Crosslinked Polyionic Liquid SO2 Sorption for Claus Tail Gas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sulfur recovery processes from Claus units face challenges in achieving high sulfur recovery rates while minimizing sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, with existing methods producing residual SO2 levels that can be detrimental to the environment and requiring additional processing steps.
Innovation Solution
A sorption-based method utilizing a SO2 selective crosslinked polyionic liquid system, where the tail gas stream from a sulfur recovery unit is treated with an oxidizer to produce a sorbent feed, which is then contacted with a sorbent structure comprising a crosslinked polyionic liquid to selectively sorb SO2, followed by desorption with hot air or nitrogen to produce a SO2-rich stream for recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional Claus process with tail gas treatment is used, then sulfur recovery rate is improved (up to 99.9%), but residual SO2 emissions remain (approximately 10 ppmV) and require additional processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous polymeric solid material with basic functional groups that selectively adsorb SO2 from the tail gas stream. The porous structure provides high surface area for gas-sorbent interaction, enabling efficient removal of residual SO2 to below 1 ppmV levels while maintaining high sulfur recovery rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized sorbent material with specific local chemical properties (basic functional groups) at the point where SO2 removal is needed. This localized treatment in the tail gas stream selectively targets SO2 without affecting other gas components, achieving ultra-low emissions while preserving overall process efficiency.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If sorption-based SO2 removal is implemented, then residual SO2 emissions are reduced (below 1 ppmV), but device complexity increases due to additional sorbent contactor equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the SO2 sorption function with the existing tail gas treatment system by integrating the porous polymeric solid material into the current process flow. This merging approach adds minimal equipment while achieving below 1 ppmV SO2 removal, avoiding the need for completely separate treatment trains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the sorbent material (basic functional groups, porous structure) to optimize SO2 affinity and capacity. These parameter changes enable high SO2 removal efficiency with smaller, more compact equipment, reducing overall device complexity despite the addition of sorption functionality.
3Measurement precision
If crosslinked polyionic liquid system is used, then SO2 selectivity is improved over CO2, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite crosslinked polyionic liquid system that combines multiple functional components (ionic liquid moieties, crosslinking agents, porous matrix) to achieve high SO2/CO2 selectivity. The composite structure provides synergistic effects that enhance selectivity while the crosslinked network offers structural stability and ease of regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the polyionic liquid structure into modular functional units (cationic and anionic components) that can be independently optimized. This segmentation allows for systematic synthesis approaches and simplifies manufacturing by enabling stepwise assembly of the complex crosslinked structure with controlled SO2 selectivity.
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 achieves high sulfur recovery rates, with the ability to remove up to 99.95% of sulfur from the tail gas and selectively separate SO2 from CO2, thereby reducing residual SO2 emissions and enhancing the overall efficiency of the sulfur recovery process.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the sorbent feed to contact a feed side of the sorbent such that the SO2 is sorbed
Implementation Method 2
a sorption based SO2 selective crosslinked polyionic liquid system
Implementation Method 3
supplying hot air or nitrogen to the regenerate the sorbent to produce a SO2 rich stream
Implementation Method 4
introducing the SRU tail gas stream to an oxidizer to produce a sorbent feed
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a system and method for improving sulfur recovery from a Claus unit. More specifically, this invention provides a sorption based SO2 selective crosslinked polyionic liquid system and method for treating acid gas streams and minimizing sulfur dioxide emissions therefrom.