Composite Absorbent Granules for Sulfur Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbents for removing sulfur compounds from hydrocarbon streams face challenges such as low absorption capacity, physical disintegration, and difficulty in maintaining integrity, especially at low temperatures and with water-saturated streams, leading to increased pressure drop and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
An absorbent composition in granule form, comprising iron oxides or hydroxides, a binder, water, and activated carbon, with a carbon content between 0.5% to 50% by weight, which enhances absorption capacity and mechanical strength, allowing for effective impurity removal and easier handling and recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If iron oxide and hydroxide absorbents are used to remove sulfur compounds, then absorption capacity is improved, but physical disintegration occurs leading to increased pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining iron oxide and hydroxide with activated carbon in a specific ratio (0.5% to 50% by weight). This composite structure provides both high sulfur absorption capacity from the iron compounds and enhanced mechanical strength from the activated carbon matrix, preventing physical disintegration while maintaining absorption effectiveness.
2Quantity of substance
If absorbent granules are used in water-saturated streams, then sulfur removal is effective, but granule disintegration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite material combines iron oxide/hydroxide with activated carbon, where the activated carbon provides structural stability and resistance to water saturation effects. This composite structure maintains granule integrity in water-saturated streams while preserving the sulfur removal capability of the iron compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The activated carbon component provides a porous structure that can accommodate water saturation without causing granule disintegration. The porous matrix protects the iron oxide/hydroxide particles from direct water contact that would otherwise cause disintegration, while still allowing sulfur compounds to be absorbed.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple absorption equipment units are used in parallel, then continuous operation is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables single equipment unit to operate for extended periods by providing absorbent with higher durability and resistance to disintegration. The improved absorbent composition allows one unit to handle the full load for longer intervals, reducing the need for multiple parallel units while maintaining continuous operation capability.
4Quantity of substance
If exhausted absorbent is removed and replaced frequently, then absorption capacity is maintained, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enhanced durability and resistance to physical disintegration of the composite absorbent allow it to maintain absorption capacity for longer periods without degradation. This reduces the frequency of replacement and minimizes material loss from frequent handling and disposal of exhausted absorbent.
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 absorbent composition significantly increases sulfur absorption capacity, maintains physical integrity before and after saturation, reduces material loss, and facilitates reprocessing, thereby improving operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
the said absorbent, and particularly activated carbon, which has the property of enhancing the capacity of the absorbent to absorb impurities contained in the streams
Implementation Method 2
certain products formulated with metal oxides and hydroxides may be used to remove sulfur compounds from liquid or gaseous streams
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an absorbent composition composed of an iron oxide and/or hydroxide, activated carbon, promoters and binders, in the form of extruded tablets or granules, capable of absorbing impurities from fluid streams in order to eliminate the impurities, mainly sulfur compounds, contained in these streams. The present invention also relates to the methods for obtaining the absorbents, and to the use thereof for eliminating impurities contained in liquid and gaseous streams.