Denmark: SO₂ Oxidation Haldor Topsoe Introduces New Sulfuric Acid Catalyst

With the introduction of Haldor Topsoe’s new VK-711 'Leap' catalyst, sulfuric acid plants can reduce emissions and operational costs at the same time.

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Lyngby/Denmark — As emissions standards for sulfur continue to tighten, sulfuric acid plant operators look for ways to stay compliant, without lowering production targets, venturing into costly revamps or tail gas treatment with scrubbers. One solution is more active SO₂ oxidation catalysts, and

The new catalyst has been optimized for higher activity at lower temperatures. This translates into reduced operational costs as well as the choice of maintaining the same production level with lower emissions or increasing productivity without increasing emissions.

“By installing the new catalyst, we have improved conversion to produce more sulfuric acid with no additional consumption of raw materials. The improved profitability should pay back the additional cost of the Leap 5 catalyst in two years. In addition to the financial return on the investment we have also reduced SO₂ emissions from the plant,” says a representative from Incitec Pivot Limited’s sulphuric acid plant in Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia.

The new catalyst allows operation from temperatures as low as 370 °C and is an obvious choice for operators of single absorption sulfuric acid plants who want to achieve unprecedented conversion levels. Other applications include oleum production and more efficient desulfurization of flue gases from industry.

The catalyst builds on advanced in-situ studies of the working sulfuric acid catalyst, and the industrial experience gained since the products introduction.

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