Activated Oxidizing Composition for H2S Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from sour gas and hydrocarbon fuels are inefficient, costly, and do not effectively address corrosion and scaling issues in pipelines, with existing processes often requiring multiple steps and using expensive catalysts.
Innovation Solution
Activated oxidizing compositions comprising an aqueous mixture of sodium hypochlorite, a chelating agent (such as etidronic acid), and transition metal compounds (like ferric sulfate) are used to oxidize H2S to elemental sulfur, providing anti-corrosion and anti-scaling protection by adjusting the pH to specific ranges for different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Claus process or liquid redox processes are used to remove H2S, then sulfur recovery is achieved, but the process complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the essential oxidation function from complex multi-step processes. By using sodium hypochlorite as a direct oxidizing agent that can be injected into the pipeline, the invention removes the need for complex Claus process units, reactors, and multiple processing stages, achieving H2S removal through a single, simple injection point
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sodium hypochlorite solution as an intermediary substance that mediates the oxidation of H2S to elemental sulfur. This intermediary approach allows the oxidation reaction to occur directly in the pipeline without requiring complex processing equipment, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining effective H2S removal
2Productivity
If expensive catalysts are used in existing H2S removal processes, then conversion efficiency improves, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sodium hypochlorite solution, a relatively inexpensive chemical reagent, as the oxidizing agent instead of expensive catalysts. The solution is injected into the pipeline and consumed in the oxidation reaction, converting H2S to elemental sulfur without requiring costly catalytic materials or complex regeneration systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using a strong oxidizing agent (sodium hypochlorite) that operates under different conditions than traditional catalyst-based processes. This parameter change allows for effective H2S conversion without the need for expensive catalysts, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high conversion efficiency
3Reliability
If conventional H2S removal methods are applied, then sulfur is removed from the gas stream, but corrosion and scaling issues in pipelines are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sodium hypochlorite injection system multi-functional by achieving three objectives simultaneously: (1) oxidizing H2S to elemental sulfur, (2) preventing corrosion of pipeline metal surfaces, and (3) preventing scaling by oxidizing dissolved sulfides. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate corrosion inhibition and scaling prevention systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful H2S gas and dissolved sulfides into beneficial elemental sulfur deposits through oxidation. By transforming the corrosive and scaling-causing substances into solid sulfur particles that can be removed, the process turns a harmful factor into a removable byproduct while simultaneously protecting the pipeline
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The compositions efficiently remove H2S from sour gas and hydrocarbon fuels, reducing corrosion and scaling, with a stoichiometric ratio significantly lower than traditional sodium hypochlorite solutions, and demonstrate strong oxidative capabilities, maintaining stability and effectiveness for several weeks.
Implementation Method 1
Activated oxidizing compositions comprising an aqueous mixture of sodium hypochlorite, a chelating agent (such as etidronic acid), and transition metal compounds (like ferric sulfate) are used to oxidize H2S to elemental sulfur
Implementation Method 2
providing anti-corrosion and anti-scaling protection by adjusting the pH to specific ranges for different applications
Implementation Method 3
providing anti-corrosion and anti-scaling protection by adjusting the pH to specific ranges for different applications
Data Source
AI summary
An oxidizing composition for removing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from a gaseous or liquid stream includes mixture products of water, sodium hypochlorite, a chelating agent, and a transition metal compound. The chelating agent can be etidronic acid; the transition metal compound can be an iron (III) compound, such as ferric sulfate. The oxidizing composition is formed by (i) combining water, chelating agent, and transition metal compound to form an activator composition and (ii) mixing the activator composition with a sodium hypochlorite solution to adjust the pH, such as for a particular use. Oxidizing compositions suitable for removing H2S from natural gas pipelines or hydrocarbon fuel have a pH of about 10-10.3. Oxidizing compositions suitable for removing H2S from wastewater have a pH of about 9.0-10.1. Oxidizing compositions suitable for cleaning pipelines and provide anti-scaling and anti-corrosion effects have a pH of about 8-9.8.