Sinopec Zhenhai Refining and Chemical Co. (Sinopec), China’s largest integrated refining-chemical enterprise, has contracted with MECS, and MECS Chemical Plants Equipment (Shanghai), subsidiaries of Elessent Clean Technologies (Elessent), for the license, design, engineering, and equipment for a spent sulfuric acid regeneration plant.

This plant will be located at Sinopec’s petrochemical complex in Ningbo, Zhenhai province, People’s Republic of China. The spent acid regeneration plant will be built in conjunction with Sinopec’s planned expansion of its sulfuric acid alkylation and acrylonitrile facilities at the Ningbo site.

The growing use of sulfuric acid alkylation by refineries and increased production of spent sulfuric acid from chemical plants necessitate a resource to process the additional spent acid being produced. For many companies, consistently dependable regeneration technology is critical to meeting capacity requirements and fulfilling end market demands. MECS dry gas sulfuric acid regeneration (SAR) technology offers sulfuric acid producers a highly effective solution that supports the production of very high quality alkylate, while ensuring consistent uptime with limited maintenance requirements.

By introducing an acid regeneration plant into their refinery, Sinopec is reducing as much waste as possible and prioritizing air quality. The MECS acid plant and equipment used at the refinery will guarantee tight emissions control and assist with sustainability efforts, as well as long-term profitability, by decreasing dependence on new resources. The prioritization of conservation measures is ultimately contributing to a circular economy which goes hand in hand with Sinopec’s commitment to social responsibility.

Eli Ben-Shoshan, CEO, Elessent, said, “We are honored to play a role in a project that provides our customer, Sinopec Zhenhai, with a means to strengthen sustainability in the region. Our sulfuric acid regeneration technology allows Sinopec to keep sulfuric acid in circulation for as long as possible. This provides great value for our customer and allows them to incorporate another measure of sustainability into their refining operation.”