Purification for syngas production
Introduction - what is syngas purification
Syngas purification refers to the cleanup of raw feedstock gases and is essential for ensuring optimal operational efficiency and reducing costs in methanol, ammonia or hydrogen plants. While feedstock purification does not directly affect the productivity of a plant, improper purification processes can have dramatic and costly consequences for downstream catalysts
Johnson Matthey offers a range of syngas purification catalysts and absorbents under KATALCO™ and PURASPEC™ brand names. Due to their long bed life and robust performance in tough conditions, these proven technologies are the industry’s leading choice.
Our KATALCO and PURASPEC offerings are designed to remove various contaminants:
In certain plants an ultra-purification stage can be used to reduce the sulphur content to extremely low levels, protecting even the most sensitive downstream catalysts.
KATALCO and PURASPEC for syngas purification
Long-lasting, reliable performance
Johnson Matthey's KATALCO and PURASPEC purification catalysts and absorbents are well-proven and deliver reliable operation across a range of conditions.
PURASPEC absorbents and process technologies
Our PURASPEC range offers a simple and effective means of removing unwanted impurities from hydrocarbon streams. Designed for highly efficient and cost-effective, PURASPEC absorbents’ high capacities lead to less change-outs and waste. This allows plants to minimise the cost of impurity removal and catalyst skims over time. The fixed-bed processes are simple to operate and require low capital outlay.
Benefits of PURASPEC absorbents
High capacities reduce change-outs and waste
Minimise the cost of impurity removal and catalyst skims
Simple fixed-bed processes with low capital outlay
High performance during startup and operation
Versatility with different feedstocks
Reliable operation under varying plant demands and upsets
Stable pressure drop
KATALCO catalysts
Our KATALCO catalysts offer outstanding value for ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol manufacturing by ensuring reliable production, long catalyst lives, and low by-product formation.
Tailored solutions for syngas purification
Johnson Matthey offers solutions for each step in the typical syngas purification flowsheet, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
Typical syngas purification flowsheet is shown here and JM offers solutions for each of these processes. There is no standard purification process. The choice of catalyst, absorbent, and reactor vessel design varies based on feedstock type, contaminant levels, pressure, and temperature conditions. Our experienced engineers will work with you to provide an optimal design tailored to your specific conditions and targets. They will select from the KATALCO and PURASPEC solutions to meet your operational needs precisely, regardless of application size, and provide comprehensive support with operating instructions and advice.
Embracing alternative feedstocks
Our diverse product portfolio is tailored to accommodate various feedstock types, effectively addressing specific requirements. While most methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen plants currently use natural gas, JM’s syngas purification solutions are also proven for coal and heavier-based feedstocks.
As the world transitions to net zero, utilising alternative, non-fossil fuel-based feedstocks for syngas production is becoming critical to meet global energy and chemical demands. For operators, these alternative feedstocks provide a pathway to secure their future through sustainability strategies. These new feedstocks include:
Biomass
Municipal and industrial waste
Biogas
Captured CO₂
In addition to their inherent sustainability and social responsibility, the gasification of waste and biomass generates valuable heat that can be integrated into downstream processes, further reducing the carbon footprint of the flowsheet
Get in touch
With a range of solutions available, our team will help you select the right technology for your journey.
Johnson Matthey's Methanol Team
Johnson Matthey's Hydrogen Team
Johnson Matthey's Ammonia Team
Explore our syngas purification technologies
Sulphur removal absorbents
Our PURASPEC absorbents have been a reliable solution for sulphur removal for over 40 years. They effectively reduce sulphur to very low concentrations in the gas processing, refining, and petrochemical industries. These absorbents are also increasingly used in emerging sustainability and decarbonisation technologies, including renewable and recyclable feeds and CCUS applications.
Mercury removal absorbents
The PURASPEC range is designed for comprehensive mercury removal in both gas and liquid phases. Our mercury absorbents combine decades of industry experience with the latest manufacturing innovations to deliver superior performance.
Chloride removal absorbents
PURASPEC chloride absorbents provide tailored solutions for the removal of hydrogen chloride (HCl) and organo-chlorides (RCl). These customised solutions ensure efficient and effective chloride removal to meet your specific needs.
