Adsorbent materials, apparatus, and methods for removal of hydrogen sulfide from gases

Abstract

An adsorbent composition, adsorbent apparatus, and gas purification process using the absorbent composition are provided for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from a gas containing at least hydrogen sulfide as an impurity. The adsorbent composition includes a combination of at least one carbon material, at least one clay material, and at least one metal oxide. In particular, the combination of carbon material(s), clay material(s) and metal oxide(s) provide for effective removal of hydrogen sulfide from a gas at a reduced cost.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to an adsorbent composition and system, and more particularly to an adsorbent composition and system for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from a contaminated gas. In particular, the present invention relates to an adsorbent composition containing a combination of carbon, clay and one or more metal oxides.BACKGROUND[0002]Hydrogen sulfide, a colorless gas with the characteristic odor of rotten eggs, is a malodorous compound that is very poisonous, corrosive, flammable, and explosive. Although it is disagreeably odorous at first, it can deaden one's sense of smell by paralyzing the respiratory center of the brain and olfactory nerve and, thus, one may subsequently be unable to detect its presence after initial exposure. Exposure to hydrogen sulfide at heightened levels can cause rapid loss of consciousness and death.[0003]Hydrogen sulfide occurs naturally, for example, in crude petroleum, natural gas, sour gases, salt m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an adsorbent composition for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from a gas containing at least hydrogen sulfide as a contaminant. The composition comprises a combination of a carbon material, clay, and a metal oxide. The adsorbent composition can be in the form of granules, powders, particles, pellets, cylinders, trochiodal shapes, flakes, beads, rings, irregular shapes, extruded structures, matrices, honeycomb structures, meshes, helixes and combinations thereof. The adsorbent media composition can be used in an apparatus for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from a gas, such as a packed column, plate column, spray chamber, spray tower, or cyclonic spray chamber. The method for removing hydrogen sulfide from a gas involves contacting the gas with the adsorbent media composition and allowing it to remove at least a portion of hydrogen sulfide from the gas via adsorption. The technical effect of the invention is the provision of an effective and efficient adsorbent composition for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from gases.

Problems solved by technology

Hydrogen sulfide, a colorless gas with the characteristic odor of rotten eggs, is a malodorous compound that is very poisonous, corrosive, flammable, and explosive.

Although it is disagreeably odorous at first, it can deaden one's sense of smell by paralyzing the respiratory center of the brain and olfactory nerve and, thus, one may subsequently be unable to detect its presence after initial exposure.

Exposure to hydrogen sulfide at heightened levels can cause rapid loss of consciousness and death.

Hydrogen sulfide is one of many malodorous compounds that are considered environmental contaminants, some of which are subject to regulation because they can cause a variety of undesirable reactions in living organisms and the environment.