SULFUR REMOVAL FROM

NATURAL GAS
 What is Hydrogen Sulfide?

 Chemical Formula: H2S

 Colorless gas with rotten egg

odor

 It can be produced by the

bacterial breakdown of
organic matter, often in
water, as free oxygen must be
absent.
Hydrogen Sulfide: A Silent Killer

 Highly Toxic
1. Concentrations of 700-2000ppm are lethal.
2. Cardiovascular and respiratory failure.
3. Improper handling and storage conditions can
increase H2S concentrations in containers.

OSHA Standards
Concentrations may not exceed 20ppm in general
industry practices
Methods for H2S Removal from Crude Oil:
Do Away With the Undesirables

 Crude oil contains 0-3% sulphur.

 Sources of S in crude oil: thiols,

thiophenes, sulfides, disulfides.

 H2S gas must be removed from

crude oil before transport.
Sulphur Process Selection
 Claus process

 Carl Friedrich Claus invented in 1883.

 Reaction is exothermic, furnace temperature reached upto 1200 ºC

and pressure above 70 KPa.

 Condenser temperature is 150 ºC to 190 ºC.

 Reheat Exchanger temperature is 200 ºC to 260 ºC.

 Bauxite is used as a catalyst.

Advantages of Claus process

• Recoveries from 98.5 to 99.99%.

• Lower operating costs than other sulphur recovery

processes.

• High purity, saleable sulfur.

thanks