New additives could reduce SOX in flaring
Additives specialist, Baker Hughes, has developed a new product range that could help refiners reduce sulphur oxide emissions.
Sulphur oxide (SOX) is created when oil producers flare unwanted gas which becomes loaded with Sulphur Dioxide (H2S) during the refining process. The H2S is converted to the highly polluting SOX when burnt.
The US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) introduced new standards which set permissible H2S limits at 160 parts/million on a three-hour rolling average, requiring refiners to improve their facilities to comply with the regulations. This can involve significant capital expenditure.
The Baker Hughes additive range, branded as Baker Petolite SULFIX™, is designed to reduce SOX emissions by treating the flare gas to reduce the H2S content. According to the company, use of the additives can reduce capital expenditure, with Baker also offering a full service which also includes injection systems and monitoring programmes.
