Water Gas Reaction

alumina hydrolysis reactor converts HCN and COS to NH 3,

CO2, and H2S.

1. Adsorbtion

assdd@SShghnnjjkThose gases with acidic properties (H2S and

CO2) can be separated from the rest of the gas stream through
absorption chromatography.

2. Sulfur recovery: Claus process

In the Claus sulfur recovery unit, the gas containing H 2S and

CO2 is treated with oxygen at high temperature over an
alumina catalyst.

3. Membranes

The gas stream

contains mostly CO
and H2 after the
purification treatment
but there are trace
impurities remaining.
To purify the gas for
use in a hydrogen fuel cell, these impurities and the CO must
be removed.

Research is underway on membranes that would separate

hydrogen from all other gases. Membranes containing
platinum metals are most promising.
Example: Polk Power Plant

A power plant in Polk county, Florida has been using the gas from coal as a
fuel for electricity. It went online in 1999 and produces 250 megawatts of
electricity. More than 94% of the sulfur is removed prior to combustion and
the effluent is also lower in nitrogen oxides.