Investigation of Optimum Condition of Heat Treatment and Flow to Improve H2S Adsorption Capacity for Practical use of an Activated Carbon Tower

Abstract

This study was conducted to improve the operating conditions of an adsorption tower filled with potassium impregnated activated carbon for high hydrogen sulfide capture capacity. Heat treatment modified the surface properties of activated carbon, and ultimately determined its adsorption capacity. The activated carbon doped with potassium showed 57 times more adsorption at room temperature than that of using the raw adsorbent. It is believed that uniform pore formation and strong bonding of the potassium on the surface of carbon contributed to the chemical and physical absorption of hydrogen sulfide. The SEM analysis on the surface structure of various commercial carbons showed that the modification of surface properties through the heat treatment generated the destruction of pore structures resulted in the decrease of the absorption performance. The pressure drop across the activated carbon bed was closely related with the grain size and shape. The optimum size of irregularly shaped activated carbon granules was 2-4 mesh indicating economical feasibility.