Topsoe and sulphur-resistant water-gas shift

Topsoe has been an active player in the market of sulphur resistant water-gas shift (sour shift) catalysts since the 80's. More emphasis has been put on research with the the past years' rising oil prices. Developments in market trends regarding fuels, gasification technologies and downstream applications pose new challenges to a sour shift catalyst and process - challenges that Topsoe's researchers are ready to take on.

Sour shift catalyst and technology

Sour shift is placed downstream the gasifier to convert part of the CO to H2. The shift conversion is adjusted to match the required CO/ H2 ratio depending on the end product. An optimum process design allows for a vital step in the synthesis train resulting in large plant energy benefits. The  process is  tailored for the application with the design of heat exchange integration providing quality steam - even super-heated high pressure steam - when required.

Pressure drop and reactor technology

Significant R&D efforts are dedicated to the improvement of pressure drop problems. New catalyst shapes are in the pipeline. In specific cases where existing catalyst types still gives rise to  high pressure difference, Topsoe handles the problem by offering alternative reactor technologies.

Catalyst activation

Through an understanding of activation mechanisms Topsoe can propose an in-situ proprietary activation process that requires practically no further expenditures on the investment and operating side.

Poisons

SSK has a very rugged formulation and fears very few enemies in a gasification stream. Being the first catalyst in contact with the gas after filtration the possibility of carryover of deactivating species can never be neglected, and the risk of carry-over should be handled in the design.