NanoSulf TM Process for Effective Sulfur Removal

Background:

There is an increasing global demand for sources where methane can be extracted and used to produce power, chemicals, and transportation fuels. One of the biggest sources for this purpose are landfills as they contain feed stocks, animal waste, bio-gas, etc. However, combined with the methane there is also sulfur, or hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which needs to be removed to extract just the methane.  Depending on the concentrations, hydrogen sulfide can lead to headaches, irritations, nausea, convulsions, shock, severe respiratory tract irritation, coma, or even death if people are exposed to it. Consequently, if hydrogen sulfide is allowed to remain in the landfill gas when it is released in the atmosphere, there is a potential risk of serious health conditions for people and animals who reside near the landfill.  Even though there are various methods implemented to remove the sulfur, they all have severe disadvantages whether that be cost, complexity, efficiency, one-time use, or limiting agents within the process. Therefore, a new method and apparatus for a more economical and efficient method for hydrogen sulfide removal is needed.

Technology Overview:

This technology overcomes the restrictions of conventional methods and systems for removing hydrogen sulfide from a gas stream. The method revolves around having the gas stream come in contact with a reactor that includes, at least one, nano-sized metal (usually copper) which will remove the hydrogen sulfide.  The copper in the reactor is heated to a temperature of between 200 to 255 degrees Celsius and is the catalyst during the process. Since it is a catalyst, the copper will not be used up during the removal of the hydrogen sulfide and therefore can be used again for the next gas stream.  This overcomes the limitations of cost, complexity, efficiency, one-time use, and limiting agents. However, using this process can have a limitation due to the potential amount of build-up of the hydrogen sulfide removed. This issue is also solved with further implementation of this method. By including bio-char and having, at least, two nano-sized coppers in the reactor, the hydrogen sulfide does not accumulate in the reactor.  Four bio-chars are discussed to be effective, and they are derived from hardwood, chicken waste and hardwood, switchgrass, and switchgrass and rye, respectively. The bio-char is an adsorbent that acts as a dispersant in the reactor.

Advantages:

can be used multiple times without replacing agents involved every time - Cost-effective - Non-complex procedure - no limiting agents that limit the efficiency of the process - hydrogen sulfide accumulation after removal is countered

Applications:

This technology is specifically designed and discussed in the context of removing hydrogen sulfide from landfill gas streams. However, with certain replacements of material and substances used, this invention can also be used to remove other impurities within contaminated gas streams.

Intellectual Property Summary:

Patent application submitted

Stage of Development:

[16/076,388](https://patents.google.com/patent/US20190039020A1/en)

Licensing Status:

Available for Partnership

Licensing Potential:

Licensing,Commercial partner,Development partner

Additional Information: