Different Methods For H2S Removal From Biogas

The H2S is the shorter form of the Hydrogen sulfide. It is generally found in the biogas but it is identified as one of the problematic compounds. This is because of its role in the corrosion. As the hydrogen sulfide is corrosive in nature it can affect the mechanical wear of the equipment and its operations too. Besides that, the hydrogen sulfide is also poisonous in nature. Hence the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the biogas can lead to the inefficiency of the biogas production. Therefore, it is important to remove the H2S from the biogas to avoid any kind of problems or issues.

Methods to remove hydrogen sulfide

Here are some of the methods to remove the H2S or hydrogen sulfide from the biogas:

  1. Biological Desulphurization

The desulphurization of the biogas can be performed in a biological manner. This can be done by using micro-organisms. To microbiologically oxidize the hydrogen sulfide in the biogas, you will need to add stoichiometric amount of Oxygen in the biogas. This will correspond to about 2 to 6% of the air in biogas depending upon the concentration of the hydrogen sulfide. This is the simplest method where the desulphurization can be done directly by the addition of oxygen into the storage tank.

  1. Desulphurization by iron sponge

This is one of the best and most cost-effective processes that can help you to remove the hydrogen sulfide from the biogas. The iron sponge with either digested garden waste or ground garden waste at the most optimum conditions had the H2S removal performance.

Besides these, the hydrogen sulfide can be removed by the iron oxide, water scrubbing, activated carbon, NaOH scrubbing etc.

Why is it important to remove?

If you are wondering why it is important for you to remove the hydrogen sulfide from the biogas, then you are at the right place. The biogas mainly consists of two major products such as Carbon dioxide (40%) and Methane (60%). But the biogas can produce hydrogen sulfide in it which can lead to inefficiency of the biogas production. Also, the hydrogen sulfide mixed with ammonia can be a potential explosive. Hence, the industries try to remove the hydrogen sulfide from the  natural gas. As mentioned above, it can be removed by different ways. But you need to make sure which one is the right method for you to remove the gas completely.

Conclusion

Being in this industry, you will know that the presence of hydrogen sulfide in biogas can lead to several problems such as corrosion. It is also high inflammable in nature which generally increases the risk of disasters. Hence, you will have to try out industry-based processes to remove the hydrogen sulfide from the biogas. This will help you to utilize the biogas to the fullest without any side effects or dangers. The biogas which is free from hydrogen sulfide is suitable for the environment and you can use it for different purposes. You can talk to the professional hydrogen sulfide removal services to help in removing the H2S from the biogas completely.

Some Useful Information About Hydrogen Sulfide

Water supplies that are used in homes are supposed to be pure and there cannot be any compromise on this. In this article, we will be spending some time getting to know more about the importance of hydrogen sulfide removal and how this can be done. As far as drinking water supplies are concerned, there are two types of sulfur that are commonly found. They are sulfate and hydrogen sulfide. Both are considered to be a nuisance. While they may not pose a major health risk at the right concentrations, they do spoil the taste of the water. It could also lead to damage to plumbing networks, well-casing and of course lead to cooked food also tasting bad. Hence, let us try and find out ways and means by which it is possible to remove hydrogen sulfide from domestic water supplies.

What Are The Sources of Hydrogen Sulfide & Sulfate

When we refer to sulfates, we are referring to a combination of oxygen and sulfur. These are part of naturally occurring minerals and they are released into the groundwater. There also could be other reasons that could contribute to this problem. Leaking fuel tanks, landfills, old septic systems, pipelines, and chemical labs are also considered community hazards. These could also lead to a spike in the levels of hydrogen sulfide and sulfates. Hence, to begin with, it would be a good idea to run a Community Hazard Report. This could help in identifying the active as well as historic hazards as far as your neighborhood is concerned.

We also need to understand that bacteria that have sulfur-reducing capabilities and which make use of sulfur as the main energy source are the primary culprits when it comes to the production of large quantities of hydrogen sulfide. The bacteria have the capability of chemically changing the natural sulfates in water and convert them into hydrogen sulfide. These bacteria thrive in environments that are oxygen deficient and these could include plumbing systems, deep wells, water heaters, and water softeners. Further, the bacteria generally flourish where there is a concentration of hot water in any water distribution system.

Indications of Hydrogen Sulfide Contamination

Many possible indications could point towards increased levels of sulfide contamination. They could make the cleaning of clothes difficult. They also get converted into sulfate and could lead to effects that are similar to iron bacteria. They could lead to the formation of a dark slime and it can clog plumbing networks and could also lead to staining of clothes.

On the other hand, hydrogen sulfide produces that rotten egg odor or what also is referred to as sulfur water odor and taste. In many places, the odor may become noticeable when the water supply is initially turned on. Hence it is common to see the use of magnesium corrosion rods in water heaters. These have the capability of reducing hydrogen sulfide and sulfates.

 The Final Word

It is therefore important to identify the source of the contamination and only after that will it be possible to take steps to neutralize excess hydrogen sulfide in well water, water softener machines, and also other such units. You have to appoint professionals to do the job for you.