Catalytic Sulfur Degassing with High Voidage Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing degasification processes for liquid sulfur are costly, require large space, slow, and involve incineration of H2S gas, with catalyst attrition and high pressure drops being significant disadvantages, and are unable to achieve the desired low H2S levels efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A process using a catalyst module with a high voidage of 60% or more, a gas lift system for circulation, and an inert stripping gas like nitrogen to contact liquid sulfur, which minimizes attrition and pressure drops, allowing for efficient removal of H2S and H2Sx in a continuous process with a short residence time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a packed bed of catalyst particles is used, then H2S removal efficiency is improved, but pressure drop increases and catalyst attrition occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous catalyst support structure with controlled porosity to provide high surface area for catalytic activity while maintaining low pressure drop. The porous structure allows liquid sulfur to flow through with minimal resistance while still providing adequate contact time for H2S removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite catalyst materials combining metal oxides (such as cobalt, molybdenum, nickel) supported on porous carriers. This composite structure provides both the catalytic activity needed for H2S removal and the structural properties to minimize attrition and pressure drop.
2Productivity
If a packed bed of catalyst particles is used, then H2S removal efficiency is improved, but catalyst attrition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The porous catalyst support provides mechanical strength and structural integrity while maintaining high surface area. This reduces catalyst particle breakage and attrition compared to dense particle structures, extending catalyst life and maintaining reliable H2S removal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite catalyst structure with metal oxide active phases on robust porous supports creates a mechanically strong material that resists attrition. The support structure protects the catalytically active but more fragile metal oxide components from mechanical degradation.
3Productivity
If low voidage catalyst bed is used, then catalyst contact efficiency is improved, but liquid sulfur circulation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The porous catalyst structure provides internal channels and void spaces that facilitate liquid sulfur penetration and circulation. This maintains good catalyst-liquid contact efficiency while reducing flow resistance compared to low-voidage packed beds, enabling easier liquid circulation.
4Productivity
If conventional degasification processes are used, then H2S removal is achieved, but retention time is too long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes operational parameters including temperature (100-200°C), pressure (1-10 bar), and liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV = 2-10) to achieve rapid H2S removal. These parameter adjustments enable effective degasification within 1-10 hours, significantly reducing the 14-30 hour retention times of conventional processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite catalyst materials provide enhanced catalytic activity that accelerates the decomposition of hydrogen polysulfides and removal of H2S. This increased reaction rate allows for shorter contact times and reduced retention time in the degasification process.
5Productivity
If conventional degasification processes are used, then H2S removal is achieved, but space requirements are large
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing temperature, pressure, and LHSV parameters, the process achieves high H2S removal efficiency in a compact configuration. The enhanced mass transfer and reaction kinetics under optimized parameters reduce the required reactor volume compared to conventional atmospheric pressure processes.
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 process effectively reduces H2S and H2Sx levels in liquid sulfur to below 10 ppm wt. within a short residence time, minimizing catalyst attrition and avoiding incineration, while being safer and less corrosive, with reduced operational complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
contacting said liquid sulfur with a catalyst module, while contacting said liquid sulfur with a stripping gas
Implementation Method 2
The liquid sulfur is circulated within the vessel by means of a gas lift action exerted by the stripping gas
Implementation Method 3
The dissolved H2S then passes into the gas phase by physical desorption
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an improved process and apparatus for degassing liquid sulfur. According to the invention liquid sulfur is contacted with a catalyst module with voidage of 60% or more, which results in catalytic decomposition of H2SX to produce sulfur and H2S, and stripping/removing the balance of the H2S from the sulfur by means of the stripping gas. The invention furthermore relates to an apparatus comprising a catalyst module having an open volume of at least 60% and means for contacting liquid sulfur with a stripping gas to carry out said process.