PTQ Q1 2024 Issue

95% throughput - 7.5 kPa 100% throughput - 8.8 kPa

67104

85% throughput - 6.4 kPa

75% throughput - 5.3 kPa

55% throughput - 3.2 kPa 65% throughput - 4.3 kPa

45% throughput - 2.13 kPa

35% throughput - 1.07 kPa

16776

25% throughput - 0.8 kPa

Acid gas / MW=37.88

16776 23486 30197 36907 43617

50328

57038

63749

67104

0.1

10000

100000

Capacity (kg/h)

Figure 2 Burner capacity curve showing the capacity vs ΔP

Figure 3 RDS unit installed outside reactor by a trained crew

Figure 4 Close-up view of Nelson studs applied to reactor

Industry feedback An Italian refiner who had this bespoke system installed 12 years ago agreed to provide feedback, reporting that he knew of no other system that could provide the required coverage, particularly the need for system reliability. While two of the four zones were lost after contractors cut com- ponents, a high level of reliability was still maintained. We enquired if the system had ever alarmed during the 12-year period and he reported that it had only done so twice. In neither case did the hotspot reach the point where he had to shut down. However, during the next routine mainte- nance, they could see that in the zones where the alarm occurred there were indeed some refractory problems. Other applications Other applications include: • Gasifier applications: Gasifier applications are very similar to the Claus but in a much larger way with more

temperature readings were recorded at 10 different time stamps over the course of eight months of operation since the coils were first put into operation. This is a great tool, but based on our first use, we believe the way forward is if we had the ability and freedom to move the thermocouple CTLS while the unit is running without the need to weld on the reactor casing. We are jointly evaluating the use of magnets to facilitate this feature. Installation The RDS is installed by a trained field crew. Nelson studs are applied to the reactor, and the system is held down by galvanised steel channels attached to the Nelson studs. This system ensures good contact between the RDS and the reactor shell. On a larger Claus, it took a three-man crew five to six days to completely install a six-zone unit (see Figures 3 to 5 ).

PTQ Q1 2024