Cost Effective Technology for Sox Removal -- Fluor Sox Cleanup Processes

摘要

In compliance with the SO2 emissions regulations for sulfur recovery complexes, sulfur emissions via SRU stack gases from most refineries in the United States are permitted to a bare minimum, 250 ppmv maximum on an O2-free, dry basis. As a consequence, the major SO2 contributors in most refineries are flue gases from FCC units, steam boilers and other process units, such as the Phillips S Zorb Process for Ultra Low Sulfur Gasoline or Diesel desulfurization units. In an effort to restore and maintain a green environment, EPA and local emissions regulatory agencies have started to focus on reducing sulfur emissions from these sources. Often times, these SO2 containing flue gases also include oxygen, which complicates the SO2 removal process and technology. As a result, the SO2 removal unit may become more capital intensive. There are many novel technologies recently developed for removing the SO2 from such flue gases. However, most of these have not yet commercially demonstrated that they are technically viable and cost effective. Many of these novel processes also generate undesired byproducts, which themselves then need to be disposed of in a safe and cost effective manner. Disposal of these byproducts adds another burden and cost to the refining operators' to-do list. Fluor has developed a series of SO2 removal technologies, the Fluor Sox Cleanup Processes, to accommodate various needs for removing the undesired flue gas constituent in a cost effective manner. Successful operation of major components of the Fluor Sox removal technology has been demonstrated in many commercially operating units. Besides their technical viability and economic feasibility, Fluor Sox removal technologies do not generate any undesired byproducts. This paper discusses the merits of the Fluor Sox Cleanup Processes, their technical and cost advantages, their simplicity in design and operation, and their readiness for implementation.