Amine Units (Acid-Gas Removal) — Asbestos Exposure Crosswalk
What This Equipment Is
An amine unit is a chemical-absorption process that removes hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) from refinery gas streams, natural gas, and other process gases. Lean amine solvent (typically MEA, DEA, or MDEA in water solution) absorbs the acid gases in an absorber column; the rich amine is then thermally regenerated in a regenerator column with a reboiler driving off the absorbed acid gas. The acid gas stream usually flows downstream to a sulfur recovery unit (see Sulfur Recovery).
Amine units operate at moderate temperatures (typically 150–250°F) and consist of the absorber, regenerator, lean / rich heat exchanger, lean amine cooler, reboiler, reflux drum, and surge tank — connected by extensive insulated piping. Refineries operate one or more amine units at most processing complexes; gas-processing plants often run multiple amine trains in parallel.
Asbestos Products Historically Used Around Amine Units
| Product Category | Where on the Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Block insulation | Absorber and regenerator column exteriors | Calcium silicate, magnesia |
| Pipe covering | Lean / rich amine, reboiler steam, reflux | Magnesia, calcium silicate |
| Gaskets | Column manway covers, heat-exchanger heads, all flanged piping | Asbestos sheet, spiral-wound |
| Valve packing | Process and isolation valves | Braided asbestos rope packing |
| Reboiler tube-bundle components | Steam-side and process-side heat-exchanger work | See Heat Exchangers |
Why Amine-Unit Work Was an Asbestos Exposure Pathway
Amine units are exposed to corrosive process streams. Routine maintenance addresses corrosion-induced piping and valve work; turnarounds tackle absorber and regenerator entry for tray inspection and replacement. Each maintenance event disturbs insulation and gasketing using the standard sequence (see Distillation Towers for the parallel exposure pathway).
Manufacturers Named in Litigation Involving These Products
- UOP (Universal Oil Products) — amine-unit licensor and equipment
- Coastal Chemical / Dow — amine-process chemistry
- Johns-Manville — pipe covering, block insulation
- Owens-Corning / Fibreboard — insulation
- Armstrong World Industries — calcium silicate insulation
- Garlock Sealing Technologies — gaskets
- A.W. Chesterton — packing
Documented Product References
Images sourced from publicly available product-identification reference materials. Inclusion does not constitute a finding of liability against any company.
Trust Funds That May Apply
- Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust
- Owens-Corning / Fibreboard Asbestos PI Trust
- Armstrong World Industries Asbestos PI Settlement Trust
- Garlock Sealing Technologies LLC Asbestos PI Trust
Trades Most Exposed at Amine-Unit Work
Pipefitters, insulators (Heat & Frost), refinery turnaround contractors, plant operators, maintenance mechanics.
Cross-References
- See companion pages: Sulfur Recovery, Distillation Towers, Heat Exchangers, Fired Heaters, Cat Cracker
Compiled from publicly filed asbestos litigation, EPA / state-DNR records, and industry-publication histories. Product and company references reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed litigation. This page does not constitute a finding of liability against any company. Not legal advice; consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation.