The rich arnine solution from the absorber is flashed to a separator to remove any hydrocarbons. A small percentage of acid gases will also flash when the pressure is reduced. The dissolved hydrocarbons should flash to the vapor phase and be removed. However, a small amount of hydrocarbon liquid may begin to collect in this separator. Therefore, a provision should be made to remove these liquid hydrocarbons.
Typically the flash tanks are designed for 2 to 3 minutes of retention time for the amine solution while operating half full.