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New sulphur projects

Summary

Sulphur production continues to expand in the Middle East and China both from new refineries and major sour gas projects.

Abstract

Elemental sulphur production continues to come almost exclusively from recovered sulphur from refineries and sour gas plants, with mined sulphur representing less than 1% of production. As recovered sulphur is involuntary production, its generation depends very much on the health of the refining and gas industries respectively. Keywords: SOUR, REFINERY, REFINERIES, CHINA, MALAYSIA, INDIA, BIOREFINERY, MIDDLE EAST, QATAR, ARABIA, FORMING, MELTER, KEYERA, ADNOC, SHAH

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Developments in sulphur polymers

Summary

Incorporating sulphur into polymers is known to improve their properties. New research is looking into the varied world of sulphur co-polymers, unlocking new materials for batteries, structural applications and clean technology.

Abstract

Sulphur’s versatility as an atom is well known; almost as versatile as carbon. Its ability to form chains and rings are responsible for many of its unique properties as a material. Keywords: REFRACTIVE INDEX, KHALIFA, THERMAL, CONDUCTOR, CONDUCTIVITY, LITHUM, BATTERY, BATTERIES, CATHODE, VULCANISATION, VULCANIZATION, SORBENT

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Sustainable refineries

Summary

Liquid fuels will be with us for decades to come, but refiners will be pushed to decarbonise their activities, via greater use of biofuels, and green/blue hydrogen use.

Abstract

The refining industry, already battered by covid and the associated reduction in demand for refined products that saw 1.1 million bbl/d of refinery closures in the US and 0.8 million bbl/d in Europe, faces an uncertain future. Keywords: INTEGRATION, PETROCHEMICAL, BIOREFINERY, HVO, SAF, AVIATION, BIOFUEL, CCS, CCUS, CAPTURE, STORAGE, GREEN, HYDROGEN

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A new era in catalyst geometric shape selection

Summary

BASF is challenging traditional catalyst shapes and performance relationships by introducing a radically new shaping concept resulting in materials with step change properties and performance. This innovative concept using 3D-printing technology is applicable to a wide range of reactions in the chemical industry and BASF is using sulphuric acid catalysts as the pilot to pioneer new ground. Jochen Willersinn, Marco Kennema, Dirk Hensel, BASF SE

Abstract

BASF has produced sulphuric acid for various industrial applications since 1866 and has been producing catalyst for the sulphuric acid process since the early 20th century. Keywords: sulphuric acid catalyst, 3D printing, catalyst shape, catalyst geometry, extruded shape, X3D, catalyst design, BASF

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Impact and mitigation of processing bio-feeds in a refinery

Summary

The production of renewable fuels by retrofitting existing refineries and their infrastructure is witnessing exponential growth. The impact on the existing amine, sour water and sulphur recovery units is inevitable. Based on several case studies, Marco van Son, Shashank Gujale and Tammy Chan of Worley Comprimo discuss the various options available to holistically review the sulphur block to determine the impact and mitigation of processing bio-feed.

Abstract

The production of bio- and renewable fuels is a fast-growing market. The increase in the use of these products is mostly driven by government incentives and mandates. Keywords: bio-feeds, biorefinery, renewable fuels, sulphur block, sulphur recovery unit, SRU, TGTU, incinerator, LoCAT/Sulferox, Selectox, WSA, Thiopaq, SCO, WWT, ammonia acid wash, scrubber, renewable diesel, Worley Comprimo

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Best practices for sulphur pipeline design

Summary

As part of the expansion of the Shah gas plant (SGP) in the United Arab Emirates, a new 12-inch pipeline was designed and commissioned in January 2020. Hassa Al Mulla, Ravi Srinivas and Alsail Al Jaberi of ADNOC Sour Gas highlight the best practices implemented in the newly commissioned liquid sulphur pipeline.

Abstract

ADNOC Sour Gas (ASG) Company is a joint venture between ADNOC and OXY. ASG owns and operates the Shah Arab Sour Gas Field, and Shah Gas Processing Plant (SGP). The Shah Arab Field produces ultra-sour gas (up to 25% H2S and 10% CO2). Keywords: sulphur transport, sulphur pipeline, sulphur properties, best practices, SEET, Shah Gas Plant, remelt procedure, anchor design, SEET power box, pipeline elevation, temperature profile, pressure build-up, ADNOC Sour Gas

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Reaping the rewards of recycling

Summary

With the challenges facing the global refining industry, refiners should review their current practices to see how they can stay competitive and continue to thrive in today's market. This means improving operational efficiencies and producing products at a lower cost, whilst ensuring performance and safety. Brian Visioli of Evonik explores the development of catalyst reuse and how recycled hydroprocessing catalysts can be successfully applied in tail gas treating units to deliver cost and performance gains.

Abstract

Businesses must always maintain a close eye on the cost of their day-to-day operations, but perhaps more so than ever today given the economic headwinds facing the global economy that show no sign of abating. Keywords: Claus tail gas treating, catalyst reuse, catalyst recycling, tail gas catalysts, EcoMax TG, sustainability, hydroprocessing catalyst, Evonik

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Another lesson from an SRU shutdown

Summary

Inshan S Mohammed of Sulfur Recovery Engineering shares the lessons learned from an emergency shutdown of an MCRC sulphur recovery unit in the middle of a cold Canadian winter where temperatures can be -30°C.

Abstract

Sulphur recovery units (SRUs) are designed to meet a specific set of targets given an initial set of premises such as feed flowrates, feed compositions, and environmental regulations. Keywords: sulphur recovery unit, SRU, troubleshooting, emergency shutdown, sub-dewpoint process, MCRC process, lessons learned, Sulfur Recovery Engineering

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