Modeling and Optimization of the Natural Gas Decarbonization Unit at the CPF (QH) Rhourde Nouss Field

Abstract

Natural gas produced at the Treatment Center (CPF) of the Rhourde Nouss field in Illizi contains CO2, which must be removed to meet export specifications and avoid operational problems such as corrosion and hydrate formation. This study focuses on the simulation and optimization of the Acid Gas Removal Unit (AGRU) using an amine absorption process. The process was simulated using Aspen HYSYS based on real industrial operating data. The model was validated by comparing simulation results with industrial unit data, showing good agreement with an acceptable margin of error. A parametric study was then conducted to evaluate the effect of certain operating parameters, particularly methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) concentration and inlet CO2 content, on process performance and energy consumption. The results showed that increasing amine concentration improves CO2 removal efficiency, but also leads to higher energy consumption in the reboiler unit. This study confirms that process simulation theoretically demonstrated the effectiveness of reducing CO2 while minimizing energy consumption in natural gas treatment.