Hydrogen content in the hydrogenation reactor
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Why is the lower limit for the hydrogen content at the outlet of the hydrogenation reactor 2%? What is the lowest possible value? Is 1% acceptable?
It’s possible, but it shouldn’t be done for a long time. I think keeping it above 2 is to provide a margin against fluctuations; the main concern is catalyst sulfidation
Ensuring a minimum hydrogen content is necessary to provide enough hydrogen for the reaction with sulfur dioxide, thereby preventing sulfur dioxide from reacting again with unreacted hydrogen sulfide to form elemental sulfur, which could then cool down and clog subsequent equipment or cooling systems.
The hydrogen content can be kept as low as 0.5%, but the requirement of 1-2% is mainly to prevent fluctuations. In fact, it’s fine to have a slightly higher level in industrial production; it just results in increased energy consumption