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The sulphur paradox
It’s getting tougher out there. Limits on sulphur in retail and transportation fuels continue to tighten across the world as the demand for these resources grows with the rising global population.
We can expect stringent specifications for motor gasoline (mogas) or gasoil to be imposed increasingly in developing markets, while the pinch point for mature markets may be marine fuel oils. But there’s not enough “easy” oil and gas to meet growing global demand, so more refineries have to process heavier and dirtier feedstocks (high sulphur and metals content, etc.)
For refinery managers, the challenges are stark. How can they maintain efficiency, throughput and margins in this environment while effectively dealing with the increasing amounts of sulphur on site? This dilemma is becoming commonly known as the “sulphur paradox”.
In this supplement, process and catalyst technology solutions are described for processing heavier, dirtier feedstocks while meeting emission and clean transportation fuels specifications, specifically in relation to sulphur (although benefits in relation to other emissions are often achieved at the same time).
We showcase the advantages of an integrated approach to the acid gas removal and sulphur recovery of sour gas processing through three recent large-scale projects around the world. We also cover how refiners can maximise lifecycle, specifically targeting the growing complexity and costs of sour gas treating, and applying evolving technology designs, new catalyst developments and innovative smart solvent.