CrystaSulf Point Source Sulfur Recovery Reduces HDS Hydrogen Consumption

With the new Tier 2 EPA standards, motor fuels must have lower sulfur levels than ever before. In addition to increased HDS (hydrodesulfurization) requirements, refineries will also have increased downstream H₂S removal and sulfur recovery requirements. Although the additional sulfur throughput is often just a few tons per day, the sulfur recovery unit (SRU) at many refineries has already been pushed to its limits. Other refineries do not have an SRU and would have to install a new separate SRU or cease operations.

By using CrystaSulf for point source sulfur recovery from HDS hydrogen recycle streams, refineries with an existing SRU can avoid having to modify that plant and its permit. Refineries without an SRU can avoid having to put in a new amine/Claus/TGT system.

CrystaSulf, a breakthrough in sulfur recovery, converts H₂S directly to elemental sulfur using a gentle SO₂ oxidation approach. Elemental sulfur is soluble in the CrystaSulf solution, so there are no solids in the circulating stream.

Further, CrystaSulf's unique nonaqueous solution tends to preferentially scrub light hydrocarbons from the hydrogen stream. This effect reduces hydrogen blowdown (to fuel) by up to two thirds compared to amine treating systems.

Advantages

Point Source H₂S Treatment

• No effect on existing SRU
• No need to build new SRU

Reduces H₂ Consumption

• CrystaSulf solution absorbs hydrocarbons from the H₂ recycle stream
• Absorbed hydrocarbons are recovered as fuel gas
• Compared to amine treating, H₂ blowdown is reduced up to two-thirds

Lower cost

• Lower overall cost
• Lower permitting cost

Flexible

• Essentially 100% turndown capability
• Easily handles load changes due to seasonal swings in gasoline/diesel splits

Can directly treat high-pressure streams

• Solids-free solvent is easy to pump
• Very low circulation rate

CrystaSulf

Trouble-free sulfur recovery and reduced hydrogen use for HD applications

Compare with some other recycle processes.