Activated Oxidizing Composition for H2S Removal and Pipeline Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from sour gas and other hydrocarbon fuels are inefficient, costly, and do not effectively address corrosion and scaling issues in pipelines, with existing processes being complex and producing hazardous byproducts.
Innovation Solution
Activated oxidizing compositions comprising sodium hypochlorite, a chelating agent like etidronic acid, and transition metal compounds are used to oxidize H2S to elemental sulfur, providing anti-corrosion and anti-scaling protection by forming a protective layer on pipeline metals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional H2S removal processes (Claus, GT-SPOC, GT-DOS, liquid-redox) are used, then H2S can be removed from sour gas, but the processes are complex, costly, and produce hazardous byproducts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential H2S removal function from complex multi-step industrial processes and implements it through direct injection of oxidizing composition into the gas stream, eliminating the need for complex processing units and hazardous byproduct generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using a specific oxidizing composition (sodium hypochlorite with chelating agents and transition metal compounds) at controlled concentrations and pH levels (8-11), transforming the H2S removal mechanism from complex thermal/catalytic processes to a simpler chemical oxidation reaction
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing H2S removal methods are applied, then sulfur compounds are removed from hydrocarbon fuels, but corrosion and scaling issues in pipelines are not effectively addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The oxidizing composition performs multiple functions simultaneously: it oxidizes H2S to elemental sulfur, prevents corrosion by forming protective layers on metal surfaces, and prevents scaling by chelating metal ions, replacing the need for separate treatment systems
Solution Approach 2:
The chelating agents in the oxidizing composition act as intermediaries that bind to metal ions, preventing them from forming corrosive compounds or scaling deposits on pipeline surfaces while facilitating the oxidation reaction
3Speed
If conventional oxidizing agents are used, then H2S oxidation can occur, but the reaction is slow and requires high temperatures or catalysts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sodium hypochlorite as a strong oxidizing agent that rapidly oxidizes H2S at ambient or near-ambient temperatures, eliminating the need for high-temperature thermal processes or catalytic converters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the pH parameter to ranges of 8-11 where the oxidizing composition exhibits maximum reactivity toward H2S, achieving fast reaction rates without requiring temperature increases or catalysts
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
The compositions efficiently remove H2S, reduce corrosion, and prevent scaling, achieving high removal rates and long-term protection of pipeline surfaces with minimal hazardous byproducts, outperforming traditional methods in efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
oxidizing compositions for removing H2S from sour gas streams... oxidize H2S to elemental sulfur
Implementation Method 2
a chelating agent like etidronic acid... providing anti-corrosion and anti-scaling protection by forming a protective layer on pipeline metals
Implementation Method 3
transition metal compounds are used to oxidize H2S to elemental sulfur
Data Source
AI summary
An oxidizing composition for removing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from a gaseous or liquid stream includes mixture products of water, sodium hypochlorite, a chelating agent, and a transition metal compound. The chelating agent can be etidronic acid; the transition metal compound can be an iron (III) compound, such as ferric sulfate. The oxidizing composition is formed by (i) combining water, chelating agent, and transition metal compound to form an activator composition and (ii) mixing the activator composition with a sodium hypochlorite solution to adjust the pH, such as for a particular use. Some embodiments include various apparatuses and methods for treating different treatment sites with the oxidizing compositions disclosed herein. Examples of suitable treatment sites include, without limitation, natural gas pipelines, bubble towers, oil wells, gas wells, sewer wet wells, air scrubbers, saltwater disposal pipelines, and saltwater disposal wells.