Effect of Toluene Addition on Hydrogen Sulfide Combustion Under Claus Condition

Experimental results on the effect of different amounts of toluene addition to H₂S gas stream are presented. Three toluene concentrations of 0.5%, 1% and 5% in H₂S are presented and compared with the baseline case of 100% H₂S/air combustion. Temperature data showed that addition of toluene to H₂S gas stream increases the flame temperature because of large heating value associated with toluene. Addition of toluene resulted in the production of H₂, which increased with increase in the amounts of toluene addition. Furthermore, increased addition of toluene concentration increased the asymptotic value of hydrogen sulfide due to oxidation competition between the formed H₂ and H₂S. The results also showed that the presence of CO triggers the formation of COS with toluene addition due to reaction of CO with SO₂. The results revealed that SO₂ mole fraction increased to a maximum value then decayed with distance along the reactor. Addition of toluene increased the rate of SO₂ decay. These results have direct impact on sulfur capture in Claus reactor performance for sulfur capture.