The Shell–Paques process, also known by the trade name of Thiopaq O&G,[1] is a gas desulfurization technology for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from natural-, refinery-, synthesis- and biogas.
After accession of a dedicated joint venture by the founders, Paqell B.V., the trade name for applications in the Oil & Gas industry was changed to "THIOPAQ O&G".
The controlled partial oxidation of sulfide to elemental sulfur (2) is catalyzed by naturally occurring microorganisms of the genus Halothiobacillus in the bioreactor.
There are several options for handling this slurry and to convert it into products for sulfuric acid generation, fertiliser or fungicide.
The system is flexible and has several processing options that have ready application in the petroleum refinery or petrochemical complex for managing a variety of sulfur-containing streams including sulfidic caustic, LPG, hydrotreater offgas and fuel gas.