KAZAKHSTAN UPSTREAM OIL AND GAS technology and R&d ...

2.3 Management of sulphur
68
Solutions commentary
The production of elemental sulphur from
oil and gas is likely to grow to around 4
million tonnes per annum 10 years from now.
Sulphur storage and sulphur utilization remain
challenging, while separation of sulphur and
mercaptans from oil & gas is reasonably well
progressed.
More cost-effective separation technology
solutions exist, and emissions could be
reduced towards zero through tail gas
purification by working with other institutes
abroad. The foundation of a Kazakhstan
sulphur centre of excellence would be of
value in developing fit-for-purpose standards
for advanced sulphur separation and
storage technologies. These standards for
environmentally friendly, temporary sulphur
storage could be based on best practices in
Canada and other countries with a history
of responsible sulphur management, possibly
adapted for the harsh Kazakh conditions.
Experience with sulphur storage and re-melting
should present opportunities for local industries
to develop sulphur management services in
Kazakhstan and abroad, such as Russia and
Middle East. The biggest challenge is the
utilization of the large quantities of produced
elemental sulphur. Some sulphur is used
for making sulphuric acid and phosphate
fertilizers, and it is hoped that these industries
will grow further. Some research has taken
place by local institutes on sulphur enhanced
asphalt and concrete but more R&D and
cooperation with global sulphur innovators
is needed to accelerate the development of
local industries based on these opportunities.
As the Kazakhstan construction industry is not
used to dealing with sulphur, the government
ought to consider adopting fit-for-purpose,
international regulations and approval/
permit processes regarding the handling and
storage of elemental sulphur. This would lower
the barriers to growing a rich local sulphur
industry. Kazakh entrepreneurs should be
encouraged to pilot existing technologies for
sulphur enhanced construction materials, and
develop new small, medium enterprises. The
agriculture sector could benefit from using
sulphur-enhanced fertilizers in sulphur-deficient
soils and sulphur ameliorant to reclaim waste
land with sodic and saline soil for agriculture
in large parts of the country. Local R&D in
sulphur storage and utilization could make
Kazakhstan a front runner in this area. A
decision will have to be made on whether
know-how and resources should be made
available for fundamental and longer-term
research into the conversion of sour gas more
directly into power.
Kazakhstan Upstream oil & gas technology and R&D roadmap