Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. has turned to Sandvik’s Rotoform solidification technology to handle the increasing volumes of sulphur produced at its Brazil refineries. Eight Sandvik Rotoform lines, located in 4 different Petrobras refineries awaiting start-up as part of a major investment program being undertaken by Petrobras in new or revamped refinery operations. The Rotoform system works by depositing droplets of liquid sulphur across a continuously running steel belt. Water is sprayed against the underside of the steel belt and, as the sulphur is carried along the cooler, the resulting transfer of heat converts the liquid droplets into solid pastilles. The need to increase sulphur solidification capacity is due to a combination of environmental regulations requiring reduced levels of sulphur in fuels (hence greater volumes being extracted) and continuing growth in the overall output from the company’s oil fields in the region.
