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Application of iron chelates in hydrodesulphurisation

(1994) Wubs, Harm Jan

Several iron chelate based methods for removing hydrogen sulphide from gas streams have been developed over the years. Notwithstanding the number of hydrodesulphurisation plants already in operation, the development of these processes has been more a kind of an art rather than a result of rational process design. Data concerning the reactivity of ferrous chelates with oxygen and of femc chelates with hydrogen sulphide obtained under industrial conditions, are practically absent. The same holds for the diffusivities of iron chelates. However, these data form the basis for a rational design of both iron regenerators and H2S absorbers. Certain types of structured packings may prove to be superior in these applications, but have not been tested yet. The role of the sulphur produced by the absorption of hydrogen sulphide, is complex. It often causes fouling of the absorber, thus usually reducing absorption efficiency. On the other hand, sulphur also interferes with the absorption of H2S because it tends to stick to the gasliquid interface. The latter may result in higher column efficiencies.