Paper: H2S Removal By Direct Liquid Phase Oxidation Processes

Direct Liquid Phase Oxidation Processes (DLPOP's) are a group of processes that remove hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from gas streams by absorption in an alkaline aqueous solution. The absorbed H2S is converted to elemental sulfur through the action of a metal catalyst complex contained in the solution. These processes are very effective, being able to remove H2S to below the limits of detectability when required. They are almost totally selective for H2S, with respect to carbon dioxide (C02). They are used to treat hydrocarbon streams directly, to recover sulfur from amine acid gas streams, and as tail gas cleanup following Claus sulfur recovery systems. Because they can remove and recover H2S to below detectable limits, these processes have become more important to oil and gas producers as environmental regulations have lowered emission levels for H2S, and its combustion product Sulfur Dioxide (S02). New or modified DLPOP's are being developed very rapidly. Each new process announced has some claim to reduced side reaction products, reduced operating costs, reduced capital costs, improved sulfur quality, or to improved operability. Each process is protected from full disclosure of design and operating information by secrecy agreements with the company that holds the patent.