Analysis of advantages and disadvantages of iron oxide desulfurizers and improvement directions

Iron oxide desulfurizers have been rapidly promoted in recent years due to their large hydrophobic capacity, low price, and ability to regenerate air at room temperature. The main reason is that H2 in the desulfurization gas source can be used under anaerobic conditions (activated carbon does not desulfurize under anaerobic conditions). And the effect of iron oxide desulfurizer is good. It can be operated at room temperature, reducing equipment investment costs and making it easy to operate. Therefore, considering cost-effectiveness, it is more suitable for natural gas desulfurization. After years of improvement, the water resistance and desulfurization accuracy of iron oxide have been greatly improved, which is suitable for most industrial desulfurization projects.

However, iron oxide also has shortcomings such as poor strength and pulverization when it comes into contact with water, which affects its industrial application. At the same time, carbon deposition reaction may occur at higher temperatures in a reducing atmosphere. Moreover, iron oxide must be operated under alkaline conditions, and a certain pH value can be maintained by adding pure alkali. Due to the fact that iron oxide must remain in a hydrated form, water is usually added to the iron oxide, making it easier to add pure alkali. In addition, to prevent the evaporation of iron oxide, the reaction temperature should not be too high.

Therefore, improvements should be made in terms of improving the conditions and efficiency of desulfurization reactions.