Studies of the kinetics of nickel sulfidation in H₂S-H₂ mixtures in the temperature range 450–600°C

Abstract

The reaction between pure nickel and H₂S-H₂ mixtures containing 1–65% H₂S has been studied over the temperature range 450–600°C. The sulfidation of nickel in the temperature range 560–600°C has been found to follow a linear rate law at low concentrations of H₂S and a parabolic rate law at higher concentrations (10% and 65% H₂S); X-ray examination of the scale formed on the metal showed it to be almost entirely β-Ni₃S₂. On the basis of the kinetics and marker studies it can be concluded that the sulfide scale on nickel is formed by the outward transport of the metal and the inward transport of sulfur. In the temperature range 450–500°C the sulfidation of nickel follows a parabolic rate law. In mixtures containing 10% H₂S the scale formed contains voids, the occurrence of which is connected with formation of Ni₇S₆. It has also been shown that the rate of transport through the Ni₃S₂ layer has an essential influence on the formation of a continuous layer of Ni₇S₆. Marker studies have shown that both nickel and sulfur appear to be mobile in β′-Ni₃S₂.