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The impact of Ukraine on sulphur markets

Summary

Last year saw global trade in all commodities have to take into account the potential loss of supply from Russia, a key exporter of many commodities. Sulphur was no exception, with prices swinging wildly across the year.

Abstract

We are now approaching the first anniversary of president Putin’s ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine. Though the front lines have moved back and forth, there seems no immediate prospect of any end to the terrible fighting, and the likelihood for 2023 is more of what we saw in 2022. Keywords: MAP, DAP, AMMONIUM, PHOSPHATE, SANCTIONS, QUOTA, EXPORT, IMPORT, KAZAKHSTAN, INSURANCE, SHIPPING, CHINA, REFINERY, REFINERIES

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A looming sulphur shortage?

Summary

Last year attention was drawn to the potential for large scale decarbonisation to leave the world short of the key resources of sulphur, and hence sulphuric acid. But is there a global sulphur shortage on the distant horizon?

Abstract

The article was written by professor Mark Maslin of University College, London, and published in The Geographical Journal; the journal of the highly regarded Royal Geographical Society1. Keywords: SULPHIDE, NICKEL, COPPER, ELECTRIC, BATTERY, EV, FIBRE, PHOSPHATE, DEMAND, SUPPLY, OIL, GAS, SOUR, BALANCE, SMELTER

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Hydrogen safety in sulphuric acid plants

Summary

Safety in sulphuric acid plants is a well-known and widely discussed topic. Industry turnover is a reality, and keeping new employees informed of hydrogen safety procedures is key to keeping plants fully operational and incident free. Walter Weiss of Elessent Clean Technologies discusses the steps facilities need to take to prevent hydrogen incidents.

Abstract

Hydrogen is a chemical element that is a gas at normal temperature and pressure. It is the lightest of all elements on the periodic table and is highly combustible. On Earth, hydrogen occurs naturally in compound form with other elements. Keywords: sulphuric acid, hydrogen, safety, plant safety, safety procedure, hydrogen incident, corrosion, hydrogen ignition, inspection, maintenance, equipment, operator training, mechanical integrity, Elessent Clean Technologies

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Do you have a plan for a weak acid incident?

Summary

The world has seen a number of hydrogen explosions in double absorption plants mostly in the intermediate absorption tower (IAT). To review this increase and to determine the causes, an International Hydrogen Safety Workgroup was formed including major acid plant contractors, major acid producers, and consultants in the sulphuric acid arena. Workgroup member Rick Davis of Davis & Associates Consulting explores some of the findings.

Abstract

I have been involved in the sulphuric acid industry for over 40 years and I have found the process secret. The secret is that without water the production of sulphuric acid is impossible. This is the primary reason that the process gas is dried to a very low water dewpoint using 93-98% sulphuric acid in the drying tower. Keywords: hydrogen safety, hydrogen explosion, sulphuric acid, double absorption plant, International Hydrogen Safety Workgroup, corrosion, hydrogen, weak acid , steam system, waste heat boiler, economiser, acid cooler

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Sulphur recovery in the energy transition

Summary

In the current energy transition era, the oil and gas industry is focusing on lowering its carbon footprint while generating green energy resources such as blue hydrogen. In this article, Thomas K. Chow, Marcus Weber and Denny Li of Fluor Solutions/Goar, Allison & Associates, L.L.C. demonstrate how SRU/TGTU plants within sour gas facilities can facilitate the capture of CO2 and generate H2 by implementing advanced sulphur recovery technologies.

Abstract

In an effort to suppress current dramatic global weather changes, scientists and policymakers around the globe are advocating and striving to minimise the use of fossil fuels and maximise the use of “green” energy resources. Keywords: sulphur recovery, energy transition, carbon footprint, hydrogen generation, sour gas, CO2 capture, oxygen enrichment, COPE II, tail gas absorber overhead, SRU thermal section, reaction furnace, direct steam injection, economics, OEC2RP, green energy resources, blue hydrogen Fluor Solutions, Goar, Allison & Associates

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CO2 recovery options in sulphur plants

Summary

CO2 emission abatement strategies have become increasingly important as the world strives to combat global climate change. Mahin Rameshni and Stephen Santo of Rameshni & Associates Technology & Engineering (RATE USA) discuss carbon capture options available for sulphur recovery units.

Abstract

The global concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is increasing rapidly. CO2 emissions have an impact on global climate change. Power generation from fossil fuel-fired power plants (e.g. coal and natural gas) is the single largest source of CO2 emissions. Keywords: CO2 emission, environmental protection, carbon capture options, sulphur recovery units, pre-combustion CO2 removal, post-combustion CO2 removal, CO2 liquefaction, membrane process, RATE

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Sulphur run-down liquid level prediction

Summary

Sulphur run-down lines are typically sized by referencing past projects and 'rules of thumb'. Very little analysis is performed to identify the impacts of slope, fittings, valves, etc. It is critical to maintain an open vapour path from the condenser to the sealing device. CSI has observed problems in the field which appear to be caused by undersized run-down lines. CSI developed a method of predicting the liquid level in a run-down line that considers the most common elements. This was accomplished by building a full-scale model of a run-down line that evaluated pipe NPS, pipe slope, rod-out-cross elbows, rod-out cross elevation drops, and liquid viscosity. This article* presents the testing and development of the predictive method as well as the predictive method itself.

Abstract

In a Claus sulphur recovery unit, sulphur is continuously produced in a series of condensers (typically four per train). These condensers operate at an elevated pressure (typically 1 to 8 psig/0.07 to 0.55 bar). Keywords: sulphur handling, sulphur run-down line, level prediction, pipe slope, rod-out cross elbow, rod-out cross elevation drop, test apparatus, predictive calculations, test results, valve design, CSI, University of North Carolina

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The art of candle filter wetting

Summary

When candle filter mist eliminators installed in the absorption towers in sulphuric acid plants are not sufficiently wet, problems can occur such as free SO3 at the stack, NOx issues and emission non-compliance. Craig Cassells of Begg Cousland Envirotec discusses how these problems can be overcome by the installation of an annular wetting ring solution.

Abstract

Candle filter mist eliminators are used widely in the sulphuric acid industry across the world. Located in the absorption towers as well as drying towers, they play a pivotal role in reducing air pollution as well as operational problems caused by the formation of sulphuric acid mists. Keywords: acid mist elimination, candle filter, mist eliminator, absorption tower, sulphuric acid plant, free SO3, free SO2, NOx, emission non-compliance, annular wetting ring, Begg Cousland Envirotec

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