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Sulphur supply chains: still mission critical in 2021

Summary

John M. Bryant, President and CEO of The Sulphur Institute, looks at how the sulphur supply chain has reacted to the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic over the past 18 months, and the key principles of a successful sulphur supply chain.

Abstract

The last 18 months have stressed global supply chains on many products like no other period in recent history. Keywords: MODEL, COMMODITY, MANAGE, MANAGEMENT, LOGISTICS, MATERIAL, BULK, TEAM, LEADING, DELIVERY, OFFTAKE, ASSET

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New North African phosphate plants

Summary

As well as Morocco, Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia all have major phosphate industries, and all of these countries have plans to expand their capability to extract and process phosphates, though Algeria and Tunisia remain hampered by political instability.

Abstract

North Africa is one of the world’s largest phosphate producing regions, and contains nearly 85% of the world’s phosphate reserves. Because of the lack of domestic sulphur recovery or smelter acid production, Keywords: ALGERIA, TUNISIA, MOROCCO, EGYPT, OCP, DAP, MAP, ROCK, ACID, PHOSPHORIC, AFRICA, MISR, WAPHCO

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China's sulphur and sulphuric acid industries

Summary

China is the world's largest importer of sulphur, mainly to feed domestic phosphate production. Sour gas in Sichuan and new refinery production, coupled with rationalisation in the phosphate sector are all leading to reduced imports, while new smelters are increasing sulphuric acid production and reducing the need for pyrite-based and sulphur burning acid production.

Abstract

As the foremost industrial nation in the world, China’s various industries, from metal processing to fertilizer to refining and sour gas, have a major impact upon global demand for sulphur and sulphuric acid. Keywords: SMELTER, COPPER, DAP, PHOSPHATE, MAP, PYRITE, SOUR, REFINING, PETROCHINA, SINOPEC, PUGUANG

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Extending the life of acid plants

Summary

Chemetics describes a variety of ways to extend the life of sulphuric acid plants. Debottlenecking, emissions reduction and/or energy recovery projects require a systematic, phased approach to maximise the potential of economic and operational benefits to the owner.

Abstract

A systematic phased approach to debottlenecking Sulphuric acid plant operators are faced with the increasing challenge of extending the service life of its existing equipment after initial start-up. Keywords: sulphuric acid plant, debottlenecking, emissions reduction, energy recovery, phased approach, equipment replacement, heat recovery, Chemetics ALPHA system, Chemetics Blacktail process, chemical scrubber, regenerative scrubber, Chemetics

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Drying out acid condensation

Summary

Corrosion is one of the most critical aspects regarding sulphuric acid plant lifespan. One important cause of corrosion in sulphuric acid plants is acid condensation from the process gas due to inadequate drying. E. Almeida, B. Ferraro, N. Clark, V. Machida and V. Sturm of Clark Solutions discuss this problem and how it can be avoided with proper tower and internals design.

Abstract

Adequate air/gas drying is critical for the long-term health of a contact sulphuric acid plant. Keywords: corrosion, sulphuric acid plant, acid condensation, plant lifespan, tower design, tower internals, drying process, humidity removal, liquid distributor, ceramic packing, void fraction, mist elimination, trough liquid distributor, dew point test, Maximesh mesh pad, CSX, Clark Solutions

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The untapped potential of your sulphuric acid plant

Summary

Tightening regulations and growing global competition are increasing the pressure felt by sulphuric acid plant operators to reduce emissions and improve energy output. Conservation of energy is a continuous focus for operators, and environmental communities have grown more vocal in their desire for greater emissions oversight. In this article, DuPont Clean Technologies examines simple, tried, and true tactics, as well as new products and designs that can be incorporated into existing plants to address operating efficiency and emissions and to help to prolong the life of the plant.

Abstract

Sulphuric acid plant operators have a number of options to extend the lifetime of assets while reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency. Keywords: sulphuric acid plant, emissions, energy efficiency, rotating equipment, energy conservation, heat recovery, stack emissions, wet scrubbing, regenerative SO2 scrubbing, MECS SolvR, SO2 abatement, green energy, MECS MAX3, MECS HRS, DuPont Clean Technologies

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Digital tools to optimise the operation of your sulphur recovery unit

Summary

Comprimo has recently launched two new solutions to make the most of existing data and to improve customer's operations and customer knowhow: Comprimo Insight – an intelligent sulphur plant dashboard, and Comprimo Immerse – a dynamic sulphur plant simulator. In this article, Comprimo goes into the details of how Comprimo Insight and Comprimo Immerse are being implemented for its customers. J.-W. Hennipman, E. Ticheler, Comprimo Netherlands and M. van Son, Comprimo Canada.

Abstract

For over five decades, Comprimo has licensed gas-treating and sulphur recovery units (SRUs) for the oil and gas industry. Keywords: digital tools, sulphur plant, sulphur recovery unit, data, dashboard, simulator, Comprimo Insight, Comprimo Immerse, plant performance, troubleshooting, historic data, real time data, upsets, operator training, Azure, virtual analyser, reaction furnace temperature, data processing, cloud computing, machine learning

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Ammonium salt formation conditions based on measured vapour pressures

Summary

ASRL has conducted studies on ammonia destruction in the sulphur recovery unit (SRU) for over a decade1-5. Other studies at ASRL have investigated mechanisms for ammonium salt formation and deposition downstream in the Claus plant, as well as the potential sources of ammonia (NH3) in a gas plant7. A less understood subject is addressing how much residual NH3 is tolerable or at what temperature will residual NH3 cause ammonium salt deposition. In this study, existing knowledge on thermal stability of ammonium salts and new measurements have been used to identify the gaseous components required for deposition, through reversible vapour pressure expressions. M. Madekufamba, K.L. Lesage, N. I. Dowling and R.A. Marriott, Alberta Sulphur Research Ltd (ASRL).

Abstract

Ammonium sulphate ((NH4)2SO4) is very stable and requires only small amounts of SO3 to lead to deposition, even with small amounts of NH3. Keywords: ammonium sulphate, ammonium salt formation, vapour pressure, salt deposition, Claus plant, sulphur recovery unit, SRU, decomposition temperature, sulphate, bi-sulphate, thiosulphate, sulphite, bi-sulphite, carbamate, ammonia destruction, thermal reactor, ASRL

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Sulphur dust control

Summary

Dealing with sulphur dust is an operational challenge for sulphur forming plants and sulphur storage and handling facilities.

Abstract

The major threat involved in handling solid sulphur is dust. Dust can be created during the processing or transport of sulphur, or sometimes due to sulphur sublimation in melting pits or tanks.

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