Gasification of petroleum residues using the Shell process

The growing need for "synthesis gas" (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) and the replacement of coal by petroleum products in certain applications led, in the mid-50s, to the development of processes for the gasification of petroleum cuts.

Among these processes, two stand out: the Shell process, described below, and the Texaco process.

The SGP (Shell Gasification Process) is a non-catalytic partial oxidation process that converts a hydrocarbon feedstock into synthesis gas with high-pressure steam production.

One of its features is that it can handle a wide variety of feedstocks, from natural gas to oil residues containing high levels of sulfur and metals.

The great flexibility of the SGP process operating conditions means it can be used in a wide range of industrial applications, particularly in the production of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, ammonia, methanol and various chemicals, as well as in the generation of fuel gases and electricity.

Against a backdrop of ever-increasing constraints on emissions, leading to restrictions on the use of heavy fuels, the SGP process is an attractive solution for converting petroleum residues. Combined with a combined cycle, it can ensure the non-polluting production of hydrogen and electricity from residues. In terms of environmental protection, it is characterized by low levels of SO ₂ , NO _x and particulate emissions.