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What are the most effective SOx reduction technology improvements the refining industry is investing in? What is some of the latest feedback on their performance, particularly with regard to their effect on FCCU maintenance and operations?
 
Answers
29/11/2007 A: Nick Confuorto, DuPont Belco Clean Air Technologies, confuorto@belcotech.com
EDV Wet Scrubbing Systems are very effective in reducing Particulate, SO2, SO3 and NOx (When LoTOx technology is also applied in the scrubbing system. To date refineries have purchased more than 65 EDV systems for application to FCCU, Heaters, Boilers and SRU. The system can be used with a variety of reagents including regenerative buffers.
21/07/2007 A: Eric W Hennings, Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation, eric.hennings@shawgrp.com
SOx reduction can be achieved in a flue gas scrubber. Emissions have reached values in the single digits with regards to SOx. Particulates are also reduced to less than 0.5 #/M# coke burned. These units are quite dependable and can handle a variety of upset conditions, including a large carryover of catalyst. There are options for effluent water treating and the reuse of alkali. Improvements in the technology include a stacked configuration, which allows a much smaller footprint. There are enough of these units in operation that the flue gas scrubber is often a turnkey project.
21/07/2007 A: Cristina R Kulczycki, MECS, cristina.r.kulczycki@mecsglobal.com
Typically, when maximum removal of SO2 is required, refineries depend upon wet gas scrubbers. For example, it is possible to design a scrubber to reduce SO2 outlet emissions to nearly 0ppm, with inlet concentrations as high as 80 000ppm. Wet gas scrubbers are proven pieces of equipment and, in general, are very reliable. In addition to the removal of SO2, scrubbers also remove particulate and SO3. They typically have very good turndown capabilites, especially with regards to SO2 removal.
Traditionally, wet gas scrubbers have been only used for the control of emissions from FCCUs. However, they are also effective at controlling emissions form sulphur recovery units (SRUs).