
Depending on the desired carbon monoxide conversion, the sour shift process can be carried out in either one or several steps. Multiple reactors, typically with cooling between each bed, are required for high carbon monoxide conversion due to the equilibrium characteristics of the sour shift reaction.
The high performance of Topsoe’s sour shift guard material (GSSK) and catalyst (SSK-10) is well-proven under all operating conditions, and SSK series catalysts have consequently been installed in some of the world’s largest sour shift installations.

Catalysts
Catalysts
The performance catalysts we supply for this application are listed below.
- Catalysts
GSSK
Shape-optimized guard material used for protecting sour shift catalysts from dust and other impurities. - Catalysts
SSK-10
Cobalt-molybdenum (CoMo)-based sour shift catalyst for HTS, MTS and LTS applications. - Catalysts
SSK-20
Cobalt-molybdenum (CoMo)-based sour shift catalyst for guard and high temperature applications.
Services
Services
The services we supply for this application are listed below.
- Services
Catalyst Loading
All plants – even those with lots of turnaround experience – can run into trouble during loading. When a problem occurs, it can lead to longer turnarounds and, in the worst case, result in an underperforming catalyst. That makes proper loading an important step in profitable plant operation. Topsoe... - Services
General Technical Service
Optimal interaction between catalyst and technology is crucial if your plant is to perform at its best. Topsoe’s General Technical Service employs the full weight of our knowledge and experience to advise, inform and guide you towards improvement. All General Technical Service is provided as in-... - Services
Internal Visual Inspection
A Topsoe Internal Visual Inspection is your first line of defense against faults in valves, piping, boilers, heat exchangers and adiabatic catalytic reactors, or even larger systems such as steam reformers. As a key component in your preventative maintenance program, an Internal Visual Inspection... - Services
Plant Assessment / Optimization
Refineries and chemical plants are complex and vulnerable to changes over time. These changes can degrade performance and impact negatively on day-to-day operations and, ultimately, your bottom line. Whether you choose a catalyst performance evaluation or full-scale process and catalyst... - Services
Sampling & Analysis
As a general rule, the more you know about a plant or unit’s operating conditions, the better you’ll be able to keep performance, cost-efficiency and profits high. Our Sampling & Analysis service is your direct route to the detailed insight it takes to make better decisions. During start-ups... - Services
Start-up & Reduction / Activation
Starting up your plant or unit is a complicated and time-consuming procedure that involves monitoring numerous parameters and ensuring the right start-up sequencing. If not performed correctly, it can result in delays or even damage to your catalysts, unit or plant. Our Start-up & Reduction/... - Services
Troubleshooting
Catalysts and processes normally operate smoothly, yet suboptimal performance can occur from time to time. Since most issues have multiple root causes – usually originating in external factors – the process of solving an issue can be difficult and complex. Our Troubleshooting service draws on the...
Project development
Project development
- Project development services
Facilitating Investments
Benefit from the extensive experience of our project finance teams. - Project development services
Project development
Holistic and integrated approach from idea to financial close.