In 2025, a new gas sweeting unit for the recovery of sour flare gas from oil production has been put in operation at an existing production station of PDO in Oman. To remove H2S, PDO selected the Thiopaq O&G (TOG) process, supplied and licensed by SLB and Paqell. This environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional physico-chemical desulfurization processes utilizes naturally occurring bacteria to convert toxic H2S to reusable elemental biosulfur.
The TOG unit in Oman is designed for a total gas flow rate of 365,000 Sm3/day, combining 3 sour flare gas streams. During start-up, it appeared that the CO2 and mercaptan concentrations were significantly higher than anticipated at the design. Built-in process margins allowed for the successful treatment of the gas. Furthermore, by including several measures in the design, the solution temperature can be maintained successfully <40 °C despite Oman’s hot climate.
Four months after initial gas intake, the TOG unit achieved near-design gas flow rates, demonstrating very stable and robust operation without process upsets. Chemical consumptions are well within design parameters. The 72-hour Site Acceptance Test for the facility was successfully completed and gas is being exported to the South Oman Gas Line.
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