(34a) 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.