Effect of benzene on product evolution in a H2S/O2 flame under Claus condition. (1st May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ibrahim, S.; Al Shoaibi, A.; Gupta, A.K.
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 145(2015:May 01)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 26
• Publication Date: 2015-05-01
• Subjects: Hydrogen sulfide combustion -- Sulfur recovery and chemistry -- Sulfur quality -- BTX -- Claus process -- Acid gas; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.01.094
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Highlights: Effect of trace amounts of benzene (0.3%, 0.5% and 1%) to H2 S combustion process. Benzene favored formation of H2 and reduced conversion of H2 S. Benzene reduced SO2 formation to impact sulfur production. Benzene addition promoted CO and COS formation and degraded sulfur quality. Abstract: Experimental results are presented on the role of benzene addition to H2 S combustion at an equivalence ratio of three with respect to H2 S (Claus condition) and complete combustion of benzene. The results are reported with 0.3%, 0.5% and 1% benzene addition to H2 S/O2 flame. Combustion of H2 S and benzene mixtures is of practical value for sulfur recovery during combustion of acid gases. The results showed that H2 S combustion caused H2 S to decompose to a minimum mole fraction with high conversion of H2 S while the SO2 mole fraction reached a maximum value. Addition of benzene decreased the conversion of H2 S with reduced mole fraction of SO2 in the reactor to subsequently reduce the formation of elemental sulfur. Benzene also caused significant production of H2, CO and COS formation along with faster decomposition of the formed SO2 . Presence of benzene, even in trace amounts, in acid gas hinders sulfur conversion in a Claus reactor and increases emission of unwanted sulfur bearing compounds. Increased hydrogen production with benzene offers potential value for hydrogen recovery under certain conditions.