H2S Stripper Stripping Gas for H2S NH3 Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional two-column sour water stripping processes struggle to achieve efficient separation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) in H2S strippers, leading to suboptimal purity and energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a stripping gas composed of carbon dioxide and an inert gas, such as Hydrogen, Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton, Radon, diatomic nitrogen, methane, or ethane, introduced into the H2S stripper to enhance the separation of H2S and NH3 by lowering the partial pressure of H2S and providing a stripping action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional two-column sour water stripping process is used, then H2S and NH3 can be separated, but separation efficiency is insufficient and purity is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidpurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a stripping gas composed of carbon dioxide and an inert gas into the H2S stripper, changing the physical and chemical parameters of the stripping environment. This parameter change enhances the mass transfer driving force and improves separation efficiency, achieving at least 5% improvement in separating H2S and NH3 while optimizing purity outcomes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional stripping process is used, then separation is achieved, but energy consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation performanceVSAvoidutility consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses carbon dioxide and inert gas as intermediary substances in the stripping process. These intermediaries facilitate the separation of H2S and NH3 by providing a favorable gas phase environment for mass transfer, reducing the energy burden on heating and reflux systems while maintaining or improving separation performance

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 approach improves the separation of H2S and NH3 by at least five percent, reducing utility consumption and enhancing energy efficiency in the sour water stripping system.

Implementation Method 1

introducing a stripping gas consisting of carbon dioxide and a gas selected from Hydrogen, Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton, Radon, diatomic nitrogen, methane and ethane to enhance the separation of H2S and NH3 by lowering the partial pressure of H2S

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPartial pressure reduction: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

introducing a stripping gas into the H2S stripper to enhance the separation of H2S and NH3 by lowering the partial pressure of H2S and providing a stripping action

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStripping: Desorption

Data Source

PatentEP3113862B1Method for enhanced separation of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia in a hydrogen sulfide stripper
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 BECHTEL HYDROCARBON TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP3113862B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3113862B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3113862B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Systems and methods for enhanced separation of H2S and NH3 are provided. Specifically, the present invention includes a method for separating hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, which comprises: i) introducing a fluid mixture of the hydrogen sulfide and the ammonia into a hydrogen sulfide stripper; ii) introducing a stripping gas into the hydrogen sulfide stripper, wherein the stripping gas comprises at least one of a carbon dioxide and an inert gas; and iii) separating most of the hydrogen sulfide and the ammonia in the fluid mixture using the stripping gas in the hydrogen sulfide stripper, which forms a hydrogen sulfide stripper overheads stream and a hydrogen sulfide stripper bottoms stream.