Removing acid gases from refinery off-gas streams is becoming more important as stricter environmental rules are being developed.  One critical aspect of acid gas removal is the solid-liquid filtration technology that is used to keep the recirculating fluid free of solid contaminant fines. 

Filtration provides the following benefits of keeping downstream equipment functioning properly, reduced heat exchanger fouling and reduction of foaming tendency in the absorbers. This paper discusses thin-cake candle filter technology that is used to remove trace amounts of solid contaminant fines from the recirculating fluid stream.  These contaminants originate from various sources and are generally less than 0.5 microns in size.  Candle filter technology and the process of thin-cake building, is a new approach that is employed for high-efficiency and cost-effective fines removal.  

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