Parallel Fluidized Beds for Sulfur Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sulfur removal from synthesis gas streams are inefficient, costly, and complex, particularly due to high attrition rates of solid sorbents in fluidized bed systems and the inability of chemical solvents like amines to effectively remove all sulfur compounds without additional process steps and equipment-intensive cooling.
Innovation Solution
A process utilizing two parallel reactors with self-contained fluidized beds of regenerable sorbents, where the sorbent is contacted with a sulfur-laden gas stream, dried, and then regenerated with an oxygen-containing gas stream, minimizing pressure and temperature cycling to extend sorbent lifespan and reduce operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluidized bed systems are used for sulfur removal, then sulfur removal efficiency is improved, but sorbent attrition rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single fluidized bed into multiple separate fluidized beds operating in parallel. Each bed contains a portion of the total sorbent inventory, allowing independent operation and regeneration cycles. This segmentation reduces the mechanical stress and attrition experienced by individual sorbent particles while maintaining overall high sulfur removal efficiency through coordinated operation of multiple beds.
2Productivity
If chemical solvents like amines are used for sulfur removal, then sulfur compounds are removed, but additional process steps and equipment-intensive cooling are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses regenerable solid sorbent materials that can be repeatedly cycled between sulfur-removal and regeneration modes. Unlike chemical solvents that require complex regeneration infrastructure, the solid sorbents are designed to be replaced or regenerated in-situ, eliminating the need for extensive cooling equipment and multiple process steps while maintaining effective sulfur compound removal.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If high temperature and pressure conditions are maintained, then sorbent lifespan is extended and operational costs decrease, but equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates fluidized beds at elevated temperatures and pressures optimized for sulfur removal kinetics and sorbent stability. By carefully controlling these parameters within specific ranges, the patent extends sorbent lifespan and reduces operational costs while avoiding the need for excessively complex high-pressure equipment. The parallel bed configuration allows flexible parameter optimization for each bed based on its operational cycle stage.
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 significantly reduces sorbent attrition, increases sulfur removal efficiency, and decreases operational costs by maintaining high-pressure and high-temperature conditions while minimizing equipment needs, achieving efficient sulfur and moisture removal from synthesis gas streams.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a wet sulfur-laden input gas stream with the self-contained, fluidized bed of the initial sorbent of step (a) thereby producing a dried sulfur-depleted product gas stream
Implementation Method 2
the promoter metal and metal oxide components of the regenerable sorbent cooperate to remove sulfur from the hydrocarbon and store the removed sulfur on/in the sorbent via the conversion of the metal oxide component (e.g., ZnO) to a metal sulfide (e.g., ZnS)
Implementation Method 3
the metal sulfide (e.g, ZnS) in the sulfur-loaded sorbent is returned to its original metal oxide form (e.g., ZnO) via reaction with the oxygen-containing regeneration stream
Implementation Method 4
The oxidized promoter metal component is reduced by the hydrogen gas, thereby returning the sorbent to an optimum sulfur-removing state having a metal oxide component (e.g., ZnO) and a reduced-valence promoter component (e.g., Ni)
Implementation Method 5
utilizing a unique arrangement of reactors operating in parallel with self-contained fluidized beds
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to contaminant removal from gas streams. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a process for removing one or more contaminants from a gas stream via contact with a regenerable sorbent at high temperature and pressure, utilizing a unique arrangement of reactors operating in parallel.