Gas Sweetening and Hydrodesulfurization in Refineries: Decarbonization in Fuel Processing Technologies

This work seeks to understand the contribution of hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and gas sweetening to advancing decarbonization of refineries and the processing of sustainable fuels. Specifically, the objectives focus on analyzing the mechanisms of HDS and gas sweetening, evaluating the innovations on catalysts and solvents, examining the strategies on the use of hydrogen, the capture of carbon, and proposing integrative strategies for the modernization of refineries in the developing world. Secondary data were sourced from peer-reviewed journals, refinery documents, patents, and publications from international bodies and were analyzed and modelled for comparative technological performance assessment. Findings showed that modern NiMo and CoMo catalysts yield ultra-low diesel and attain 99% Sulphur removal, while modern amine gas sweetening systems attain 90-95% CO₂ removal. Adding to decarbonization strategies the recycling and low-carbon hydrogen infusion of the process closing and decarbonization may be reduced by 30-40% of total emissions. Integration of hydrogen management, including recycling and low-carbon production, amplifies decarbonization outcomes, with potential emission reductions of 30–40%. Challenges in developing economies include aging infrastructure, high-sulfur crude input, and limited access to low-carbon hydrogen, which constrain technology adoption. Recommendations focus on catalyst and solvent modernization, hydrogen optimization, process integration, and policy frameworks that incentivize sustainable refinery operations. The study concludes that system-wide integration of HDS, gas sweetening, and hydrogen management is essential for achieving environmental compliance, ultra-clean fuel production, and alignment with national and international energy transition goals.