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Developments in H/sub 2/S and HCN removal from coke-oven gas

Journal Article · · Coke Chem., USSR (Engl. Transl.); (United States)
OSTI ID:6773534

The various schemes adopted in the USSR and other countries for removing H/sub 2/S and HCN from coke-oven gas are analyzed, with recommendations on which alternatives should be adopted under specific operating conditions. The components of coke-oven gas chiefly responsible for the formation of waste products and toxic discharges are phenols, ammonia, HCN, H/sub 2/S, naphthalene, and other hydrocarbons. The first three are highly soluble in water, while phenols, naphthalene, and hydrocarbons are soluble in coaltar. In the presence of ammonia, water will also absorb large amounts of H/sub 2/S. Consequently, when coaltar comes into contact with water its water-soluble components are redistributed; the phenols and other impurities are extracted by the water in the final cooling cycle. Moreover, the coaltar in the final cooling cycle is accompanied by ammonia liquor, which contains ammonia, H/sub 2/S, etc. All these impurities, including the most toxic and voluminous member (HCN), are lost to the atmosphere in the cooling tower. Any HCN not extracted by the water at this stage in processing is retained almost quantitatively in the form of cyanides and thiocyanates in the effluent from the sulfur-removal plant. A survey of existing recovery techniques has shown that the final gas cooling stage is the most serious source of air pollution. H/sub 2/S and HCN can be recovered from coke-oven gas in various ways. The techniques developed at UKhIN, VUKhIN, and Giprokoks, with data on the results they give, are compared along with processes used in foreign countries.

OSTI ID:
6773534
Journal Information:
Coke Chem., USSR (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Journal Name: Coke Chem., USSR (Engl. Transl.); (United States) Vol. 7; ISSN COKCA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English