Analysis and quantification of H2S during deodorisation process in steam reforming units

Steam reforming is a process used to produce high amounts of hydrogen from methane. In this case, a superior quality of methane is needed to be purified from all odorant compounds present in natural gas. To ensure the accuracy of the deodorisation process, it is necessary to monitor the quantity of sulphur compounds emitted while being separated from the natural gas, however, until now, analysing this compound in such a humid and complex matrix has been problematic. 

Chromatotec solutions quantify hydrogen sulphide at high concentration (low ppm) samples taken directly from natural gas pipes and very low concentrations (low ppb) sample taken after deodorisation. This dual-range system works with two different volumes of sampling loops. The analyser automatically switches between the two sampling loops to avoid the saturation of the system and/or signal.

The energyMEDOR is capable of analysing H2S, mercaptans, DMS and/or total reduced sulphurs by directly collecting the sample at the vent. All the molecules are then separated by chromatography and detected at a very low level (ppb and/or ppm). In this specific case, the energyMEDOR is equipped with two sampling loops adapted to two different ranges of concentrations (0-1 mg/Nm3 to 0-50 mg/Nm3) and integrated in an ATEX-certified cabinet. 

Thanks to its internal calibration system, the results are validated automatically and there is no need for manual intervention. The LCD colour touchscreen allows the user to view and edit the results directly in front of the analyser without opening it. The data are also automatically exported to a control room where the user is able to switch manually between the two sampling options instead of automatic mode. 

The energyMEDOR detects sulphur compounds thanks to a long-life (up to 10 years) sulphur-specific Electrochemical Detector (ED). The solution analyses individual compounds and total sulphurs by the sum of all the compounds.