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Economics of microwave plasma dissociation of H sub 2 S

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5201672

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:
DOE; GRI; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States); Gas Research Inst., Chicago, IL (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
5201672
Report Number(s):
ANL/CP-76034; CONF-920310--10; ON: DE92014846
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English