Hydro-Desulphurization (HDS) Process in Oil Refineries
The primary objective of the HDS process is to reduce sulfur content in refinery products such as naphtha, kerosene, diesel, and vacuum gas oil (VGO).
Meet stringent environmental regulations, protect downstream catalysts, and improve fuel quality.
Sulfur compounds are converted into hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) through catalytic reactions in the presence of hydrogen.
Hydro-desulphurization (HDS) is one of the most essential conversion and treating processes used in modern oil refineries to remove sulfur and sulfur-containing compounds from petroleum fractions. The primary objective of the HDS process is to reduce sulfur content in refinery products such as naphtha, kerosene, diesel, and vacuum gas oil (VGO) in order to meet stringent environmental regulations, protect downstream catalysts, and improve fuel quality. During the process, sulfur compounds are converted into hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) through catalytic reactions in the presence of hydrogen.
Well-known licensors and technology providers for hydro-desulphurization processes include:
- UOP (Honeywell) – Unicracking™ and Unionfining™ technologies
- Axens – Prime-D™, HyK™ and HDS process licenses
- Shell Global Solutions
- Haldor Topsoe
- ExxonMobil Research & Engineering
These technologies are widely implemented across refineries worldwide and are supplied as complete process packages with reactor systems, heat integration, hydrogen management, and sulfur handling facilities.
Catalysts
Cobalt-Molybdenum (Co-Mo/Al₂O₃) – widely used for middle distillate HDS
Nickel-Molybdenum (Ni-Mo/Al₂O₃) – used for deeper desulfurization and aromatic saturation
Nickel-Tungsten (Ni-W) – applied in severe hydrotreating services
Hydro-desulphurization catalysts play a critical role in achieving high sulfur conversion efficiency and long cycle lengths.
Common catalyst types include:
- Cobalt-Molybdenum (Co-Mo/Al₂O₃) – widely used for middle distillate HDS
- Nickel-Molybdenum (Ni-Mo/Al₂O₃) – used for deeper desulfurization and aromatic saturation
- Nickel-Tungsten (Ni-W) – applied in severe hydrotreating services
Major commercial catalyst suppliers:
- Haldor Topsoe
- Albemarle
- Criterion (Shell subsidiary)
- Axens
- Honeywell UOP
OGSCM Group supports refineries by sourcing and supplying refinery-approved hydrotreating catalysts with full technical documentation, handling guidelines, and compatibility with licensed HDS technologies.
Chemicals
Sulfiding chemicals are used during catalyst activation to convert metal oxides into their active sulfide form prior to normal operation.
Dimethyl Disulfide (DMDS)
Di-tert-butyl Polysulfide (TBPS)
Sulfiding Agents
Sulfiding chemicals are used during catalyst activation to convert metal oxides into their active sulfide form prior to normal operation.
Common sulfiding agents include:
- Dimethyl Disulfide (DMDS)
- Di-tert-butyl Polysulfide (TBPS)
OGSCM supplies high-purity sulfiding chemicals suitable for hydrotreating catalyst activation. These products are delivered in approved industrial packaging with full safety data sheets and handling instructions. From following brands:
- Mitsubishi Gas Chemical
- Arkema
- Eastman Chemical
- LANXESS
Main Equipment
The HDS reactor is a high-pressure vessel designed to house fixed-bed catalyst systems and operate under hydrogen atmosphere at elevated temperatures.
Heat exchangers are used for feed preheating, reactor effluent cooling, and heat recovery, while charge heaters provide the necessary reaction temperature.
Accurate measurement and control of temperature, pressure, flow, and hydrogen purity are essential for safe and efficient HDS operation.
Hydro-Desulphurization Reactor
The HDS reactor is a high-pressure vessel designed to house fixed-bed catalyst systems and operate under hydrogen atmosphere at elevated temperatures.
Well-known manufacturers and suppliers:
- UOP (Honeywell) – Reactor packages
- Axens – Hydrotreating reactor systems
- L&T Heavy Engineering
- Doosan Enerbility
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)
OGSCM offers comprehensive sourcing solutions for HDS reactor vessels, internals, catalyst support grids, distributors, quench systems, thermowells, nozzles, flanges, and spare parts. We support both new projects and revamp requirements with competitive commercial terms and complete technical documentation.
Heat Exchangers and Furnaces
Heat exchangers are used for feed preheating, reactor effluent cooling, and heat recovery, while charge heaters provide the necessary reaction temperature.
Leading commercial suppliers:
- Alfa Laval
- API Heat Transfer
- Kelvion
- Hisaka
- Tranter
OGSCM Group supplies heat exchangers, furnaces components, and associated spare parts including tube bundles, gaskets, expansion joints, and refractory materials for HDS units.
Instrumentation
Accurate measurement and control of temperature, pressure, flow, and hydrogen purity are essential for safe and efficient HDS operation.
Major instrumentation brands include:
- Emerson (Rosemount, Micro Motion)
- Yokogawa
- Honeywell Process Solutions
- Endress+Hauser
- ABB
All instruments are supplied as explosion-proof and refinery-approved for high-pressure hydrogen service.
| Tag | Full Name | Function |
|---|---|---|
| PT | Pressure Transmitter | Sends pressure signal to control system |
| PI | Pressure Indicator | Local pressure indication |
| TT | Temperature Transmitter | Reactor temperature monitoring |
| FT | Flow Transmitter | Hydrogen and feed flow measurement |
| AT | Analyzer Transmitter | H₂S and sulfur content analysis |
Valves
Valves are critical for process control, isolation, and safety in high-pressure hydrogen and hydrocarbon services.
Major valve manufacturers include:
- Emerson (Fisher, Vanessa)
- Cameron (SLB)
- Flowserve
- L&T Valves
- Neway
- Kitz
OGSCM Group provides full procurement and technical support for industrial valves required in hydro-desulphurization units, including control, safety, ball, gate, globe, check, and butterfly valves, along with spare parts and accessories.