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Title: Effect of catalyst shape on the hydrolysis of COS and CS{sub 2} in a simulated Claus converter

Abstract

The alumina catalyst employed in the modified Claus process for sulfur recovery is often partially deactivated from sulfation of its active surface. This decreased catalytic activity is particularly detrimental to the hydrolysis reactions of COS and CS{sub 2} because incomplete hydrolysis results even though their theoretical conversion limit is 100%. Simulation of the reactor performance at typical Claus plant-operating conditions was possible using experimentally obtained rate functions for the two simultaneous hydrolysis reactions and the H{sub 2}S/SO{sub 2} reaction. Using these rate constants, rather small values of the effectiveness factor were predicted for the hydrolysis reactions. By increasing the value of the effectiveness factor, it should be possible to improve the hydrolysis conversions without altering the process conditions appropriate for good sulfur recoveries. This was achieved by changing the particle shape to increase the external surface area. The simulation of a Claus catalytic converter, based upon a plug-flow adiabatic fixed-bed computer model using various shapes for the catalyst particles, showed that improved performance results even when the catalyst surface is partially sulfated.

Authors:
 [1]; ;  [2]
  1. Hyprotech Ltd., Calgary, Alberta (Canada)
  2. Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta (Canada). Dept. of Chemical and Materials Engineering
Publication Date:
OSTI Identifier:
562105
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Journal Name:
Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 36; Journal Issue: 10; Other Information: PBD: Oct 1997
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
03 NATURAL GAS; CARBON OXYSULFIDE; CARBON SULFIDES; HYDROLYSIS; CLAUS PROCESS; CATALYSTS; SHAPE; ALUMINIUM OXIDES; SULFUR; MATERIALS RECOVERY; NATURAL GAS; DESULFURIZATION

Citation Formats

Tong, S, Lana, I G.D., and Chuang, K T. Effect of catalyst shape on the hydrolysis of COS and CS{sub 2} in a simulated Claus converter. United States: N. p., 1997. Web. doi:10.1021/ie970277g.
Tong, S, Lana, I G.D., & Chuang, K T. Effect of catalyst shape on the hydrolysis of COS and CS{sub 2} in a simulated Claus converter. United States. https://doi.org/10.1021/ie970277g
Tong, S, Lana, I G.D., and Chuang, K T. 1997. "Effect of catalyst shape on the hydrolysis of COS and CS{sub 2} in a simulated Claus converter". United States. https://doi.org/10.1021/ie970277g.
@article{osti_562105,
title = {Effect of catalyst shape on the hydrolysis of COS and CS{sub 2} in a simulated Claus converter},
author = {Tong, S and Lana, I G.D. and Chuang, K T},
abstractNote = {The alumina catalyst employed in the modified Claus process for sulfur recovery is often partially deactivated from sulfation of its active surface. This decreased catalytic activity is particularly detrimental to the hydrolysis reactions of COS and CS{sub 2} because incomplete hydrolysis results even though their theoretical conversion limit is 100%. Simulation of the reactor performance at typical Claus plant-operating conditions was possible using experimentally obtained rate functions for the two simultaneous hydrolysis reactions and the H{sub 2}S/SO{sub 2} reaction. Using these rate constants, rather small values of the effectiveness factor were predicted for the hydrolysis reactions. By increasing the value of the effectiveness factor, it should be possible to improve the hydrolysis conversions without altering the process conditions appropriate for good sulfur recoveries. This was achieved by changing the particle shape to increase the external surface area. The simulation of a Claus catalytic converter, based upon a plug-flow adiabatic fixed-bed computer model using various shapes for the catalyst particles, showed that improved performance results even when the catalyst surface is partially sulfated.},
doi = {10.1021/ie970277g},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/562105}, journal = {Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research},
number = 10,
volume = 36,
place = {United States},
year = {Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1997},
month = {Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1997}
}