COMOX SULPHIDING PROCEDURE

The Co-Mo catalyst that is used in the TGTU reactor is converted into oxidised form due to
oxygen ingress into TGTU circulation loop during N2 circulation.
Before the SRU TAIL GAS is introduced into TGTU catalyst in TGTU must be made “active” by
converting the metal oxide sites to metal sulfide sites.

Hydrogen sulfide, which serves as the sulfiding medium, reacts with the surface of the metallic
catalyst. Metal in the catalyst gives up oxygen during the process and combines with hydrogen
(H 2) to form water (H 2 O) and Sulfur replaces oxygen on the catalyst

1. 180 – 200ºC, hydrogen (H 2) is introduced along with H2S – 4hours

2. 220 – 240ºC, pre-sulfiding of catalysts occurs in an atmosphere of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) –

4hours

3. 240 – 260ºC, pre-sulfiding continues at increased temperatures in an atmosphere of hydrogen

sulfide (H 2 S).- 4hours

The sulfide ion undergoes an exothermic reaction with the catalyst causing a temperature
increase. which is monitored with thermocouples

SEQUENCE OF ACTIVITIES:

 Ensure no leaks in TGTU system to prevent O2 ingress into system – Leak Check to be
done at 0.5kg/cm2 by pressurising the TGTU loop with N2
 Establish N2 circulation and heat COMOX bed upto 200c
 De-Blind Pre –Sulphiding line and introduce AAG (70kg/hr) and H2 3 kg/hr (measure H2S
content at COMOX O/L is >1000ppm)
 Increase the temperature to 220c and hold for 4 hours measure H2S at COMOX O/L If
COMOX O/L H2S content drops below 1000ppm increase AAG
 Ensure H2 analyser is in line and showing 0% of H2 throughout the activity increase H2
accordingly.
 Increase Temperature to 240C and hold for 4 hours measure H2S at COMOX O/L If
COMOX O/L H2S content drops below 1000ppm increase AAG
 Increase Temperature to 260C and hold for 4 hours measure H2S at COMOX O/L If
COMOX O/L H2S content drops below 1000ppm increase AAG
 While Increasing the COMOX temperature Continue sampling the reactor outlet gases at
one hour intervals. If H2S concentration in the reactor outlet gas falls below 1000 ppm
hold reactor inlet temperature until H2S level rises above 1000 ppm, then resume
ramping temperature. (Fall in H2S concertation at COMOX O/L at a particular
temperature indicates Sulphiding of Catalyst is occurring)
 Stop N2 circulation and introduce CLAUS TAIL GAS to TGTU keep close watch on Quench
water PH as it is the main indication to identify that the COMOX is in Active state (Drop
in PH indicated COMOX de-activated form)
 Keep AIR/AAG ratio on lower side initially and slip H2S to TGTU during initial operation
 If Quench Water PH is continuously dropping and no temperature excursion is observed
across the COMOX bypass TGTU and perform pre – sulfiding activity as per procedure for
some time.