Catalysis & Energy

CATALYSTS FOR SULFURIC

ACID PRODUCTION

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Catalysts for Sulfuric

Acid Production
SULFOMAX

Creating Performance Technology

Form follows function

Vanadium pentoxide catalysts for sulphuric acid production have

been used for many decades now. The challenge is to continuously
improve their performance, finding the right balance of activity,
mechanical strength, and lifetime that performs in a wide range of
sulphuric acid plants.

SulfoMax comes in different shapes and sizes to meet in myriad of

process and operating conditions. All catalyst types are specifically
designed to obtain optimum performance under varying conditions.
Our standard SulfoMax RR catalyst can be used in all catalyst beds of
the converter; other variants offer high performance optimized for
different operation conditions.

Clariant has leveraged its expertise in catalysis formulation and

manufacturing to develop SulfoMax for the sulfuric acid industry.
Our strength in sulphuric acid technology grows from our roots in
Sd-Chemie, a leading company in the development of process catalysts for chemicals markets. The broad portfolio of highly innovative,
catalyst products is now part of the Catalysis & Energy business unit
of Clariant.
SulfoMax has a proven track record in sulphuric acid plants.
Whether the preferred outcome is to reduce emissions, increase
productivity, maximise energy recovery, decrease pressure drop
or extend catalyst lifetime, SulfoMax is the product of choice for
sulphuric acid production.

Achieve higher SO2 conversions

with SULFOMAX

An additional key advantage is that SulfoMax is optimized to offer

lower screening losses with uncompromised activity. Ribbed rings
and ribbed extrusions also offer:
Higher mechanical strength
Higher activity due to higher geometric surface area
Better gas distribution
Additionally, these shapes result in higher void fractions, achieving
lower pressure-drop build up and demonstrating increased dust
holding capacity.
Rings are best used as dust protection layers in catalyst beds, acting
as a guard bed. This delays the rapid-pressure drop build up rate
caused by deposition of particulate matter.

SO2 Conversion [%]

100

75

50
Equilibrium
Curve

25

Conversion
Profile
80
350

400

450

500

550

600

650

Temperature [C ]

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FIGURE 1 Achieve

higher SO2 conversions

with SulfoMax

CATALYSTS FOR SULFURIC ACID PRODUCTION

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TECHNICAL DATA FOR THE SULFOMAX CATALYST SERIES

Catalyst type

Size
od x id mm

Operation
Temperature C

Suitability

Shapes

SulfoMax RR

12x4, 9x3

420-630

All beds of a
converter

Simple Rings
Ribbed Rings

SulfoMax HV

12x4, 9x3

420-600

Suitable for high

SO3 environments

Simple Rings
Ribbed Rings

SulfoMax CS

9x3

380-450

Top layer of 1st

bed/final bed

Simple Rings
Ribbed Rings

SulfoMax CV

9x3

370-450

Bed after IAT in

DC/DA plant*

Simple Rings
Ribbed Rings

*Bed after Intermediate Absorption Tower (IAT) in a Double Contact Double Absorption Plant (DC/DA)

Options to maximize output

Sales and Technical Service

Standard SulfoMax RR demonstrates superior SO2 oxidation activity and its rugged nature provides exceptional resistance on attrition
losses during screening, and reduces pressure drop development
during operation due to the accumulation of foreign materials from
the feed.

Clariant offers its customers complete service regarding the use of

any of the catalyst it supplies. This service includes supplying information to the engineering contractor or customer during the initial
stages of design and construction of a plant; start-up services when
the plant is first placed on-line; subsequent follow-up service to
assist the customer in maintaining optimum operating performance
of the catalysts.

For high SO3 environments, high vanadium SulfoMax HV can be

used in the lower converter passes, maximizing overall conversion
in your process.
With SulfoMax CS, the use of cesium as a promoter greatly enhances the activity at much lower temperatures, improving the overall
conversion and energy recovery in the plant. SulfoMax CS is active
at temperatures as low as 380C, and helps in increased energy
recovery in the form of steam generation. This reduces the energy
spent to heat up the incoming gas to catalyst strike temperature.
Other benefits include:
Increased acid throughput
Improved overall conversion
Reduction in SO2 emissions
Allows a the higher SO2 content

This service is available to the customer throughout the life of the

catalyst, and includes:
Selection of proper catalyst
Technical reviews of start-up and shutdown procedures
Technical assistance for loading
Technical assistance during catalyst start up
Routine performance evaluations
Immediate troubleshooting
Catalyst life projections
Technical assistance during catalyst shutdown
Chemical and physical analyses of spent catalyst
Gas analysis and simulation studies for process optimization
Talk to your Clariant sales representative to learn what SulfoMax
product is best for you.

SulfoMax CV consists of high vanadium as well as high cesium and

it is highly active in the temperature range of 370-450C, suited for
passes after the IAT where SO2 concentrations are relatively low.
SulfoMax CV gives lowest possible stack emissions on a sustainable
basis.

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CLARIANT INTERNATIONAL LTD

Rothausstrasse 61
4132 Muttenz
Switzerland
CATALYSIS & ENERGY

catalyst@clariant.com
WWW.CATALYSIS-ENERGY.CLARIANT.COM

This information corresponds to the present state of our knowledge and is intended as a general description of our products and their possible applications. Clariant makes no warranties, express or implied,
as to the informations accuracy, adequacy, sufficiency or freedom from defect and assumes no liability
in connection with any use of this information. Any user of this product is responsible for determining
the suitability of Clariants products for its particular application.* Nothing included in this information
waives any of Clariants General Terms and Conditions of Sale, which control unless it agrees otherwise
in writing. Any existing intellectual/industrial property rights must be observed. Due to possible changes
in our products and applicable national and international regulations and laws, the status of our products
could change. Material Safety Data Sheets providing safety precautions, that should be observed when
handling or storing Clariant products, are available upon request and are provided in compliance with
applicable law. You should obtain and review the applicable Material Safety Data Sheet information before
handling any of these products. For additional information, please contact Clariant.

2004 Clariant International AG, Rothausstrasse 61, 4132 Muttenz, Schweiz

SulfoMax is a registered trademark.

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CE 1012

*For sales to customers located within the United States and Canada the following applies in addition:
NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY IS MADE OF THE MERCHANTABILITY, SUITABILITY,
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE OF ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE.

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