Sulphur prices declined in Q4 following the increases seen during Q3, because of ample availability and limited spot demand. One contributing factor was that phosphate fertilizer producers in China, the largest importer of sulphur, have cut downstream production due to increased export restrictions. In addition, high sulphur stocks at Chinese ports and continuing high domestic sulphur production mean that domestic buyers have other options aside from international purchases.
“ The need for technical knowledge and insights has never been more important.”
This case study reports on the successful collaboration of two experienced partner companies to replace the problematic upper part of a co-current flow quench tower in a spent acid plant and shows the benefits of using resistant, pre-lined workshop fabricated equipment.
Sulphur prices are expected to increase during H1 2024, reversing the trend of recent declines, though good availability will limit the upside to price gains in the short term. However, should fertilizer production prove weaker than expected, prices may remain below expected levels.
Axens has developed a new titania-based catalyst named CRS 41, which has a much larger porosity than its renowned predecessor, CRS 31 catalyst. Thanks to an improved catalyst manufacturing process and a new recipe, the porosity of CRS 41 has been increased while preserving the mechanical resistance for loading, allowing customers to optimise their capex by either reducing the Claus reactor size or loading volume of TiO2 catalyst.