All Sulphur Plants Are Not Created Equal

All Sulphur Plants are Not Created Equal

ABSTRACT

Sulphur recovery from natural resources is required to meet environmental regulations on sulphur content in final products, as well as SO_x emissions restrictions imposed on processing facilities.  While sulphur recovery facilities in oil refineries, gas plants and gasification facilities may appear to be very similar, there exist key differences in each type of processing facility that create unique, and often critical, design concerns for the sulphur plant.  Factors such as feed gas strength, type and concentration of impurities, availability of utilities, and typical operating and maintenance practices can substantially alter the design and operational factors that must be considered in the corresponding sulphur plant. 

This paper will highlight the unique elements that must be taken into consideration when designing or operating a sulphur plant located in a refinery, gas plant or gasifier.  The features of each type of sulphur plant will be compared and contrasted to provide a perspective on relative ease of design, operation and reliability.