Techno-economic feasibility study of acid gas to syngas (AG2STM) technology applied to oil refinery

The novelty of AG2STM (Acid Gas to Syngas) technology lies in the capability of producing syngas, a valuable product, from acid gases (H2S and CO2), which are refinery by-products. This work aims to propose and indicate the implementation of such technology as a revamping option of the already-running Claus plant. An applicability range based on industrial data by coupling two different software applications, i.e., Aspen HYSYS and MATLAB®. A comparison study between the two processes were developed, choosing some critical parameters (i.e., furnace inlet temperature, flame temperature, sulfur recovery efficiency, ratio of H2S and CO2 in the feed). The significance of introduced innovations is highlighted, at a technical, economic and environmental level. Due to complete recycle of H2S, relevant reduction of CO2, and syngas production the new technology appears to lean toward environmental and energy improvements and it could be integrated, without major investments, into existing systems, significantly increasing their performance.