A New Approach to Hydrogen Sulfide Removal

Abstract

Many separation processes are used to capture of hydrogen sulfide. Which of these techniques to choose depends on the location of the gas. Conventional gas cleaning processes have significant disadvantages such as considerable energy, maintenance costs and environmental concerns. Compared to conventional processes, membranes are light and compact and have a lower environmental impact, higher energy efficiency and ease of use. Although some rubber and glassy polymer membranes have been used for gas separation, there is an opportunity to reach a much larger potential market with newer and better membranes. In this study, H2S was captured with copper chloride in the polymeric membrane. Copper chloride was added to the polymeric membrane by mechanical mixing. The present study had two main objectives. First, a water-based membrane was prepared, and its characterization was done. Second, a pilot experimental apparatus was built for hydrogen desulfurization. Next, the capture of hydrogen sulfide with the membrane was tested in a pilot experimental apparatus. This study highlights that a new model membrane can utilize the hydrogen sulfur capture performance. FeS, iron (II) sulfide, and dilute HCl were used to obtain hydrogen sulfide in this study. The property of the membrane to hold H2S gas was examined with the amount of gas released by passing the H2S gas through the membrane. SEM-EDS analysis confirmed the accumulation of copper and H2S on the membrane surface. Also, no clogging and contamination problems were observed. The membrane retains its hydrophilic property even after use. The results obtained in the experimental study showed that the newly produced membrane captured 100 percent of H2S. The main object in this study, a new approach to H2S capture. The new copper loaden membrane tested in this study has successfully removed H2S and is expected to be a promising alternative to conventional desulphurization processes.