Scavenger and Michael Acceptor Composition for H2S Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of sulfur-based species, such as hydrogen sulfide, from hydrocarbon streams is challenging due to their tendency to cause fouling and corrosion in equipment, leading to operational issues in industries like oil, gas, and coal processing, and existing scavenging methods may require costly waste handling and equipment shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
Compositions comprising a Michael acceptor and a scavenging compound, including formaldehyde or its equivalents, and α,β-unsaturated esters, are used to effectively scavenge hydrogen sulfide, preventing fouling and corrosion by forming stable reaction products that do not deposit in equipment, thus extending operational times and reducing waste handling costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hydrogen sulfide scavenging methods are used, then hydrogen sulfide is removed from hydrocarbon streams, but solid deposits form in equipment causing fouling and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful solid deposit formation into beneficial liquid-phase reaction products. The scavenging composition is designed to react hydrogen sulfide and sulfur-containing compounds to form water-soluble or oil-soluble liquid products that remain in solution and do not deposit on equipment surfaces, thereby converting the harmful fouling effect into a beneficial non-depositing reaction outcome
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the scavenging reaction by using specific scavenging agents (such as amines, amides, or their derivatives) that produce liquid-phase products instead of solid deposits. This parameter change in reaction chemistry transforms the physical state of reaction products from solid to liquid, eliminating fouling and corrosion issues
2Productivity
If existing scavenging processes are implemented, then sulfur-based species are removed, but costly waste handling and equipment shutdowns are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by designing a scavenging system that produces non-depositing liquid products which do not require equipment shutdown for removal. The reaction products remain in solution and can be continuously processed, eliminating the need for periodic shutdowns to clear solid deposits, thereby maintaining continuous productive operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable or easily replaceable scavenging compositions that can be continuously circulated or regenerated. The scavenging agents are selected to be cost-effective and can be continuously used without requiring expensive equipment modifications or lengthy maintenance shutdowns, allowing continuous operation with economical waste handling
3Reliability
If scavenging operations are performed to remove hydrogen sulfide, then sulfur-containing salts are deposited, but this causes plugging of transmission pipes and process equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful solid salt deposition into beneficial liquid-phase reaction products. By selecting specific scavenging chemistry (such as amine-H2S reactions forming soluble ammonium sulfides or thiocyanates), the reaction products remain dissolved in the hydrocarbon stream or aqueous phase, transforming the plugging hazard into a non-depositing solution that flows freely through equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite scavenging compositions that combine multiple functional components (scavenging agents, solvents, additives) to ensure reaction products remain in liquid solution. The composite formulation includes substances that prevent phase separation and deposit formation, creating a stable liquid mixture that eliminates plugging while maintaining effective hydrogen sulfide removal
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 hydrogen sulfide, preventing fouling and corrosion, allowing for uninterrupted operation of equipment and reducing waste management costs by forming stable, non-depositing reaction products, and are applicable across various industrial processes.
Implementation Method 1
The compositions efficiently remove hydrogen sulfide, preventing fouling and corrosion, allowing for uninterrupted operation of equipment and reducing waste management costs by forming stable, non-depositing reaction products
Implementation Method 2
The removal of sulfur-based species, such as hydrogen sulfide, from hydrocarbon streams is challenging
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are scavenging and antifouling compositions useful in applications relating to the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas. Also disclosed herein are methods of using the compositions as scavengers and antifoulants, particularly in applications relating to the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas.