Vertical Claus Sulfur Condenser for In-Situ Polysulfane Degassing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Claus sulfur condensers produce liquid sulfur with dissolved hydrogen sulfide and chemically bound H2S, which degas during storage, leading to environmental emissions and processing limitations, as the low solubility of H2S and thermodynamic instability of sulfanes result in unintended exposures and emissions.
Innovation Solution
A sulfur condenser structure and process that employs a catalyst within a liquid sulfur reservoir to decompose polysulfanes and convert hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide into sulfur and water vapor, producing degassed liquid sulfur without the need for an external degasser, using a vertical or horizontal condenser design with condenser tubes submerged in boiling water and a catalyst to facilitate catalytic decomposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional Claus sulfur condenser structures are used, then sulfur condensation is achieved, but the liquid sulfur product contains dissolved hydrogen sulfide and chemically bound H2S that degas during storage causing emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a degassing process within the condenser itself before the sulfur leaves the system. The condenser is designed with a lower section where condensed sulfur accumulates and undergoes degassing through contact with process gas, removing dissolved H2S and sulfanes before the sulfur is stored or transported, thereby preventing subsequent emissions during storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the condensation function with the degassing function into a single integrated condenser structure. The condenser combines the upper condensation section with a lower degassing section, eliminating the need for separate external degassing equipment and achieving both sulfur condensation and H2S removal in one unit
2Ease of operation
If sulfur is stored in open air containers or tanks, then gravity drainage or venting is facilitated, but H2S emanation leads to unintended exposures and environmental emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by removing dissolved H2S and sulfanes from the sulfur through in-situ degassing within the condenser before the sulfur enters storage. This preliminary treatment ensures that even when sulfur is stored in open containers for gravity drainage, the H2S content is already minimized, preventing emanation and exposure hazards during storage operations
3Object-generated harmful factors
If external degassers are used to remove H2S from liquid sulfur, then H2S levels are reduced, but device complexity and processing limitations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the degassing function into the condenser structure itself, eliminating the need for external degassers. The condenser is designed with a lower section that serves as a degassing chamber where process gas contacts condensed sulfur to strip dissolved H2S, integrating two functions into one device and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the condenser to perform its own degassing function using the process gas already present in the Claus system. The process gas circulating through the lower section of the condenser naturally contacts the condensed sulfur and removes dissolved H2S, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional external degassing equipment
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 process effectively reduces emissions by maintaining low H2S levels in the liquid sulfur product, enhancing storage safety and reducing environmental impact by degassing sulfur in-situ, thereby minimizing sulfur processing limitations and emissions.
Implementation Method 1
employs a catalyst within a liquid sulfur reservoir to decompose polysulfanes and convert hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide into sulfur and water vapor
Implementation Method 2
condensing elemental sulfur from the Claus reaction... is removed from the gas by condensation
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of tubes may be surrounded by boiling water to facilitate condensation within the plurality of tubes
Implementation Method 4
convert hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide into sulfur and water vapor
Data Source
AI summary
A process of producing degassed liquid sulfur within a vertical sulfur condenser may include providing a plurality of condenser tubes within an external casing; submerging exit ends of the plurality of condenser tubes within a liquid reservoir resulting in submerged exit ends of the plurality of condenser tubes; passing the Claus process gas into an inlet end of the plurality of condenser tubes; condensing the Claus process gas within the condenser tubes to produce condensed Claus process gas within the plurality of condenser tubes; and collecting the condensed Claus process gas in the liquid reservoir upon exiting of the condensed Claus process gas at an exit end of the plurality of condenser tubes. The process may further include converting hydrogen sulfide by the Claus reaction 2H2S+SO23/xSx+2H2O, and decomposing polysulfanes to hydrogen sulfide and sulfur, wherein elemental sulfur is freed from hydrogen sulfide.