Economics of microwave plasma dissociation of H{sub 2}S

Conference · Wed Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1992

OSTI ID:10152369

Daniels, E J; Harkness, J B.L.; Doctor, R D

The conventional treatment technology for hydrogen-sulfide is based on Claus chemistry; elemental sulfur is recovered but the hydrogen is lost as water although the fuel value of the hydrogen is recovered as heat. A new waste treatment technology, reported in the Soviet literature, has been validated in an experimental program at Argonne National Laboratory. The new technology uses microwave energy to dissociate hydrogen-sulfide and recovers both elemental sulfur and hydrogen. Recovery of the hydrogen provides for its reuse for its chemical value. A comparative economic analysis of the microwave technology and conventional sulfur recovery and tail-gas treatment technology such as Claus/SCOT is presented. The sensitivity of the comparative economics to process variables such as dissociation energy and conversion rate, and cost variables, such as the value of hydrogen and the cost-of-electricity is evaluated. Under the conditions of this analysis, the conclusion is that it is more cost-effective to recover the hydrogen for its chemical value via microwave dissociation rather than to accept its conversion to water and effective use as a fuel.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); Gas Research Inst., Chicago, IL (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 10152369
• Report Number(s): ANL/CP--76034; CONF-920310--10; ON: DE92014846
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320305
DISSOCIATION
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
GASEOUS WASTES
HYDROGEN
HYDROGEN SULFIDES
INDUSTRIAL WASTE MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS RECOVERY
MICROWAVE RADIATION
RADIATION EFFECTS
SULFUR
WASTE PROCESSING