Overhead $1,827.00
Supplies:
Filter Elemen ts, 40 gpm x
$3 .00 x 12 months $1,440.00
Foam Inh ibitar, 12 mon.
x $10.00 $ 120.00
MEA Consumption , 20 MMCFD
x 1 pound / MMCF x
365 days x $ .30 $2,190.00
TOTAL YEARL Y OPERATING
CO ST $26,744.00
TREATING COST, IN DOLLARS PER MCF
17,300,000 MCF/ yr) $ 0 .00366
* Present value factor of incarne 20 years in the
future, di scounted at 8 % per year.
Inasmuch as the above represents an aperating
expense, and is tax deductible, it should be discounted
according to th e tax rate paid by the operatar of th e
unit. If the operator is a corporation, this discount for
Încome tax purposes will probably be approximately
500;..

CONCLUSION :
The above information may be used ta make
rapid cost and size estimates of MEA Treating Un its.
Actual cast of treating units will vary, depending on
location, conditio n of the market, e t cetero. These
cu rves ore desig ne d ta p resent conservative estimotes
for cast and sizes. On ce rtain occasions a ctual costs
may be as m uch as 10 % below these costs. However
rorely will they exceed est imates made by this pro ·
cedu re .
These curves ore intended ta be used predomin ·
en tly for ropid estimates for economic fea si bility
studies, AFE es timates, el cetera. Exact cast, will re-
quire more d e tailed st udies.

REFERENCES:
1. Fowl e r, Frank c., "Process Design Prime r" , Petro-
le um Refin e r, Vol. 36, No. 9, September, 1957,
pp. 249-266 .
2. Connors, J . S., "Designing Amine' Testers ta
Minimize Corrosion" , Proceedings of th e 1957 Gas
Candifioning Conference, Universi ty of Oklahoma .
3. Wonder, D. K.; Blake, R. J.; Fage" J. H.; and Tie r-
ney, J . V.; " An Approach t o Monoet hanolamine
Sol ution Control: Chemîcal Analysi s and its Inter·
p re tation", Proceedings of the 1959 Gas Ca ndi ·
tion ing Conference, Univers ity of Oklahoma .