Claus Process

1883, Carl Friedrich Claus

Chemist from London

1936, Modified Claus Process

I.G. Farben (I.G. Farbenindustrie AG)

Oil refineries, natural gases, etc. Two step process: thermal and catalytic 94% to 98% efficiency
H2S concentrations, and # of stages

Further desulfurization after tail gas, >99%

Claus Process: 2 step process

Goal: Get S 1.) Thermal
Feed gas Air Combustion chamber Condenser

2.) Catalytic stage

Gas reheater Chamber Condenser

2H2S + SO2 3S + 2H2O + H2S + 1.5 O2 SO2 + H2O 2H2S + O2 2S + 2H2O

1.) Thermal process

70%

H2S partially oxidized with air ~1000 1500 C Sulfur is formed (70% H2S converted) Some H2S remains unreacted Some SO2 is made

2.) Catalytic process

20%

5%

3%

Remaining H2S is reacted with the SO2 ~200 - 300C More sulfur is formed (20%5%3% converted) 2 to 4 stages are needed to obtain 94 to 98% efficiency