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. 

 

Infographic explaining syngas purification systems, including: mercury removal, organic sulphur removal, chloride removal, hydrogen sulphide removal and ultra-purification.

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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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