Phillips begins licensing sulfur removal technology for diesel

Sept. 19, 2001
Phillips Petroleum Co. has begun licensing its S Zorb Sulfur Removal Technology for diesel. It said the process can reduce sulfur levels to less than 10 ppm.

By the OGJ Online Staff

HOUSTON, Sept. 19 -- Phillips Petroleum Co. has begun licensing its S Zorb Sulfur Removal Technology (SRT) for diesel fuel.

Phillips said like its S Zorb SRT for gasoline, the S Zorb-Diesel process significantly lowers sulfur content using a proprietary refining process.

It said pilot plant tests show the process can reduce diesel fuel sulfur levels to less than 10 ppm. Beginning in June 2006, US Environmental Protection Agency regulations require production of highway diesel fuel with sulfur content not to exceed 15 ppm. European regulations are expected to require availability of highway diesel fuel with sulfur content of 10 ppm or less beginning in 2005.

Brian Evans, manager of fuels technology, said, "S Zorb-Diesel uses a unique sorbent to remove sulfur and does not rely on hydrogenation chemistry. The result is very low hydrogen consumption, and in some operating conditions, zero chemical hydrogen consumption. Refiners, as well as the environment, will benefit from reduced energy consumption, reduced operating costs and reduced carbon dioxide emissions."

Phillips said the lower hydrogen requirements of S Zorb-Diesel could result in operating cost savings of $5 million/year/refinery compared to conventional hydrotreating technologies.

It said diesel streams ranging from 460 to 2,400 ppm have been reduced to 10 ppm or less using the system. Operating conditions for the process range from 275 to 500 psi, temperatures of 700° F. to 800° F., and run lengths similar to fluid catalytic cracking units.

A large continuous pilot plant is expected to start up in the fourth quarter at Phillips' research center in Bartlesville. A commercial-scale unit within Phillips' refining system is in the planning stages.