A new approach for hydrogen production in Claus sulfur recovery process

In this study, the decomposition of hydrogen sulfide and reforming of hydrocarbons were employed for producing hydrogen. Thermolysis of H₂S in the platinum-based catalytic reactor led to the production of hydrogen and sulfur. It is observed that the presence of catalyst increased the conversion of H₂S decomposition up to 99.6%. Also, the hydrocarbon content of acid gas stream (CH₄) was converted to syngas, especially hydrogen in a catalytic reforming process. The produced hydrogen was separated using a Pd/Ag membrane. The simulation results showed that hydrogen production in a sulfur recovery unit provided a green source of energy by incinerating gasses. By hydrogen production during the process, the molar flow rate of incinerating gasses reduced from 2555 to 621?Kmol/h. Moreover, the hazardous sulfur compounds of the stack were removed, while hydrogen was produced by 256?Kmol/hr.