What is defined as the process of extracting sulfur from sour crude oil in refining?

The process of extracting sulfur from sour crude oil in refining is known as sulfur recovery. This method is crucial because sour crude oil contains higher levels of sulfur compounds, which can lead to environmental issues and corrosion in processing equipment if not properly managed.

In the sulfur recovery process, various technologies, such as the Claus process, are used to convert hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S)—which is a byproduct of the refining of sour crude oil—into elemental sulfur that can be sold or disposed of safely. This not only helps in reducing harmful emissions but also allows for the recycling of sulfur, making it an integral part of sustainable refining practices.

This understanding emphasizes the importance of sulfur recovery in addressing both operational and environmental challenges in the oil refining industry while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.