Applications of RSH removal technology in India
Stream
Capacity
Year 2011 2011 2012 2017 2022
Notes
ATF
1.2 MMTPA (27,500 BPSD)
Throughput optimised and increased
FCC light naphtha
460,000 MT/Y 1,850,000 MT/Y
Performance optimisation Performance optimisation
FCC LPG
Cr acked/sat LPG (sat FCC LPG)
59 SM³/h (≈ 56 SM³/h)
FCC LPG
181.42 MT/h 30,000 BPSD
Optimisation and performance evaluation
C 5 naphtha
2023 Performance optimisation and higher throughput
Table 2
Conclusion India’s petroleum industry is poised for a dynamic future. Last year, shipments of diesel and jet fuel from India to Singapore and Australia reached their highest levels in two and a half years as sellers turned their focus eastward due to weak demand from Europe. The expansion has multifaceted implications for the nation. Economically, it boosts GDP, foreign exchange earnings, and industrial growth. Politically, energy independence strengthens India’s global standing and reduces strategic vulnerabilities. Socially, the industry’s growth promotes rural development through improved access to energy and increased employment opportunities. The increasing demand for high-quality fuels and stricter environmental regulations necessitate suitable, proven technologies. Technologies and services that enable the effective removal of H₂S, mercaptans, and related impurities remain fundamental to the performance of India’s refining sector. Through the adoption of best practices and advanced treating and process optimisation technologies, public sector, private, and joint venture refineries can improve operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance asset utilisation. Continued investment in these capabilities will strengthen India’s global competitiveness and support the long-term resilience of its refining industry.
Successes inside India with the above mass transfer and accompanying technological solutions include: l In 2011, a jet fuel treating unit of 1.2 MMTPA of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) (27,500 BPSD) was started up in a refinery located in eastern India. Throughput was optimised and increased with the installation of an additional naphtha treating unit needed to treat higher TAN in mg KOH/g. l In 2011, a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) light naphtha treating unit of 460,000 MT/y was commissioned and started up in a refinery located in eastern India, and continues to assist the refinery for optimising performance. l In 2012, an FCC LPG unit of 1,850,000 MT/y was started up in a refinery located in eastern India, and continues to assist in optimising performance. l In 2017, a cracked and saturated LPG unit of 58.98 SM3/h was started, with FCC LPG and 56.1 SM3/h saturated FCC LPG. l In 2022, an FCC LPG treating unit of 181.42 MT/h of LPG was started in India. The unit completed optimisation and performance evaluation, which was approved and well received by the refinery. l In 2023, a start-up of 30,000 BPSD of C₅ naphtha was located in India, and it is continuing to work with the refinery to optimise performance for higher throughputs. There are numerous other examples of similar mass transfer units and accompanying technologies operating in India since the late 1990s, which continue to be supported for process optimisation and mechanical reliability. These technologies provide real solutions for the removal of mercaptans and H₂S needed to support industry growth in India and around the world.
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Patricia Forero pforero@merichemtech.com
Refining India
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