
Abu Dhabi’s sour gas expansions
Already the world’s largest exporter of sulphur, Abu Dhabi continues to expand its sour gas production and sulphur output.
Already the world’s largest exporter of sulphur, Abu Dhabi continues to expand its sour gas production and sulphur output.
Cobalt-molybdenum catalysts are integral components of tail gas units, playing a vital role in reducing harmful sulphur dioxide emissions arising from Claus sulphur recovery units. Effective activation of these catalysts is essential for their optimal performance. In the first part of this two-part article, Michael Huffmaster, Consultant, explores CoMo catalyst activation at low pressure, focusing on sulphiding reaction pathways and the impact of temperature and the composition of the sulphiding media on reaction kinetics.
Small quantities of sulphur in a refinery or gas feed can present challenges for conventional large scale sulphur recovery techniques.
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.
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. has contracted with MECS, Inc. (MECS), a subsidiary of Elessent Clean Technologies, for the Kansanshi smelter expansion at the Kansanshi mine at Solwezi. MECS’ scope of work will include a redesign of the existing sulphur-burning sulphuric acid plant into a copper smelter off-gas recovery sulphuric acid plant. This transition to a copper smelter off-gas recovery acid plant will enable First Quantum to reduce emissions from the existing copper smelter, increase production at the mine, and supply more copper to the global market, which will enable the adoption of greener technologies. MECS’ design for First Quantum incorporates proprietary technologies such as MECS® catalyst for low emissions and high conversion, Brink® mist eliminators, ZeCor® alloy towers and pump tank and UniFlo® acid distributor technology for operational reliability and efficiency.
Honeywell UOP’s nViro Hydro process provides an alternative solution to conventional hydroprocessing waste treatment. Benefits include creating a new revenue stream and reduced capital outlays, operating expenses and water use.
Gouda Refractories continues to upgrade its refractory solutions for the sulphur recovery industry as well as developing new superior products for installations operating at higher temperatures due to oxygen enrichment.
A report on CRU’s annual Sulphur + Sulphuric Acid conference, held in New Orleans, USA, 6-8 November 2023.
Tecnimont, part of MAIRE’s Integrated E&C Solutions business unit, has signed a letter of award with ADNOC for the onshore processing plant of the Hail and Ghasha Development Project. The award was signed at ADIPEC, the world’s largest energy summit. The project aims to operate with net zero CO 2 emissions, in part due to the facility’s CO 2 carbon capture and recovery units, which will allow the capture and storage of CO 2 . The project will capture 1.5 million t/a of CO 2 , taking ADNOC’s committed carbon capture capacity to almost 4 million t/a. The company recently announced its decision to double its carbon capture capacity to 10 million t/a by 2030. The Hail and Ghasha CO 2 will be captured, transported onshore and stored underground, while low-carbon hydrogen will be produced to replace fuel gas and further reduce emissions, according to ADNOC. The project will also use power from nuclear power plants and renewable sources from the grid.
RATE USA discusess some of the many solutions available to revamp sulphur plants to meet stricter environmental regulations with regard to SO2 and CO2 emissions.