Taiwanese tail gas treating with Superclaus and caustic scrubbing

摘要

A Claus type sulphur recovery unit (SRU) without tail gas treating is becoming rare. New emission regulations, increasing the sulphur yield and higher sulphur crudes are the main drivers for adding a tail gas treating unit (TGTU). In the past the most common approach for 99.8% plus sulphur recovery was a SRU followed by an amine based TGTU. In view of cost, complexity and reliability, it may be worthwhile to explore alternatives. One option is a combination of two established processes, Jacobs' Superclaus process followed by a caustic scrubber. For an SRU upgrade of an oil refinery in Taiwan, this combination was preferred over an amine based TGTU solution. Among the advantages of combining the Superclaus process and a caustic scrubber are the lower installed cost and higher reliability, according to Jacobs. Investment costs are reduced, the process is less expensive to operate and to maintain, requires a smaller footprint and simplifies overall operation.