Jacobs Engineering Group has acquired the patent rights for Bayer’s BAYQIK quasi-isothermal sulfuric acid converter technology and other related technology for an undisclosed sum. The transfer will include all relevant technical, commercial and market information related to the business. Developed, piloted and commercialized by Bayer over the past 10 years, the BAYQIK technology is said to enable more efficient conversion of process gas with high concentrations of SO2. A full-scale installation based on the technology has operated successfully for seven years.

Gary Mandel, president Petroleum and Chemicals, said the acquisition complements the company’s existing sulfuric acid technology portfolio, enabling it to provide state-of-the-art technology to both the low strength and high strength SO2 market segments. For Jacobs’ Chemetics process technology solutions business and process industry clients, he said it will provide a superior and more flexible option for processing high strength SO2 gas, a growing requirement for operatives in the non-ferrous metallurgical acid plant market.

With a workforce of 50,000 and operations in more than 30 countries, Jacobs bills itself as one of the world's largest and most diverse providers of full-spectrum technical, professional and construction services for industrial, commercial and government organizations globally. Mandel said the company is “thrilled” to be able to add this “robust technology” to its sulfuric acid technology portfolio.