Hydrogen Sulphide Removal From Industrial Gases Using Advanced, Modified Claus Technology

By James W. Smith, Ph.D., P. Eng. Senior Technical Advisor, Eco-Tec Inc

A number of commercial processes are available for removing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) from natural gas, tail gas from the Claus Process (containing un-reactive sulfur compounds, particularly CS₂ and COS), coke-oven gas, pyrolysis gas and solution tail gas from heavy oil production. These processes are often limited by economics and technology.

In the economic range from about 0.1 to 15 tons sulfur per day, a new process effects the Claus Reaction in a single (pressure) vessel, not unlike the conventional amine acid gas absorption tower. Sulfur is removed by cooling a slipstream, in the form of large crystals, where carbon dioxide is not absorbed, and water formed is carried out in the clean gas. This paper technically discusses this new, patented, sulfur purification process that offers clear advantages over current, conventional technologies.