Efficient new process for the desulfurization of mixtures of air and hydrogen sulfide via a dielectric barrier discharge plasma

Abstract

The efficient removal of hydrogen sulfide, H2S, from streams of H2S in air via a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma has been investigated using a quadrupole mass spectrometer. A suitable plasma device with a reservoir for storing sorbent powder of various kinds within the plasma region was constructed. Plasma treatments of gas streams with high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide in air yielded a removal of more than 98% of the initial hydrogen sulfide and a deposition of sulfur at the surface of the dielectric, while small amounts of sulfur dioxide were generated. The presence of calcium carbonate within the plasma region of the DBD device resulted in the removal of over 99% of the initial hydrogen sulfide content and the removal of 98% of the initial sulfur dioxide impurities from the gas mixture.

Desulfurization of Biogas via Dielectric Barrier Discharges

“…Earlier results on the removal of hydrogen sulfide from air streams 28 suggested a formation of CaSO 4 , which has been verified in the meantime (not shown here). The formation of CaSO 4 from CaCO 3 and H 2 S, however, requires additional oxygen in order to be completed.…”

“…In an earlier study, the effect of DBD plasma on a gas stream of 20 vol % of H 2 S in atmospheric air was investigated 28. Whereas an empty reactor led to the deposition of atomic sulfur at the reactor walls and the formation of small amounts of SO 2 within the gas stream, a powder charge of CaCO 3 placed inside the plasma region resulted in a removal of over 99 % of the initial H 2 S content and over 98 % of the SO 2 impurities 28.…”

“…The first reactor was designed to improve the use of CaCO 3 as well as iron salts as sorbent. This was intended to extend the previous studies on the use of powder sorbents for these purposes 28. The second reactor was designed to extract the sulfur fastest possible from the plasma region and thus minimize the deposition of atomic sulfur at the reactor walls.…”

The role of photoionization in negative corona discharge

“…[1][2][3][4] It occurs if the corona onset voltage is applied to asymmetric electrodes such as a needle and a plate. [5][6][7] In the process of corona discharge, photons are emitted by the collisions of electrons with molecules at the head of the electron avalanche, and a portion of photons will be absorbed by molecules.…”

Effects of background gas on sulfur hexafluoride removal by atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge plasma

“…3 Recently, dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) has attracted considerable interest in the field of gas removal, particularly because of the stable discharge features, non-equilibrium nature, and simple experimental setup of the method. [4][5][6] Over the last few years, researchers have launched some studies on SF 6 removal by DBD plasma. 7,8 The results have proven the ability of DBD to destroy SF 6 at a relatively low operating cost: relative low temperature, atmospheric pressure, fast conversion and easy realization.…”