Reaction rates for sulfur fixation with iron at 1100 to 1275 K

Abstract

The rates of sulfidizing iron in a simulated coal gasification atmosphere were studied. Mixtures of H2S and CO were passed through fixed beds of coal char and prereduced iron ore, and effluent gas compositions were measured as a function of time. These mixtures ranged from 2.5 pct to 10 pct H2S at various flow rates, with temperatures from 1100 K to 1275 K and iron ore sizes from 10 mesh down to 100 mesh. Experimental conditions were established to form a steady state reaction profile in the fixed bed. Analysis of the exit gas provided a measurement of the profile. The slope of the profile was used directly as a measure of the reactivity of the solids in the bed. The development of this experimental technique and its experimental design requirements are discussed. The observed sulfidization rate of thein situ reduced iron ore is characterized by a single rate constantm (minutes-1), which varies primarily with temperature and particle size and is substantially independent of gas flow rate, bed configuration, and H2S content of the incoming gas. Accordingly, the rate constant m can be applied in the design of a combined sulfur fixation, coal gasification reactor to estimate the solids retention time, and the minimum mass of iron required per cross sectional area of reactor.