Aqueous Hydrogen Sulfide Conversion to Sulfuric Acid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for converting sulfides and sulfates to sulfuric acid are inefficient, particularly when dealing with contaminated sulfur from wastewater purification, which results in high particulate matter and short catalyst lifetimes.
Innovation Solution
A process that directs hydrogen sulfide from aqueous solutions to catalytic oxidation, producing sulfur dioxide, which is then converted to sulfur trioxide and subsequently to concentrated sulfuric acid in a wet gas sulfuric acid plant, bypassing the need for microbiological conversion to elemental sulfur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If contaminated sulfur from wastewater purification is used in combustion, then sulfur conversion to sulfuric acid is achieved, but high amounts of particulate matter are generated causing catalyst blockages and short catalyst lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes particulate matter from the sulfur-containing gas stream before it reaches the catalyst. This is achieved through cyclonic separators, electrostatic precipitators, or filtration systems that separate solid particles from the gas flow, allowing the sulfur conversion process to continue without catalyst poisoning or blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary purification of the sulfur-containing gas before the catalytic oxidation step. By pre-treating the gas stream to remove particulate matter, dust, and other contaminants through cooling condensers and separation devices, the catalyst is protected from degradation, ensuring longer operational life and sustained productivity.
2Productivity
If microbiological conversion of hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur is used, then sulfur recovery is achieved, but the recovered sulfur contains high metal impurities making it unsuitable for immediate use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the microbiological conversion process with a catalytic oxidation process. Instead of using bacteria to convert hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur, the system uses catalytic converters that oxidize hydrogen sulfide directly to sulfur dioxide, which is then converted to sulfuric acid. This substitution eliminates the problem of metal impurities in the recovered sulfur while maintaining high recovery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical pathway from biological reduction (sulfate to sulfide) to catalytic oxidation (hydrogen sulfide to sulfur dioxide). By altering the reaction parameters and chemical mechanism, the process produces high-purity sulfuric acid directly without the metal impurity contamination associated with microbiological sulfur recovery methods.
3Productivity
If hydrogen sulfide is converted through catalytic oxidation to sulfur dioxide, then sulfuric acid production is enabled, but the process requires efficient oxidation conditions to maintain high conversion rates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs strong oxidizing agents and optimized catalytic systems to accelerate the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to sulfur dioxide. By using effective catalysts and controlling oxygen availability, the process achieves high conversion rates with reasonable energy input, making the sulfuric acid production economically viable.
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 converts hydrogen sulfide to sulfuric acid, even at low concentrations, with energy efficiency and reduced catalyst degradation, enabling the production of high-quality sulfuric acid for leaching processes or commercial trade.
Implementation Method 1
directing said process feed gas optionally after addition of a source of oxygen under conditions efficient in oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to sulfur dioxide
Implementation Method 2
oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to sulfur dioxide
Implementation Method 3
directing said sulfur dioxide rich gas optionally after addition of a source of oxygen to contact a material catalytically active in oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide
Implementation Method 4
oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide
Implementation Method 5
hydration of sulfur trioxide and condensation of sulfuric acid
Implementation Method 6
cooling said sulfur trioxide rich gas by heat exchange with a condenser heat exchange medium, such as process gas or air, to enable hydration of sulfur trioxide and condensation of sulfuric acid
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a process for purification of an aqueous solution comprising hydrogen sulfide comprising the steps of a. directing an amount of recycle gas to contact the aqueous solution comprising hydrogen sulfide, to separate a gas comprising hydrogen sulfide from the aqueous solution, b. heating said gas comprising hydrogen sulfide optionally after addition of a source of oxygen to provide a process feed gas, c. in a hydrogen sulfide oxidation step directing said process feed gas to oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to sulfur dioxide, d. in a sulfur dioxide oxidation step directing said sulfur dioxide rich gas to contact a material catalytically active in oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide, to provide a sulfur trioxide rich gas e. in a condensation step cooling said sulfur trioxide rich gas, to enable hydration of sulfur trioxide and condensation of sulfuric acid to provide a stream of concentration sulfuric acid and a purified process gas, and in a recycling step, directing at least a part of the purified process gas as said recycle gas.