What is the function of a stripping steam in the amine regeneration column of an amine gas treating unit?

The function of stripping steam in the amine regeneration column of an amine gas treating unit is to enhance the removal of acid gases (primarily H2S and CO2) from the rich amine solution, thereby regenerating the amine for reuse in the absorption process. In the amine gas treating process, the amine solution (e.g., MEA, DEA, MDEA) absorbs acid gases from the sour gas stream in an absorber column. The amine solution, now rich with absorbed acid gases, is then sent to the regenerator column. In the regenerator, the rich amine solution is heated, which reverses the absorption reaction and releases the acid gases. Stripping steam, injected at the bottom of the regenerator column, provides additional heat and reduces the partial pressure of the acid gases in the vapor phase. This shift in equilibrium favors the release of acid gases from the amine solution. The steam also acts as a carrier gas, physically sweeping the released acid gases out of the column. By reducing the concentration of acid gases in the liquid phase, the stripping steam allows for a more complete regeneration of the amine, resulting in a lean amine solution with a lower concentration of acid gases. This lean amine solution can then be recycled back to the absorber column for further gas treating, increasing the efficiency and reducing the operating costs of the process.