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Title: One-step process takes H/sub 2/S from gas stream

Journal Article · · Oil Gas J.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7198777

A novel, one-step process selectively removes hydrogen sulfide from sourgases and converts dissolved hydrogen sulfide directly to sulfur in a bubble tower filled with a sweetener solution. The sweetener is a proprietary formulation consisting of an alkaline solution of oxidizing and buffering agents. Oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to sulfur is achieved by a liquid-phase oxidation technique. Various sour gas sweetening processes have been used for a number of years. Incentives for use of the one-step process include: 1. Improved economics for hydrogen sulfide removal based on cost-performance evaluations. 2. Simplicity of operation. 3. Low capital cost requirements for the gas processing plant. 4. Adaptability to existing process equipment. 5. Low toxicity and nonhazardous waste characteristics of the spent slurry generated by the hydrogen sulfide reaction. This article presents the current understanding of hydrogen sulfide oxidation chemistry in nitrite solutions, as well as research and field data related to the one-step process. The field data provide quantifiable proof that the one-step process is a viable economical alternative for hydrogen sulfide removal in properly designed and operated equipment.

Research Organization:
NL Treating Chemicals, NL Industries Inc., Houston, TX
OSTI ID:
7198777
Journal Information:
Oil Gas J.; (United States), Vol. 84:42
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English