TBPS Sulfiding Agent for Hydrotreating and Hydrocracking Catalysts
What Is TBPS?
TBPS (Tertiary Butyl Polysulfide) is a high-efficiency sulfiding agent widely used during the start-up of hydrotreating and hydrocracking units. As a reactive polysulfide, TBPS provides controlled sulfur release, allowing refineries to safely activate fresh catalysts while minimizing the operational risks associated with traditional sulfur sources.
Compared with more volatile sulfiding agents, TBPS offers a stable injection process, lower odor, and improved handling safety, making it a preferred choice for many refinery start-up teams.
How TBPS Works in Catalyst Sulfiding
During catalyst activation, TBPS decomposes in a predictable manner to form active sulfur species. These sulfur compounds convert the metal oxides on hydrotreating and hydrocracking catalysts into their active sulfide forms, ensuring optimal hydrogenation and cracking performance at an early stage.
The controlled decomposition behavior of TBPS helps operators avoid uncontrolled temperature rises or hot spots, making the start-up process more stable and manageable.
Key Advantages of TBPS
1. Controlled Sulfur Release
TBPS provides smoother sulfiding kinetics than many conventional sulfiding agents. This controlled release reduces the likelihood of thermal runaway or catalyst overheating.
2. Safer Handling and Lower Odor
TBPS has a much lower vapor pressure compared with highly volatile sulfiding agents, resulting in:
- Less odor
- Lower environmental impact
- Reduced operator exposure
3. Applicable Across Multiple Refinery Units
TBPS is suitable for:
- Hydrotreating units (diesel, kerosene, naphtha)
- Hydrocracking units
- Fixed-bed and moving-bed reactor systems
Refineries often prefer TBPS because it generates fewer undesirable by-products during decomposition, contributing to a cleaner and more predictable start-up process.
Typical Applications
Hydrotreating Catalyst Activation
TBPS is used to initiate the sulfurization of metal oxide catalysts, improving their conversion efficiency and stabilizing hydrogen consumption from the beginning of the run.
Hydrocracking Catalyst Sulfiding
High-severity hydrocracking units require stable sulfur release to protect catalysts. TBPS supports gradual activation, ensuring uniform sulfiding and extending catalyst life.
Supplementary Sulfur Management
In some operations, TBPS is injected periodically to maintain catalyst sulfidity and ensure continuous hydrotreating performance.
Why Refineries Choose TBPS
Refinery operators value TBPS for its combination of safety, effectiveness, and operational simplicity. The material can be injected through standard sulfiding systems and requires minimal modification to existing procedures. Its stable performance and low-odor characteristics make TBPS one of the most refinery-friendly sulfiding agents available today.
Conclusion
TBPS (Tertiary Butyl Polysulfide) is an ideal sulfiding agent for catalyst activation in hydrotreating and hydrocracking units. With controlled sulfur release, safer handling, and broad compatibility across refinery systems, TBPS supports a reliable and efficient start-up process.
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