Intensification of Sulfur Extraction from the Working Solutions in the Oxidative Desulfurization of Coke-Oven Gas

A deficiency of the oxidative removal of hydrocarbons from coke-oven gas is the insufficient extraction of elementary sulfur from the absorbing solution; the sulfur is formed by the oxidation of H2S. Sulfur buildup in the working solution interferes with the process and calls for periodic purification of the apparatus. To improve the extraction of sulfur from the solution, structural improvements are proposed. An inexpensive remedy is to supply surfactant so as to improve sulfur flotation. In this research, the surfactant used for wetting and flotation of the sulfur is analyzed. Classification of the reagents in terms of their hydrophilic properties is considered. Industrial samples of reagents intended to improve flotation are tested. The ascent and descent of sulfur particles in surfactant solutions is studied; the limiting wetting angle between the liquid drop and the solid surface of the sulfur particle is measured. Dynamic research on the flotation of sulfur particles by air bubbles is undertaken. The selected reagent is very effective in dynamic conditions, since the hydrophobic properties are maximized in the flotation process.