| abstract |
A process for the reclamation of spent aqueous alkanolamine solutions comprising contacting a spent aqueous alkanolamine solution (10) with a strong base ion exchange vesin (40, 50) for time sufficient to sorb from the aqueous alkanolamine solution at least a portion of the accumulated ions and after a high concentration of ions accumulate on the resin, regenerating the strong base ion exchange resin by: (a) purging the resin with water or nitrogen, (b) contacting the strong base ion exchange resin with a sodium chloride solution for a time sufficient to remove the ions, (c) purging the resin to remove the sodium chloride solution, (d) contacting the resin with an alkali metal hydroxide solution, preferably sodium hydroxide, for a time sufficient to convert the resin to a substantially hydroxide form; and (e) purging the resin, wherein the ion sorption capacity of the resin is maintained at a substantially constant value. |