Deep Eutectic Solvents for Sulfur Species Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for processing sulfur species like hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide are costly, produce toxic emissions, and have low reaction efficiency, with challenges in handling residues and impurities.

Innovation Solution

The use of deep eutectic solvents and ionic liquids as catalysts in a reaction medium with iodine species to process sulfur species, producing hydrogen iodide and elemental sulfur, while allowing for cyclical regeneration and recycling of the catalyst and iodine, thereby reducing waste and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional methods (Claus Process) are used to process sulfur species, then high conversion efficiency is achieved, but toxic emissions (SO2) and residues remain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidtoxic emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful sulfur species (H2S, SO2) into valuable products through iodine-based oxidation reactions. Instead of merely converting H2S to sulfur with SO2 as a harmful intermediate, the process oxidizes sulfur species to produce sulfuric acid and other valuable chemicals, transforming the harmful input into beneficial output while eliminating toxic emissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs deep eutectic solvents and ionic liquids as catalysts that operate under different chemical parameters compared to conventional high-temperature Claus processes. These alternative reaction conditions enable complete oxidation of sulfur species without generating SO2 residues, fundamentally changing the reaction pathway parameters to eliminate harmful emissions while maintaining high conversion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional methods are used, then sulfur species are processed, but high cost and low reaction efficiency occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereaction efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The deep eutectic solvents and ionic liquids serve as self-regenerating catalysts that facilitate the oxidation reactions without requiring high energy inputs or complex processing conditions. The catalysts enable the system to proceed under milder conditions with lower operational costs, improving reaction efficiency while reducing manufacturing costs through simplified process requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If conventional high-temperature processes are used, then sulfur conversion occurs, but high energy consumption is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesulfur conversionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the temperature and pressure parameters from conventional high-temperature Claus processes to milder conditions enabled by deep eutectic solvent catalysis. This parameter change allows sulfur conversion to proceed at lower temperatures with significantly reduced energy consumption while maintaining high conversion efficiency through the catalytic action of the ionic liquids.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach enables efficient, sustainable processing of sulfur species with reduced toxic emissions and cost savings, allowing for the generation of valuable hydrogen products and efficient handling of sulfur-containing streams with lower concentrations.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the reaction medium with a first sulfur species, wherein the first sulfur species comprises hydrogen sulfide, a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon, or any combination thereof; and reacting the first sulfur species with the reaction medium to produce a second sulfur species, hydrogen iodide, or a combination thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

dispersing an aqueous fluid in the first reaction medium; decreasing the solubility of the second sulfur species in the first reaction medium with the dispersed aqueous fluid; and removing the second sulfur species from the first reaction medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSalting-out effect:

Data Source

PatentUS20240399293A1Processing of sulfur species with deep eutectic solvents or ionic liquids

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Sulfur species may be processed using an ionic liquid, a deep eutectic solvent, or a combination of both. An example of a method of such processing may include: supplying a first reaction medium including an iodine species and a first catalyst, wherein the first catalyst includes a first deep eutectic solvent, a first ionic liquid, or a first mixture of both; contacting the reaction medium with a first sulfur species, wherein the first sulfur species includes hydrogen sulfide, a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon, or any combination thereof; and reacting the first sulfur species with the reaction medium to produce a second sulfur species, hydrogen iodide, or a combination thereof.