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Ultra capacity with ultra low emissions

Summary

As environmental SO2 emission regulations become more stringent, tail gas treating options become limited. To potentially achieve lower opex and improved plot plan, utilising a biological desulphurisation process as an alternative to a conventional amine-based TGT unit is becoming of increased interest in the oil and gas industry. At the same time, demands for increased SRU capacity and reliability favour the use of medium and high-level oxygen enrichment.

Abstract

Fluor recently evaluated revamp options for an existing refinery with air operated 3 x 100 t/d SRUs to improve its sulphur removal efficiency to meet more stringent emission specifications. 
Keywords: Claus tail gas treating, SO2 emission regulations, a biological desulphurisation, oil and gas industry, revamp, oxygen enrichment, amine TGT, SUPERCLAUS, Thiopaq O&G, TOG, TOG ULTRA, hydrogenation, desuperheater contact condenser, DCC, amine technology, thermal oxidiser, COPE II, Fluor, Paqell

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SulGas Mumbai 2024

Summary

More than 155 attendees, representing more than 68 companies gathered in Mumbai, India, from January 31 to February 2, 2024 for the annual SulGas® conference, organised by Three Ten Initiative Technologies LLP. We report on the key highlights of the event.

Abstract

SulGas Mumbai 2024, now in its sixth year, took place over three days from January 31 to February 2 at Novotel Juhu Mumbai. The event brought together public sector oil companies, private refiners, petrochemical, chemical and fertilizer plants, licensors, engineering companies, solvent and column equipment manufacturers as well as control and instrumentation companies. Notable end users including BPCL, ExxonMobil, HMEL, HPCL, IOCL, MRPL, Nayara, Petronas and RIL were among the participants. Keywords: SulGas, conference report, Mumbai, sulphur, sulphur recovery unit, SRU, decarbonisation, carbon capture, WSA, sour gases, amine sweetening units, oxygen enrichment, instrumentation, simulation, control, SRU emissions, ammonia destruction, Thiopaq O&G, tail gas treating, SO2 breakthrough, Three Ten Initiative Technologies.

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A smarter way to treat lean sulphurous off-gases

Summary

The implementation of WSA technology to recover sulphur as sulphuric acid from lean sulphurous off-gases offers significant environmental benefits. These include waste reduction, resource efficiency and reduced overall CO2e footprint, while also producing profitable sulphuric acid. By embracing such practices, industries can ensure improved or better consumption and production patterns and foster a more sustainable and responsible future. J. Feddersen and S. S. Johansson of Topsoe illustrate these benefits using three distinct industrial applications where WSA technology provides a smarter way to treat sulphurous off-gases. It is not only waste stream management in the three cases, but also reduced transportation of chemicals, reduced opex and reduced CO2e footprint.

Abstract

Taking a people- and environment-first approach to business can have multiple benefits across sustainability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness. For instance, reducing waste, using resources more efficiently, and implementing practices that help mitigate negative environmental impact allows companies to save on operating costs while improving reputation and image. A more sustainability-focused brand profile is hard to put a price on, but it can increase customer loyalty, attract and retain qualified employees, and help secure access to investment. Embracing sustainability also helps businesses to align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals like the goal on “Responsible consumption and production”. Keywords: wet gas sulphuric acid, WSA, metallurgical industry, molybdenum, sulphurous off-gas, sulphur, sulphuric acid, pulp and paper industry, oil refinery, waste, waste management, SRU tail gas treatment, CO2 footprint, Topsoe

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Cobalt-molybdenum catalyst activation in low temperature TGUs – Part 2

Summary

Cobalt-molybdenum (CoMo) catalysts are integral components of tail gas units (TGUs), playing a vital role in reducing harmful sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions arising from Claus sulphur recovery units. Effective activation of these catalysts is essential for their optimal performance. The consequence of sulphiding at low temperatures and atmospheric pressure in low temperature TGUs is to compromise effectiveness of catalyst activation. In the final part of this two-part article, Michael Huffmaster, Consultant, presents case study results using a discrete reactor model incorporating heat, mass transfer, and activation reaction kinetics to assess the impacts of these variables on in-bed temperature profile and activation effectiveness. Tailoring gas rate, composition, and temperature progression can achieve in-bed exotherms which improve CoMo catalyst activation effectiveness for low temperature tail gas units.

Abstract

Discrete TGU catalyst bed model – activation simulation. A discrete reactor simulation embracing heat and mass transfer and activation kinetics enables evaluation of process alternatives within constraints. Procedures to improve catalyst activation are assessed with this simulation tool as well as in a case study, evaluating variables and conditions and developing recommended enhanced practices. Keywords: Claus tail gas treating, catalyst, cobalt-molybdenum, tail gas unit, sulphur recovery, catalyst activation, sulphiding, low temperature TGU, catalyst activity, sulphur emission, catalyst bed model, simulation, reaction kinetics

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Abu Dhabi's sour gas expansions

Summary

Already the world's largest exporter of sulphur, Abu Dhabi continues to expand its sour gas production and sulphur output.

Abstract

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the Untied Arab Emirates and its second largest city. In contrast to the Emirates’ commercial and tourism hub Dubai, Abu Dhabi’s growth has been solidly predicated on oil and gas reserves in the deserts to the southwest and the shallow seas northwest of the city. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has most of the territory of the UAE, encompassing around 75% of its area. The city has grown rapidly over the past few decades, from just 300,000 in 1990, and approximately doubled in population from 900,000 to 1.6 million people from 2010 to the present. Another 1.1 million people live in the other cities and towns and villages of the Emirate. The total population of the UAE rose to 9.4 million people in 2021, with around 90% of these being expatriate workers from elsewhere in the world. Keywords: SOUR, GAS, HABSHAN, SHAH, HAIL, GHASHA, ADNOC, ONSHORE, OFFSHORE, H2S, FIELD, RECOVERY, LNG

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Sulphur in Europe

Summary

Falling volumes of sulphur from refining and sour gas could turn Europe into a sulphur importer.

Abstract

Europe’s supply of sulphur is falling, potentially turning the continent into a net importer and changing the dynamics of the market away from liquid sulphur. Traditionally, European sulphur output has come from three sources; refining, sour gas processing, and Poland’s sulphur mine. However, output from all of these sources has been in long term decline. Keywords: SOUR, GAS, REFINERY, REFINERIES, REMELT, REMELTER, LIQUID, ACID, SMELTER, OIL, FUEL, DEMAND

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Overcapacity in the battery industry

Summary

China's drive to build new battery production capacity for electric vehicles and stationary storage is leading to a familiar problem for the Chinese economy; overcapacity.

Abstract

China has been an enthusiastic proponent of electric vehicles and has been rapidly developing the capacity to produce them. It is home to the two largest battery cell manufacturers, CATL and BYL, which between them have 50% of the market for electric vehicle battery supply, and 73% of the Chinese market between them. And that supply is growing quickly. In 2022, global lithium ion battery cell capacity reached 706 GWh, but this increased by 44% in 2023 to reach 1,107 GWh. China accounted for 76% if this capacity in 2023, and 75% of incremental capacity growth that year. Europe and North America made up the bulk of the remainder. However, China’s gigafactory capacity utilisation lagged behind at only around 45% in 2022, and similar or lower in 2023, far lower than the 75-85% utilisation that would be make or break for profitability in the rest of the world. The result has been a price war between manufacturers. Keywords: LFP, IRON, PHOSPHATE, LITHIUM, CHINA, PHOSPHORIC, ACID, CATHODE, NICKEL, MANGANESE, LMFP, SODIUM, CELL, CELLS, ION

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