Numerical Examination of Acid Gas for Syngas and Sulfur Recovery

Abstract

Increase in energy demand worldwide has caused faster depletion of sweeter feedstock and increased utilization of sulfur-bearing fuels that contain high amounts of acid gases (H2S and CO2) and other associated impurities. The composition of acid gas varies significantly depending on the desulfurization facility. Currently, Claus process is used under near optimum reactor conditions for maximum recovery of sulfur from acid gases. To enhance energy generation and preserve our environment from sulfur-bearing fuels, one must explore alternative means for more efficient treatment of acid gases. Numerical examination of acid gases to produce pure sulfur and syngas is presented and this provides the feasibility of establishing global reactor conditions for such a recovery. Detailed examination of acid gas pyrolysis was conducted with focus on determining optimum conditions for the production of sulfur and syngas that can be used in industry at high conversion efficiency of acid gas. The results revealed that only pyrolysis of specific acid gas composition leads to the production of syngas and that temperature plays an important role in the conversion process. The results provide the role of the acid gas composition on high sulfur yield and production of hydrogen-rich syngas under different operational conditions of the reactor with minimal adverse effect on the environment. The produced hydrogen-rich syngas can be utilized to enhance energy generation or produce value added products. The operational conditions provide means to seek different composition of the syngas. The syngas can then be used to produce biofuels. Detailed results and analysis are presented in the paper.