Wet gas Sulfuric Acid (WSA) technology

Produce commercial-grade sulfuric acid with 98% concentration.

Up to 99.9% sulfur removal efficiencies.

High energy recovery and low CO₂ emissions.

40 years of commercial success in numerous operations worldwide.

Turn sulfurous emissions into new revenue streams

Open the door to new commercial opportunities and revenue streams with our well-proven WSA (Wet gas Sulfuric Acid) technology. By turning sulfurous gasses into commercial-grade sulfuric acid (typically 98% concentration), you can create new revenue streams while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Proven performance and flexibility

With over 40 years of commercial success worldwide, the WSA technology offers exceptional flexibility and proven performance. You can achieve more than 99.9% sulfur removal efficiency through its removal of a wide range of sulfurous compounds from off-gases and waste streams in a string of different applications. This helps keep your emissions compliant and your operations environmentally responsible.

Increased energy efficiency and reduce emissions

The WSA process recovers waste heat from H₂S conversion, generating high-pressure, superheated steam. This steam can be reused within your site to reduce the use of fossil fuel-powered boilers. This will help increase energy efficiency and lower CO₂ emissions.

How it works

SO₂ production: The process begins with the production of an SO2 gas at around 400°C. If the feed already contains SO2, preheating is all that is required. Other sulfurous feeds can be oxidized to SO2 by combustion followed by cooling in a waste heat boiler. This step generates steam that can be used in other areas of the site.
Catalytic conversion of SO₂ to SO₃: The SO₂ is then catalytically converted to SO₃ in one or more catalyst beds. The thermal energy given off by this reaction is recovered between the catalyst beds. After the final conversion step, the gas is cooled, and the SO₃ reacts with water vapor to form gas-phase sulfuric acid.
Condensation and product recovery: The process gas is cooled in a WSA condenser using a counter-current flow of air. Clean gas leaves from the top of this condenser and is sent to the stack. Condensed commercial-grade sulfuric acid exits from the bottom of the condenser, where it is cooled and sent to storage. The hot air generated in the WSA condenser can be reused as preheated combustion air in the combustor or for preheating process gas or boiler feed water to ensure maximum energy efficiency.

Comparing the Claus and WSA processes: Benefits of making the switch

Refineries transitioning from the modified Claus process to WSA technology can reduce their overall CO2 emissions by up to 7% by capitalizing on the energy output from the WSA process.

Learn more here: How to boost refinery decarbonization with the WSA™ process

1000xN License_WSA_diagram

Definition

Catalysts

Catalysts can accelerate chemical reactions, control selectivity, and reduce energy requirements. Their ability to optimize process efficiency and product quality make them indispensable in industrial processes.

Definition

Outputs

The output is the result or end product you're looking to get out of your refinery or chemical process. The output helps determine which technologies and catalysts you need.

Take a deeper look

Sustainable Aviation Fuel

As a direct replacement for conventional fuel, SAF is an easy decarbonization measure that will help the aviation industry decarbonize immediately.

Power-to-X

To lower emissions in energy-intensive industries and long-distance transportation, we need technologies such as electrolysis in Power-to-X processes technology.

Renewable fuels

Renewable fuels will help us decarbonize heavy-duty transportation, and we’ll need proven technologies for their production. Luckily, these already exist.

Hydrogen

The abundance of hydrogen coupled with its potential for sustainable methods of production, positions it as a promising solution in the global energy transition. 

Ammonia

Ammonia is considered a gamechanger in decarbonizing the maritime industry and other energy-intensive industries where direct electrification is not an option.

Contact us

Do you have a question about our products or solutions? Or do you want to know how our technologies can support your business? Contact our experts today.