Simple Guide To Oil & Gas Refinary Part 3 - Purification

Once crude oil has been through separation and conversion,the resulting products are ready for purification,which is principally sulfur removal.This is done by Hydrotreating ,a process similar to Hydrocracking but without converting heavy molecules into lighter ones.In Hydrotreating,unfinished products are contacted with hydrogen under heat and high pressure in the presence of a catalyst,resulting in hydrogen sulfide and desulfurized product.The catalyst accelerates the rate at which the sulfur removal reaction occurs.In each case,sulfur removal is essential to meeting product quality specifications and environmental standards.

Other units in the refinery remove sulfur,primarily in the form of hydrogen sulfide,through extraction,which is a second method of purification. Whether through hydrotreatment or extraction,desulfurization produces hydrogen sulfide.Sulfur recovery converts hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur and water.

The residual sulfur is sold as a refinery by-product.

End Products
Modern refinery and petrochemical technology can transform crude oil into literally thousands of useful products.From powering our cars and heating our homes,to
supplying petrochemical feedstocks for producing plastics and medicines,crude oil is an essential part of our daily lives.It is a key ingredient in making thousands of products that
make our lives easier – and in many cases – help us live better and longer lives.