Abstract
In gas processing and refining industries, natural gas and petroleum based feeds frequently contain sulfur in the form of H2S, SO2, COS, CS2, and other components. Even in small quantities, these acid gasses are hazardous to health and the environment, and removal is regulated prior to product sales. The removal of sulfur in midstream and downstream applications typically involves a series of absorption, extraction, oxidation, and conversion processes to form elemental sulfur, which is removed in liquid form and used in chemical applications, such as the formation of hydrogen sulfide or cleaning agents, and in commercial applications, such as fertilizer. A typical sulfur removal plant will typically contain an acid gas treating step, sulfur recovery (modified Clause) step, and tail gas treating step, before sending by-products to the incinerator/flare.