H2S Removal via Catalytic Oxidation to Thiosulfate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from industrial gas streams do not effectively produce useful chemicals and are not economically viable at ambient temperatures, lacking a process to selectively scrub and convert H2S into a valuable product.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an aqueous treatment solution with a catalyst, such as vat dyes or metal sulfates, that absorbs H2S, oxidizes sulfide ions to thiosulfate, and regenerates the catalyst for continuous reuse, producing a thiosulfate product while maintaining the solution's pH and using oxygen-containing gases for oxidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional H2S removal methods are used, then H2S is removed from gas streams, but no useful chemicals are produced and the process is not economically viable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful H2S gas into valuable thiosulfate product through a catalytic oxidation process. The H2S is absorbed in an aqueous solution and then oxidized to thiosulfate, transforming a waste contaminant into a useful chemical product that can be applied in agriculture and industry, thereby making the removal process economically beneficial
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by using a catalyst to facilitate the oxidation reaction at ambient temperatures and pressures. The catalytic process changes the reaction parameters to enable efficient H2S conversion to thiosulfate under mild conditions, improving economic viability while maintaining high removal efficiency
2Use of energy by moving object
If H2S removal processes operate at ambient temperatures, then energy consumption is reduced, but the processes lack selectivity and cannot produce useful chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a catalyst as an intermediary substance that enables selective oxidation of H2S to thiosulfate at ambient temperatures. The catalyst mediates the reaction between H2S and oxygen, providing the necessary selectivity and controlling the reaction pathway to produce thiosulfate specifically, without requiring high energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses oxygen as a strong oxidant in combination with a catalyst to accelerate the oxidation of H2S to thiosulfate. This catalytic oxidation approach enables the reaction to proceed efficiently at ambient temperatures while maintaining high selectivity for thiosulfate production
3Productivity
If catalysts are used for H2S oxidation, then thiosulfate production is enabled, but catalyst regeneration is required to maintain continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation by integrating a catalyst regeneration system that continuously regenerates the spent catalyst. The regenerated catalyst is recycled back to the oxidation reactor, ensuring continuous thiosulfate production without interruption and maintaining high productivity over extended operation periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and regenerates the spent catalyst through a dedicated regeneration system. The catalyst, after losing its activity in the oxidation process, is regenerated by exposure to oxygen-containing gas streams, and the recovered catalyst is returned to the process, eliminating waste and maintaining continuous productivity
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 process efficiently removes H2S from industrial streams, producing a thiosulfate product and regenerating the catalyst, reducing operational costs and environmental impact by utilizing existing industrial waste water and minimizing chemical transportation needs.
Implementation Method 1
The method includes absorption of the H2S in an aqueous treatment solution
Implementation Method 2
followed by an oxidation reaction to produce thiosulfate using a catalyst containing vat dyes
Implementation Method 3
The spent catalyst is regenerated in an oxidizer using an oxygen-containing gas
Data Source
AI summary
A process is presented where a feed stream containing a hydrogen sulfide and another feed component is introduced into an absorber that the feed stream flows upward from the bottom of the absorber and contacts a liquid treatment solution, where the liquid treatment solution contains a sulfur dye catalyst. The hydrogen sulfide is absorbed into the liquid treatment solution and converted into sulfide ions. The other feed component is removed from the absorber vessel substantially free of the hydrogen sulfide and a spent treatment solution is also removed from the absorber vessel and fed to an oxidation vessel where it is contacted with an oxygen containing gas causing the sulfide ions to oxidize to thiosulfate and converting the spent sulfur dye catalyst to regenerated sulfur dye catalyst. The thiosulfate is recovered, and the regenerated sulfur dye catalyst can be recycled as part of the liquid treatment solution.