Use of new reaction kinetics for COS formation to achieve reduced sulfur emissions from Claus plants

A simulation study of COS formation in the tubes of the waste heat boiler ( WHB) located just after the reaction furnace of a Claus plant is reported. First, the kinetics of the COS forming reaction were obtained from a recent ly completed experimental program in our laboratory. The predictions for CO S formation from the newly developed kinetic model were compared with the d ata from an actual industrial waste heat boiler and found to be in good agr eement. The simulation results showed that up to a 50% reduction in the COS production may be achieved by operating the WHB at the maximum allowable g as mass velocity in the WHB tubes coupled with the use of a smaller diamete r tube. These reductions have major implications on the overall sulfur reco very from Claus plants.