Investigating efficiency improvement in sulfur recovery unit using process simulation and numerical modeling

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide exists mostly as a detrimental byproduct in the gas processing units as well as refineries, and it must be eliminated from natural gas streams. In a Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU), hydrogen sulfide is converted into the elemental sulfur during the modified Claus process. Efficiency of sulfur recovery units significantly depends on the reaction furnace temperature. In this work, the effect of oxygen and acid gas enrichment on the reaction furnace temperature and accordingly on sulfur recovery is studied, using both numerical modeling and process simulation. Then, simulation and numerical model are benchmarked against the experimental data of an SRU unit. The validated model provides spotlight on optimizing the upstream sulfur removal unit as well as the oxygen purification process. Two cases of acid gas streams with low and high H2S content, 30% and 50%, are studied to investigate the effect of operating parameters on the overall recovery. Finally, average errors of the models are presented. According to the absolute difference with experimental values, the developed numerical model shows great potential for accurately estimating overall efficiency of the recovery unit.

Using Reduced Kinetic Model for the Multi-Objective Optimization of Thermal Section of the Claus Process Leading to a More Cost-Effective and Environmentally Friendly Operation

“…Andoglu et al developed a reduced kinetic model for a reaction furnace and compared the results with detailed kinetic mechanism [20]. In the study of Fazlollahi et al, using both numerical modeling and simulation, the effects of oxygen and acid gas enrichment on the reaction furnace temperature and sulfur recovery were studied [21]. Mahmoodi et al developed a CFD model for a thermal furnace using the reduced kinetic model [22].…”

Solvation Shell Anatomy of H2S and CO Dissolved in Reline and Ethaline Deep Eutectic Solvents

“…It is known that long-time exposure to CO leads to decreased oxygen supply to body organs, resulting in unconsciousness and death . The presence of trace H 2 S and CO in membrane fuel cells and metal catalysts leads to catalytic poisoning. , Despite the numerous problems such as those discussed above, H 2 S is an essential raw material for manufacturing thio-organic chemicals, metal sulfides, hydrogen, and sulfur . CO is a crucial precursor for synthesizing widely used compounds like amide, menthol, and acetic acid .…”

“…7,8 Despite the numerous problems such as those discussed above, H 2 S is an essential raw material for manufacturing thio-organic chemicals, metal sulfides, 9 hydrogen, 10 and sulfur. 11 CO is a crucial precursor for synthesizing widely used compounds like amide, menthol, and acetic acid. 12 Therefore, urgent mitigation of H 2 S and CO, along with reversible capture, is crucial for the environmental protection, human health, and optimum resource recycling.…”

Rotten Eggs Revaluated: Ionic Liquids and Deep Eutectic Solvents for Removal and Utilization of Hydrogen Sulfide

“…2 A trace amount of H 2 S is poisonous for many metal catalysts. 3 H 2 S, on the other hand, is an important feedstock of the productions of sulfur, 4 hydrogen, 5 and some value-added metal sulfides and thio-organic chemicals, such as bis(2-phenylethyl) sulfide. 6 Therefore, both removal and further utilization of H 2 S from gas streams are all of great importance for human health, environmental protection, downstream operation, and resource reutilization.…”