Abstract
Processes for the high temperature desulfurization of coal-derived gases are an important component in the development of advanced electric power generation processes. Much of the desulflirization research and development effort has used zinc-based sorbents, which are quite reactive at the temperatures and pressures of interest, have acceptable sulfur capacities, and are capable of reducing H2S concentrations to less than 20 ppmv. The sorbent must be regenerable and maintain its activity and structural integrity through many sulfidation-regeneration cycles.
Much of the early research used the mixed metal oxide, ZnFe2O4. However, a number of limitations, including the formation of Zn(g) and over-reduction of Fe2O3 to FeO (or even Fe), soon became apparent. Multicycle durability was not acceptable. Recently, zinc and titanium mixed metal oxides, xZnOTiO2, as well as a proprietary sorbent, Z-Sorb, have received increased attention. Reduction of ZnO and formation of Zn(g) is retarded in the presence of titanium oxide, and reduction problems associated with iron oxide are eliminated. A major drawback, however, is the reduced capacity since TiO2 does not react with H2S. In general, xZnO-TiO2 and Z-Sorb have proven to be more durable, and have extended the allowable operating window to higher temperature and to coal gases having greater reducing power.
Laboratory research began with single particle kinetic studies using electrobalance reactors and integral studies using small-scale fixed-bed reactors and simulated coal gases. While convenient for laboratory use, the fixed-bed reactor is generally not suitable for commercial operation. Moving-bed and fluidized/transport reactors offer many advantages including steady-state operation, improved temperature control, and simplified materials of construction. All of these reactor types are currently included in Clean Coal Demonstration projects jointly funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and industrial organizations.
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Harrison, D.P. (1998). Performance Analysis of ZnO-Based Sorbents in Removal of H2S From Fuel Gas. In: Atimtay, A.T., Harrison, D.P. (eds) Desulfurization of Hot Coal Gas. NATO ASI Series, vol 42. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-58977-5_11
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