KOA ORDERS SURE SULFUR UNIT

May 14, 1990

Koa Oil Co. of Japan has placed the first order for the SURF sulfur recovery process developed jointly by Ralph M. Parsons Co., Pasadena, Calif., and BOC Group of England. Koa will install a double combustion version of the process at its 80,000 b/d Osaka refinery and upgrade the Claus sulfur recovery unit, increasing sulfur recovery to 90 metric tons/day from 60 metric tons/day. The upgraded unit will treat hydrogen sulfide formed in removal of sulfur from heavy oil, light oil, and kerosine.

Koa Oil Co. of Japan has placed the first order for the SURF sulfur recovery process developed jointly by Ralph M. Parsons Co., Pasadena, Calif., and BOC Group of England.

Koa will install a double combustion version of the process at its 80,000 b/d Osaka refinery and upgrade the Claus sulfur recovery unit, increasing sulfur recovery to 90 metric tons/day from 60 metric tons/day. The upgraded unit will treat hydrogen sulfide formed in removal of sulfur from heavy oil, light oil, and kerosine.

The technology involves the use of oxygen to enrich or replace the combustion air used in the Claus process. It allows companies processing high sulfur feedstocks to respond to more stringent environmental rules.

There are also economic benefits because it allows more flexible operations.

Major modification or replacement of existing plant items is not required, and installation can be completed during regular maintenance.

Koa placed its order with Osaka Sanso Kogyo, BOC's Japanese affiliate; and Mitsubishi Kakoki Kaisha Ltd., Parsons' Japanese licensee.