Gas purification system
AssigneePlug Power Inc.
InventorsDick J. Lieftink, Ellart K. De Wit, Joannes M. Der Kinderen
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Abstract
In general, the invention provides methods and associated apparatuses for removing odorant and sulfur compounds from a gas stream such as natural gas. As an example, such systems are typically required by fuel processor systems adapted to convert natural gas into reformate for use in fuel cell systems, where the odorant and sulfur compounds might otherwise poison the fuel processor and fuel cell catalysts Systems under the present invention are based on the use of at least two filtration stages such that the odorant removal function is segregated from the general removal of H2S.
Claims23
A method of removing sulfur compounds from a gas stream, comprising:
- removing an odorant component of a gas in a first step by contacting the gas with a first material;
- and
- removing H2S from the gas in a second step by contacting the gas with a second material different from the first material.
An apparatus for removing sulfur compounds from a gas stream, comprising:
- a first material and a second material;
- a conduit having an inlet and an outlet, the conduit providing fluid communication from the inlet to the first material, the conduit providing fluid communication from the first material to the second material, and the conduit providing fluid communication from the second material to the outlet;
- wherein the first material is suitable for absorbing an odorant compound;
- and
- wherein the second material is suitable for absorbing H2S.
An apparatus for removing sulfur compounds from a gas stream, comprising:
- a first stage and a second stage;
- a conduit having an inlet and an outlet, the conduit providing fluid communication from the inlet to the first stage, from the first stage to the second stage, and from the second stage to the outlet;
- wherein the first stage comprises a zeolite material;
- and
- wherein the second stage comprises a material selected from the group comprising H2S absorbents and COS hydrolysis catalysts.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.