TBPS Market & Trends

Di-tert-butyl Polysulfide (commonly referred to as TBPS, CAS No. 68937-96-2), an advanced high-performance organic sulfur compound, has become increasingly vital in the field of refinery hydroprocessing and in-situ catalyst pre-sulfiding.

This report focuses on the application status of TBPS in refinery hydrotreating units, a comprehensive technical comparison against traditional alternatives, and the development trends of localized supply in China.

1. Core Positioning of TBPS in Refinery Hydroprocessing Units

In refinery hydrotreating and hydrocracking units, freshly loaded catalyst metals are in an oxidized state (such as CoO-MoO3). These must be converted into active metal disulfide phases (such as Co-Mo-S active sites) through a sulfiding agent to exhibit catalytic activity.

For decades, dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) has been the traditional workhorse sulfiding agent in refineries. However, as safety and environmental regulations tighten and catalyst technology advances, TBPS is rapidly emerging as the premier green alternative for high-standard refinery start-ups due to its unique molecular structure and much milder physical properties.

2. Technical Comparison: TBPS vs. DMDS

When selecting a sulfiding agent, refineries primarily evaluate active sulfur content, decomposition temperature, safety risks, and the impact of byproducts on the recycle gas system. The following highlights the key differences between TBPS and traditional DMDS:

• Active Sulfur Content:
  • DMDS: Approximately 68%, offering an advantage in terms of unit dosage and initial purchasing cost.
  • TBPS: Approximately 54% – 55%.
• Flash Point and Safety Level:
  • TBPS: Flash point greater than 100°C, classified as a non-flammable liquid. It offers exceptional safety during transport, storage, and on-site handling, with no special fire-hazard restrictions.
  • DMDS: Flash point is only 16°C – 24°C, classified as a highly flammable liquid requiring rigorous storage and nitrogen-blanketed unloading protocols.
• Typical Decomposition Temperature:
  • TBPS: Decomposition begins at approximately 150°C. This low-temperature decomposition releases H2S early, preventing active metal oxides on the catalyst from being prematurely reduced to elemental metals by high-temperature hydrogen, thus locking in peak catalyst activity.
  • DMDS: Decomposition typically begins around 200°C.
• Odor Profile and Environmental Acceptance:
  • TBPS: Possesses a mild, diesel-like odor with no pungent stench, making it highly acceptable to refinery operators and completely eliminating odor-related community complaints.
  • DMDS: Emits an extremely strong, obnoxious garlic-like odor, which frequently triggers environmental complaints from refinery staff and nearby residential areas.
• Decomposition Byproducts:
  • TBPS: The primary byproduct is isobutane, which does not easily condense in the recycle gas loop and will not dilute hydrogen purity, maintaining stable system pressure.
  • DMDS: The primary byproduct is methane, which can dilute recycle gas hydrogen purity and increase purge gas discharge requirements.
• Start-up Efficiency:
  • TBPS: Supports rapid, low-temperature H2S breakthrough with mild reaction heat, significantly shortening the overall sulfiding schedule.
  • DMDS: The sulfiding process is highly exothermic, requiring strict temperature ramp control to prevent localized bed overheating (temperature runaway).

3. Global and Chinese TBPS Supply Landscape

3.1 International Market Status

Globally, high-purity TBPS production technology and mature supply chains have historically been concentrated in the hands of a few multinational specialty organic sulfur chemical giants. Due to their long-term presence in the market, these international producers hold a major share in global mid-to-high-end refineries. However, with extended international shipping lead times, rising geopolitical risks, and soaring logistics costs, their dominance is being challenged by rising domestic chemical producers in China.

3.2 Breakthrough by Chinese Producer — Junyuan Petroleum Group

Driven by the explosive growth of China’s integrated refining complexes and large-scale hydroprocessing units, domestic manufacturers are accelerating efforts to break foreign monopolies:

Junyuan Petroleum Group, a premier Chinese manufacturer specializing in high-purity hydrocarbon solvents and specialty additives, has developed and launched its proprietary, eco-friendly TBPS sulfiding agent.

Leveraging strict internal quality control and advanced chemical synthesis, Junyuan Petroleum Group ensures its TBPS meets exact industry specifications, including an active sulfur content of ~55%, low viscosity, and excellent thermal stability. The group’s domestic production secures a highly reliable, resilient supply chain for refineries in China and the broader Asia-Pacific region, while significantly lowering total procurement costs through a direct-from-factory supply model. Technical Data Sheets (TDS), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and product samples are readily available through the group’s official sales channels.

4. Future Trend Outlook (Through 2035)

Trend 1: Strict Environmental and Safety Mandates Accelerating the Shift to Green Alternatives

As global environmental regulations and green refinery standards intensify, refineries have zero tolerance for H2S exposure risks and odor complaints. Over the next decade, the adoption rate of TBPS over DMDS in new and upgraded hydrocracking and heavy oil hydrotreating units is projected to grow at an annualized rate of over 10%.

Trend 2: Shorter Start-up Windows Driving the Need for High-Efficiency Sulfiding

For world-scale refineries, unplanned downtime or extended start-up windows carry massive financial penalties. The lower decomposition temperature of TBPS and its shorter H2S breakthrough time eliminate the risk of localized reactor runaway while slashing overall start-up hours, matching the industry’s demand for fast, safe, and efficient operations.

Trend 3: Deep Collaboration Between Local Supply Chains and Mega-Refineries

The massive scale of modern integrated refining projects requires reliable, high-volume chemical supply. Over the next 3 to 5 years, domestic producers led by Junyuan Petroleum Group will leverage their localized logistics and prompt technical support to build long-term, strategic supply partnerships with major state-owned and private mega-refineries, paving the way for complete import substitution.

5. Sales, Quotes, and Product Inquiry

As a leading manufacturer of high-purity TBPS sulfiding agents, Junyuan Petroleum Group is dedicated to providing refineries and catalyst service providers worldwide with premium products and comprehensive technical support.

For product pricing, customized technical solutions, TDS/SDS requests, or sample inquiries, please contact our sales team directly.