Sulfide Scavenger Composition with Density Matching for Corrosion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of hydrogen sulfide from industrial process streams poses challenges due to increased corrosion and damage to equipment, particularly when using aldehydes like glyoxal as scavengers, necessitating improved methods to enhance scavenger performance and reduce corrosion.
Innovation Solution
Adjusting the specific gravity of the scavenger composition to match or closely match the specific gravity of the industrial process fluid by adding solvents such as water, alcohols, or glycols, thereby reducing the settling velocity and reaction time of the scavenger, allowing for increased scavenging activity and minimizing corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aldehydes like glyoxal are used as scavengers to remove hydrogen sulfide, then sulfide removal effectiveness is improved, but corrosion and damage to metal equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer system (ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, or potassium hydroxide) as an intermediary substance that mediates between the aldehyde scavenger and the metal equipment. The buffer maintains pH between 2.5-6.0, preventing direct corrosive interaction between the aldehyde and metal surfaces while allowing the aldehyde to continue scavenging sulfides effectively.
2Productivity
If conventional scavenger compositions are used, then sulfide scavenging activity is achieved, but settling velocity is too fast reducing reaction time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies buoyancy principles by adjusting the specific gravity of the scavenger composition to match the process fluid (within ±0.05 g/cm³). This counteracts the natural settling tendency of the scavenger, keeping it suspended in the fluid stream and maximizing contact time for sulfide removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of specific gravity by adding solvents (water, alcohols, or glycols) to the scavenger composition. This adjustment modifies the density relationship between scavenger and process fluid, transforming the scavenger from a fast-settling substance to one that remains suspended and reactive.
3Ease of manufacture
If pH is not adjusted in glyoxal solutions, then the solution is simpler to prepare, but corrosion increases and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of pH by adding buffers (ammonium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, or potassium hydroxide) to the glyoxal solution. This pH adjustment to the 2.5-6.0 range reduces corrosion while enhancing scavenging performance, transforming a corrosive solution into a protected one.
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 method effectively reduces hydrogen sulfide levels and minimizes corrosion by ensuring prolonged reaction time with the target fluid and reduced contact with metal surfaces, enhancing the scavenging efficiency and reducing equipment damage.
Implementation Method 1
adding to the industrial process fluid an effective amount of the adjusted scavenger composition
Implementation Method 2
reducing a settling velocity of the scavenger composition in the industrial process fluid by adjusting the specific gravity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Methods for making sulfide scavenging compositions are provided. The method comprises reducing a settling velocity of the sulfide scavenging composition in a fluid stream by adjusting the specific gravity of the sulfide scavenging composition to within about fifteen percent or less of the specific gravity of the fluid stream. Sulfide scavengers using the above method are also disclosed. Methods for removing sulfides from fluid streams are also provided. The methods include adding the above sulfide scavengers to fluid streams.