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Publication > Issue > Articles
Lessons learned combatting corrosion in a sulphur granulation plant
Summary
Mohamed Al Ameri, Nuha Al Hajeri, Shyam Pandey, and Antonio Madeina, ADNOC Sour Gas.Abstract
The purpose of this article is to emphasise the lessons learned by ADNOC Sour Gas in the material upgrading of the Shah sulphur granulation plant due to severe corrosion of the aluminium components. Keywords: sulphur plant, corrosion control, sulphur granulation plant, Shah, process water specification, aluminium, GX plenum chamber, scrubber, exhaust stack, discharge ducting, root cause analysis, wet acidic attack, material degradation, unit redundance, SS316L, GRVE, corrosion rate, wall thickness, ADNOC Sour GasClaus catalyst performance at end-of-run conditions
Summary
Temperature dependent rate constants for the hydrolysis of CS2 and COS across Claus Al2O3 and TiO2 catalysts are valuable tools for the design and optimisation of new, as well as existing, sulphur recovery units. In this context, Alberta Sulphur Research Ltd (ASRL) has measured CS2 and COS hydrolysis rates over a range of temperatures for both Al2O3 and TiO2 catalysts under start-of-run and, more recently, end-of-run first converter conditions. In this article Christopher Lavery, Dao Li, Ruohong Sui, and Robert A. Marriott of ASRL report on their methodology and the utility of the kinetics calculated from their data and draw comparisons between the start-of-run and end-of-run results.Abstract
The modified Claus process is an equilibrium limited system whereby hydrogen sulphide is converted to elemental sulphur and water across a thermal reactor and several catalyst beds operated at successively lower temperatures (Fig. 1). Keywords: Claus catalyst, Al2O3, TiO2, CS2 hydrolysis, COS hydrolysis, start-of-run converter conditions, end-of-run converter conditions, methodology, kinetics, hydrolysis rates, temperature dependent rate constants, ASRLGenerating carbonless energy from sulphuric acid plants
Summary
By recovering waste heat as process steam or electrical energy, technologies are available that can help sulphuric acid plants meet their energy goals. Colin Shore of Elessent Clean Technologies discusses how MECS® HRS™ technology can offer a sustainable solution to enhance sulphuric acid plant performance, while lowering its carbon emissions.Abstract
The largest single source of power generation on the planet is thermal energy. It accounts for more than half of total global energy demand and is the primary contributor to carbon emissions worldwide. Keywords: sulphuric acid production, carbon-free energy, sulphuric acid plant, sustainable, acid plant performance, waste heat, heat recovery system, process steam, electrical energy, carbon footprint, MECS HRS, steam production, energy generation, MECS SteaMax, MECS MAX3, Elessent Clean TechnologiesWar stories revisited
Summary
Marco van Son and Frank Bela of Comprimo share lessons learned from SRU war stories, including: inadvertent NH3 destruction in an oxidising atmosphere, rich amine emulsion, SWS fixed valve trays, H2 spiking of SRU feed, rich amine flash drum early warning, V-ball fuel gas safety shutoff valves, TGTU methyl mercaptan, and commissioning and Murphy's Law.Abstract
Inadvertent NH3 destruction in an oxidising atmosphere This incident is best prefaced by a brief overview of the history of ammonia destruction in the SRU thermal reactor. In the 1950-60s it was generally assumed that complete NH3 destruction required excess air (“oxidising atmosphere”). Keywords: SRU troubleshooting, sulphur recovery unit, NH3 destruction, rich amine emulsion, SWS fixed valve trays, H2 spiking of SRU feed, rich amine flash drum, V-ball fuel gas safety shutoff valves, TGTU methyl mercaptan,commissioning, Murphy’s Law, thermal reactor, zone 1, zone 2, lessons learned, hydrocarbon incident, ComprimoAutomation is great until it isn't
Summary
Inshan S. Mohammed of Sulfur Recovery Engineering shares lessons learned from a recent SRU shutdown assistance programme involving an error with the tags used within the BMS system installed on a direct-fired reheater.Abstract
Keywords: SRU troubleshooting, sulphur recovery unit, shutdown assistance, BMS system, direct-fired heater, turnaround, thermocouple measurements, Sulfur Recovery EngineeringUS sulphur and sulphuric acid production
Summary
The US refining sector continues to face operating pressures with 1.3 million bbl/d of closures in the past three years, while sour gas sulphur production has recovered somewhat. Meanwhile, demand from copper and lithium leaching projects will increase use of sulphuric acid over the next few years.Abstract
The US continues to be one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of sulphur and sulphuric acid. Domestic production of sulphur and acid are both falling however, while demand may be set to increase due to metal processing. Keywords: MEXICO, CANADA, REFINERY, SOUR, AKLYATION, SMELTER, SMELTING, LITHIUM, COPPER, LEACH, LEACHINGIndustrial and feed phosphates
Summary
While most sulphuric acid demand for phosphates is based on the production of phosphate fertilizer, non-fertilizer sources of demand such as animal feed and industrial processes additionally represent a relatively small but growing sector of the market.Abstract
Phosphates are crucial for living creatures; the very backbone of the DNA molecule consists of phosphate chains, and phosphates are used plasma membranes, and as energy containing molecules such as adenosine phosphates. Keywords: FOOD, GRADE, ANIMAL, DETERGENT, POLLUTION, COST, ADDITIVE, ADDITIVESThe future of oil sands production
Summary
A large portion of the oil reserves of Canada and Venezuela exist as oil sands. By the mid-2000s, production from these sources had topped 5.5 million bbl/d. But with Venezuela's economic implosion and increasing environmental scrutiny of oil sands production, what is the future for this high sulphur fuel source?Abstract
A surprising amount of the world’s oil reserves are locked up in the oil sands deposits of Venezuela and Canada. With reserves of 300 and 170 billion barrels respectively, these are of an order of magnitude of the oil reserves of Saudi Arabia (270 billion barrels). However, they are less accessible; the heavy, bituminous oil is trapped in a sandy layer close to the surface. Keywords: CANADA, VENEZUELA, ALBERTA, KEYSTONE, FAJA, BITUMEN, SYNCRUDE, UPGRADE, UPGRADER, REFINERY, PIPELINE