WSA Technology from Topsoe consistently delivers high-purity, commercial-grade sulfuric acid at 98 % concentration. Achieve unparalleled environmental performance with sulfur removal efficiencies reaching up to 99.9 %.
Maximize operational efficiency and sustainability through high energy recovery and significantly reduced CO2 emissions. Benefit from four decades of proven commercial success, demonstrated across numerous operations globally.
Turn Sulfurous Emissions into New Revenue Streams
Unlock significant commercial potential and cultivate new revenue streams with the extensively validated Wet gas Sulfuric Acid (WSA) technology.
This advanced solution efficiently transforms sulfurous gas emissions into high-purity, commercial-grade sulfuric acid (typically 98% concentration), simultaneously generating valuable revenue and ensuring seamless regulatory compliance.
Proven Performance and Flexibility
With an impressive track record spanning over 40 years of global commercial success, the WSA technology stands out for its exceptional adaptability and validated performance.
It facilitates achieving sulfur removal efficiencies exceeding 99.9 % by effectively extracting a broad spectrum of sulfurous compounds from off-gases and waste streams across a diverse range of applications. This capability is instrumental in ensuring the emissions meet regulatory standards and operations maintain environmental accountability.
Increased Energy Efficiency and Reduced Emissions
Harnessing the WSA process, waste heat from H2S conversion is effectively captured and transformed into high-pressure, superheated steam. This valuable steam can then be reintegrated into the facility's operations, thereby decreasing dependence on boilers burning conventional fuels. Implementing this strategy results in enhanced energy efficiency and a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions.
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How It Works
SO2 Production
The initial stage of this process involves generating sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas, typically maintained at around 400 °C. Should the incoming feed already contain SO2, only a preheating step is required. Alternatively, other sulfur-rich raw materials can be oxidized into SO2 through combustion, and subsequently cooled within a waste heat boiler.
This particular step is beneficial as it produces steam, which can then be utilized in various other sections of the site.
Catalytic Conversion of SO2 to SO3
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is subsequently transformed into sulfur trioxide (SO3) through a catalytic process within one or more designated catalyst beds. The thermal energy released by this reaction is efficiently recovered in the spaces between these catalyst beds.
Following the final conversion stage, the gas stream is cooled, which then allows the SO3 to react with water vapor, resulting in the formation of gas-phase sulfuric acid.
Condensation and Product Recovery
The WSA condenser is engineered to cool process gas through a counter-current air flow. From the top of this condenser, clean gas is discharged and subsequently routed to the stack.
Concurrently, condensed commercial-grade sulfuric acid exits from the bottom of the unit, where it undergoes further cooling before being transferred to storage.
The hot air generated within the WSA condenser offers significant energy recovery potential, which can be repurposed as preheated combustion air for the combustor or for warming process gas or boiler feed water, thereby optimizing overall energy efficiency.
Comparing the Claus and WSA Processes: Benefits of Making the Switch
Refineries transitioning from the modified Claus process to WSA technology can unlock a significant reduction in their total CO2 emissions, potentially lowering them by up to 7 %. This environmental benefit is directly attributable to the effective utilization of the energy generated as an output of the WSA process.
Image Credit: Topsoe A/S
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