This is in line with policies to reduce environmental pollution and upgrade the quality of refined products, the Oil Ministry news agency Shana reported.
Built at a cost of $6.7 million, the unit helps minimize the environmental impact of sulfur in the air and curbs emission of pollutants, according to Financial Tribune.
Previously, the plant produced sulfur lumps, which caused much environmental damage. Now sulfur is produced in the form of granules.
Removing dust particles that cause air pollution, maintaining product quality and increasing output are among other advantages of the unit.
Sulfur is used mainly to produce sulfuric acid, one of the important chemicals in industrial processes. It is widely used in the fertilizer and rubber industry and for making steel and pharmaceuticals.
Established in 1979, Isfahan Oil Refinery produces nearly 25% of the country’s petroleum products.
On a daily basis it produces 11 million liters of Euro-4 gasoline, 18 million liters of diesel and about 10 million liters of mazut. It supplies gasoline to 12 provinces.
Isfahan refinery is also the main supplier of feedstock to Sepahan Oil Company, Isfahan Petrochemical Plant, Arak Petrochemical Plant, Jey Oil Refining Company and Iran Chemical Industries Company.
Crude oil needed by the refinery comes from Maroun oil field in Khuzestan Province via a 430 km pipeline.
As per its environmental commitments, the company is making efforts to reduce the amount of sulfur in its Mazut and gradually reduce production of this eco-unfriendly fuel, converting it into other products.
Mazut is among highly polluting products. It is a heavy, low quality fuel oil, used in power plants and factories. The main type of bunker oil for ships is heavy mazut, derived as a residue from crude oil distillation.
Sulfur oxide (SOx) is known to be harmful to human health, causing respiratory symptoms and lung disease. In the atmosphere, SOx can lead to acid rain, which can harm crops, forests and aquatics and contribute to acidification of the oceans.