Selective hydrogen sulfide (H2S) removal from high-pressure gases with direct conversion of H2S into elemental sulfur (S). Residual H2S levels in the treated gas can be lower than 1 ppm vol.
The Sulfint HP uses the well-known concept of redox desulfurization. However, this process has been specifically designed to treat high-pressure gases. The feed gas is contacted with the redox catalytic solution (aqueous iron chelate based solution) in a co-current absorber (1). The H2S is absorbed by the catalytic solution, reacts with the catalyst and is converted into elemental S. Desulfurized gas is recovered from the top of the separator vessel (2). The sulfur-loaded solution is then pumped through a multi-cartridge, high-pressure filter (3). The filtered solution can be partly recycled to the absorber (1) and partially expanded for regeneration.
The expanded solution, after separation of the dissolved gases (4) is regenerated with air in the oxidizer vessel (5). The whole process operates at nearambient temperature, and no thermal regeneration nor chilling is needed. High-pressure filtration mitigates foaming/plugging problems, especially after the expansion of the solution. Due to direct recycle of the filtered solution to the absorber, pumping costs are minimized. This process is highly selective; only H2S is removed (no CO2 co-absorption and very little hydrocarbons co-absorption).
Economics: For units treating 100–300 MMscfd of gas with a sulfur production 0.1–10 tpd, the CAPEX will be 20–50% lower than for conventional processes.
Licensors: Prosernat IFP Group Technologies and Le Gaz Integral
