The Claus process is considered to be an industry standard for recovering elemental sulfur from gaseous hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The removal of H2S is desirable due to the detrimental effect H2S has on the environment and human health. However, the gases which accompany H2S in the recovery/removal process impact the optimum reactor temperature for enhanced sulfur recovery.

The present invention provides a more efficient method of removing sulfur in a Claus process by using a novel thermal flame reactor and detailed analysis of the gas composition. A most desirable reactor operating temperature for enhanced sulfur removal efficiency is determined and implemented by this method. When the thermal reactor operates at an optimum temperature through the improved process, sulfur conversion efficiency is maximized.

File Number: PS-2008-120 

Web site: http://www.otc.umd.edu