BASF SE and ExxonMobil introduce a new gas treating technology aimed at helping customers lower sulfur and overall CO₂ emissions: OASE sulfexx

 

BASF SE and ExxonMobil Catalysts and Licensing LLC have released a new highly energy efficient amine gas treatment technology named OASE^® sulfexx™. The technology is based on a new proprietary amine-based solvent that selectively removes hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), while minimizing the co-absorption of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from gas streams.

The companies jointly developed the amine-based solvent to help petroleum refiners and gas processors meet future requirements, while also increasing capacity and lowering operating costs on existing equipment. For new facilities, the use of this technology will reduce the size of the equipment and the initial capital investment compared to conventional amine gas treatment units.

“We are pleased to partner with BASF to develop OASE sulfexx, a compelling solution aimed at helping operators reduce emissions and lower costs,” said Dan Moore, president of ExxonMobil Catalysts and Licensing, LLC. “Collaborating to develop new, game-changing technologies is central to how we work, and the development of this new product provides yet another example of what we bring to the marketplace.”

“OASE sulfexx will help our customers to achieve their sustainability goals by lowering energy consumption and reducing sulfur emissions,” said Andreas Northemann, vice president of BASF Gas Treatment. “The H2S selectivity of OASE sulfexx is outstanding – it’s hard to find a product on the market with that type of capability.”

Multiple pilot plant tests at ExxonMobil and BASF facilities have demonstrated the superior selective properties of this solvent compared to methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) formulations and FLEXSORB™ SE and SE Plus solvents. A commercial demonstration concluded at a tail gas treating unit located in North America further confirms the results.

OASE sulfexx will help to debottleneck existing Claus tail gas treating, acid gas enrichment, and high-pressure acid gas removal units. In Claus tail gas treating units, the technology can achieve less than 10 ppmv H₂S specifications while rejecting CO₂ to meet future emission requirements.

FLEXSORB SE and SE Plus are trademarks of ExxonMobil.
OASE is a registered trademark of BASF.

Sulfexx is a trademark of BASF.