Selective absorption of H₂S from larger quantities of CO₂ by absorption and reaction in fine sprays

Abstract

Abstract Highly selective transfer of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) from much larger quantities of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) has been accomplished by absorption and reaction into fine sprays of buffered carbonate solution. Selectivity after the intensely agitated atomization zone is dramatically improved once the droplets have formed and stagnate internally. H 2 S transfer in this latter zone is virtually independent of the presence of CO 2 , even at CO 2 :H 2 S ratios of 100; CO 2 transfer, however, is adversely affected by the presence of H 2 S. The gas film resistance for mass transfer is effectively eliminated with the 50 μm mean droplet diameter. The data indicate approximately constant hydrodynamics throughout the formed droplet zone and allow good theoretical prediction of enhancement factors for this complex system. Thus the design of more efficient equipment is possible if the gas‐liquid contacting method is tailored to take advantage of differences in the transfer and reaction rate properties of gases to be separated.