Hydrogen sulfide iron sponge beds

The iron oxide in SulfaTreat is reportedly present in two forms Fe203 and Fc304. Hydrogen sulfide reacts with both forms to produce a mixture of iron sulfides. The conversion efficiency in commercial operations has been found to range between 0.SS and 0.716 lb H2S reacted/lb of iron oxide (Samuels, 1990). This is somewhat higher than the value of 0.42 lb sulfur (or 0.4S lb HjS) /lb iron oxide recommended for iron sponge bed design. 

Hydrogen sulfide is removed from natural gas by passage over iron sponge, when flammable iron sulfide is produced. Handling precautions during regeneration of the reactor beds are detailed. 

Hydrogen sulfide reacts easily with iron oxide, iron hydroxide, and zinc oxide and forms iron sulfide or zinc sulfide, respectively [18]. This process is often referred to as iron sponge because rust-covered steel wool may be used to form the reaction bed. 

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