Sulfur Recovery Using the Modified Claus Process

The goal of the project was to remove sulfur from a waste stream of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. This was accomplished through a modified form of the Claus process. The Claus process combusts hydrogen sulfide and oxygen to produce a specific level of sulfur dioxide. The Claus reaction then catalytically reacts the two sulfur compounds to form elemental sulfur and water. The elemental sulfur is condensed out of the process to be sold, while the remaining gas is vented to the atmosphere. This vented gas met all EPA laws regarding sulfur emissions limits, and released only 1.4 kg per day of sulfur compounds. The primary improvements from the standard Claus process were the addition of desiccators and the development of a heat exchanger network. The desiccators remove water, one of the products of the reaction, in order to improve conversion in the process. The heat exchanger network reduces the reliance on utilities and water usage to maintain desired temperatures. Overall, the project was determined to have a $1.63 million net present value, making it an economically sound proposal