Oxidizer and oxidation process for a desulphurization process

• US 7,279,148 B1
• Filed: 03/14/2007
• Issued: 10/09/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/05/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Merichem Technologies LLC
• Original Assignee: Merichem Company
• Inventors: Nagl, Gary J., Reicher, Myron, McManus, Derek
• Primary Examiner(s): Vanoy; Timothy C.
• Application Number:
  US11/717,950
• Time in Patent Office: 209 Days
• Field of Search: 423/573.1, 423/576.2, 423/576.4, 423/576.5, 423/576.6
• US Class Current: 423/576.2
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 53/504 characterised by a specific device
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 53/73 After-treatment of removed components
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2531/842 Iron
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 31/2243 At least one oxygen and one nitrogen atom present as complexing atoms in an at least bidentate or bridging ligand
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 31/403 containing iron group metals or copper
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 31/4061 involving membrane separation
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 38/12 Treating with free oxygen-containing gas
• CPC Class Codes: C01B 17/05 by wet processes
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 20/584 Recycling of catalysts

Abstract

An improved oxidizer for liquid reduction-oxidation desulphurization processes uses a hollow fiber membrane contactor. A pressurized, oxygen containing gas stream is introduced into the interior of the hollow fiber membrane while a liquid reduction-oxidation catalyst solution contacts the exterior of the membrane. Oxygen diffuses through the membrane into the liquid reduction-oxidation catalyst solution whereby the solution is oxidized and can be recycled for further use in a desulphurization process.

Claims

1. A process for continuously removing hydrogen sulfide from a gaseous stream comprising the following steps in combination:

a. providing a feed stream containing hydrogen sulfide to a oxidation-reduction process;

b. contacting the feed gas stream with a chelated metal catalyst to produce a first hydrogen sulfide-free gas stream and a second stream comprising elemental sulfur and chelated metal catalyst solution;

c. removing the first hydrogen sulfide-free gas stream from the process;

d. providing a hollow fiber membrane having an interior and an exterior;

e. directing at least a portion of the second stream from step b. to the exterior of the hollow fiber membrane;

f. introducing a pressurized, oxygen containing gas stream into the interior of the hollow fiber membrane such that the oxygen diffuses through the hollow fiber membrane and contacts the second stream; and

g. separating elemental sulfur from the chelated metal catalyst solution.

2. The process of claim 1 further characterized in that at least a portion of the chelated metal catalyst solution from step g. is recycled to contact the feed gas stream.