Electrochemical H2S Conversion With Proton-Exchange Membrane Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydrogen sulfide, a highly poisonous, corrosive, and flammable compound, poses operational and safety concerns in hydrocarbon refining processes, and existing methods for its removal are inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

An electrochemical cell with a proton-exchange membrane is used to electrolyze liquid hydrogen sulfide, producing elemental sulfur on the anode side and hydrogen on the cathode side, while preventing the flow of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur across the membrane, allowing proton transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional methods are used to remove hydrogen sulfide from hydrocarbons, then hydrogen sulfide impurities can be removed, but the process is inefficient and costly with large equipment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen sulfide removal efficiencyVSAvoidequipment size and material costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical removal systems (absorption towers, catalyst beds) with an electrochemical system that uses electrical energy to drive the conversion of hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur. The electrochemical cell uses electrodes and electrolytes to facilitate the transformation, substituting complex mechanical separation equipment with a more compact electrochemical process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters by conducting the conversion at relatively low temperatures (below the melting point of sulfur) and using controlled electrochemical potentials. This allows the process to operate efficiently without requiring large-scale thermal processing equipment or high-pressure systems, thereby reducing equipment size and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If hydrogen sulfide is handled using conventional processes, then it can be removed, but safety risks remain due to its poisonous, corrosive, and flammable nature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety risks from hydrogen sulfideVSAvoidhandling and transportation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent directly converts the harmful hydrogen sulfide gas into beneficial elemental sulfur through electrochemical oxidation. The harmful properties of hydrogen sulfide (toxicity, corrosiveness, flammability) are eliminated as the substance is transformed into stable, non-toxic sulfur solid, which can be safely handled and transported. The electrochemical process inherently controls the reaction to prevent dangerous intermediate formations.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The electrochemical cell introduces an electrolyte solution as an intermediary medium that facilitates the conversion of hydrogen sulfide to sulfur. The electrolyte enables ionic conduction and mediates the electrochemical reactions at the electrodes, providing a controlled environment that safely handles the toxic hydrogen sulfide without direct contact with processing equipment, thereby reducing safety risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method efficiently converts hydrogen sulfide into useful products, reducing equipment size and material costs, and facilitates safe handling and transportation of elemental sulfur.

Implementation Method 1

Power is provided to an electrochemical cell... Providing power to the electrochemical cell facilitates electrolysis of the hydrogen sulfide to produce sulfur and protons on the anode side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

A membrane separating the anode side from the cathode side prevents flow of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur from passing through the membrane while allowing hydrogen cations to pass through the membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProton exchange membrane permeation: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 3

Providing power to the electrochemical cell facilitates reduction of protons to produce hydrogen on the cathode side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Data Source

PatentUS12529150B2Hydrogen sulfide conversion

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Power is provided to an electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell includes an anode side and a cathode side. Hydrogen sulfide in a liquid state is flowed to the anode side. Providing power to the electrochemical cell facilitates electrolysis of the hydrogen sulfide to produce sulfur and protons on the anode side. Providing power to the electrochemical cell facilitates reduction of protons to produce hydrogen on the cathode side. A membrane separating the anode side from the cathode side prevents flow of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur from passing through the membrane while allowing hydrogen cations to pass through the membrane. Sulfur is flowed out of the anode side. Hydrogen is flowed out of the cathode side.