The product is more secure than the traditional sulfurantes agents
Brenntag Oil & Gas offers a safe alternative to the presulfuración of catalysts
Brenntag Oil & Gas Europe, one of the largest chemical distributors in the world offers, through its partner Lubrizol Corporation, the new generation of agents of sulfidización catalysts: SulfrZol 54. With a flash point for 100 ° C, this product is much safer than traditional sulfurantes agents, such as DMDS (dimethyl disulfide).
Noting recent advances in the industry, which are forcing refineries to increase safety levels, Brenntag considers that their product is the best available in the market. Th. M. Verleun, commercial director of Brenntag Oil & Gas Europe, noted the different options in the catalytic activation.
Replacements of catalysts are a necessary evil in the petroleum refining industry. In addition to being expensive and require time, need a great knowledge of high technology with specialized "in situ" security measures. According to Mr Verleun, the sulfuración of new catalysts can be much more secure.
Activation of catalysts
The catalysts produced in a traditional manner are presented in inactive/inert form, most of the time such as metal oxides. To activate these catalysts, you need a defined amount of sulfur on the catalytic surface. To reduce the time and cost as much as possible during the stop and replacement of the catalyst, is necessary to carry out this process in the shortest time and applying the highest level of security.
There are different ways to add sulphur to the catalytic surface. One of them is to launch the unit with an abundant flow of sulfur feeding. The biggest risk will be that, during the start-up of the new catalyst with abundant supply of sulphur, possible substances pollutants and impoverishing reach the catalytic surface faster than sulfur, circumstances which would lead to efficiency were reduced before the catalyst began to act. An alternative for many years has been the use of DMDS (dimethyl disulfide).
But there are several dangers associated with this product that make it difficult for their production, transport, storage and application. Due to its extremely low Flash Point, 16 ° C, this product requires many precautions in environments with high potential risk within refinery, especially during the time of restart after a stop. Special containers and transport are therefore required to move the material from their place of production to the customer. Transport should be performed, in addition, in times of the day where there is not much traffic on the roads. The temporary storage of this product in the customer's premises requires special attention.
Staff working with the product, as well as those in the vicinity to the floor, should be fire-resistant suits resembling space suits. Last but not least, this product comes an intensely unpleasant smell, something that can become a source of discomfort for the people of the surrounding and the workers themselves. Thus producers have begun to incorporate additives to the product to hide the unpleasant smell, thus creating the so-called next generation of DMDS. However, these additives are products that often are considered very dangerous; Some are even registered as such. Thus, the problems associated with the DMDS are still present.
About Brenntag
Brenntag Oil & Gas is a member of the Brenntag Group. In 2005 Brenntag was able to maintain its position as a leading chemical distributor in the world. The company recorded external of 5.3 billion euros ($6.6 billion) sales. Brenntag operates more than 300 locations with 9,200 people in 50 countries. The secret of the strong position of Brenntag on the international markets is its commitment to provide value to its customers and suppliers through a single source, higher value added and a logistics and supply chain services. Brenntag offers to its suppliers and customers alike, both in Europe and in America, a network of extensive distribution of the highest standard for industrial and specialized chemical products.
SulfrZol 54
Lubrizol Corporation, a major producer of additives for processes, has carefully noted the dangers of the sulfuración of catalysts and obstacles arising in the implementation of the DMDS. As a result of this study has developed a product with a high content of sulfur which hardly presents none of the hazardous characteristics listed above, or the negative aspects associated with the DMDS. The product, called SulfrZol 54, is a chemical substance, polysulfide, trapped on a bridge of groups t-butyl, designed specifically for the presulfuración of catalysts "in situ". Due to its significantly higher Flash Point, 100 C, SulfrZol 54 is much safer to work than the DMDS. Not required so special for the production, packaging, transport and storage measures, nor are they required special clothing. In addition, SulfrZol 54 does not have an unpleasant smell. The usual diesel smell comes from the own chemistry. Agents harmful to the environment are not used to mask the odor. One small drawback that it could be mentioned is its lower sulfur compared with the DMDS content (~ 54% compared to a ~ 65 per cent), so it is necessary to administer a little extra dose of SulfrZol 54 to get the same result of sulphur available for the catalyst.
Acceptance in the industry
Lubrizol and catalysts worldwide manufacturers have cooperated in the development and testing of SulfrZol 54 as an agent of sulfuración catalysts, and as a possible alternative to the DMDS. Based on these tests, all producers of catalysts have concluded that SulfrZol 54 is an acceptable and effective alternative. While still SulfrZol 54 has not been tested for some exceptional applications, or it has been approved by all the manufacturers of catalytic converters, there in principle any restrictions in its use for sulfuración of catalysts much more safe and simple processes. The product has already been applied successfully for the sulfuración of catalysts by most important refineries in Europe, such as Exxon, Tamoil, Shell (in several countries), Czech Refinery, Nynas, Repsol and several more. (May be a reference list.) Producers and developers of catalysts as well as operators and managers of (activated by sulfur) catalytic beds that have used SulfrZol 54 it been assessed positively by its ease of use.
Brenntag services
On behalf of the Lubrizol Corporation, Brenntag Oil & Gas is the official distributor of SulfrZol 54 in practically all over the world. If the client so requests, Brenntag can also offer services of injection of sulfuración catalysts "in situ" in the form of turn-key. In fact, as the level of risk attached to the use of SulfrZol 54 is so low, the employees of the refinery or the factory of catalysts can inject themselves 54 SulfrZol with a normal high pressure pump. In the case of the DMDS, on the other hand, requires that its producers will always provide a "security service" with the product, as described above.
Special packaging and other applications
SulfrZol 54 can also be applied as an agent of anticoquización in crackers (ethylene) by continuous injection to prevent the formation of deposits. Unlike the DMDS, which should be introduced at IBC containers under pressure of nitrogen to reduce the smell and the dangers generated by its low flash point, SulfrZol 54 "in situ" can be stored in standard containers, and does not require any closed systemwhich is another advantage of security.
Conclusion
In the world of today security becomes increasingly more important. With the new 54 SulfrZol developed by The Lubrizol Corporation for catalyst activation processes, refineries no longer why opt for DMDS. The operators and managers of security of the refineries, which consider safety as a key element in their daily work, need to consider alternatives to the processes of sulfuración of catalysts. SulfrZol 54, which can be used for the same applications and has a level of results thus, is a preferential alternative which will increase the safety of the plants of refinery.
