Clariant and Siemens to launch sour gas shift technology 29 May 2014

Speciality chemicals firm Clariant has signed a deal with Siemens Fuel Gasification Technology to cooperate in the commercialisation of a new, jointly developed sour gas shift (SGS) technology for coal gasification.

The agreement appoints Clariant as the exclusive catalyst supplier for all Siemens gasification integrated SGS projects, with the highest growth potential being coal-to-chemical projects.

"This global cooperation is a very important step in marketing our innovative catalysts for coal-to-chemical applications," comments Stefan Heuser, head of the catalysts business unit at Clariant.

And Frank Hannemann, head of technology of fuel gasification business at Siemens, adds: "This advanced technology makes coal to chemical plants more competitive and environmentally friendly. This global cooperation enhances the broader acceptance of gasification plants in China and in growing markets around the world."

SGS technology decreases total capital cost for coal-to-chemical and IGCC (integrated gasification combined cycle) applications by around 20% – by simplifying and optimising plant designs and content. It also re-optimises operating costs, with up to 30% lower catalyst volumes.

The entrained-flow Siemens Fuel Gasifier (SFG) is able to produce syngas from a wide range of fuels – even for low ranks of coal.

Clariant's new ShiftMax 821 catalyst enables a once-through process, without further adjustment of the exit gas from the gasifier. This simplified layout uses smaller and fewer reactors, and requires no steam adjustment for temperature control.

The new technique can also handle different steam-to-gas ratios and high carbon monoxide content in the gas, resulting in improved availability and reliability of the whole process.

Thanks to steam-independent control of the exothermal reaction, it is also an inherently safe process and there is no risk of temperature run-away reactions.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Clariant UK
Siemens Industry Ltd

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