Title of Invention	FISSION REACTOR FOR A CLAUS PLANT
Abstract	The invention relates to a fission reactor (1) for a Claus Plant, comprising a fireproof lined boiler (9), which contains a combustion chamber (2) with an influx opening for a mixture of fuel gas, air and acid gas containing H2S, a catalyst chamber (10) with a catalyst bed and a chamber on the outflow side (11) comprising a gas outlet for a hot process gas that contains elemental sulphur. According to the invention, the boiler is configured as a horizontal cylindrical boiler, in which the combustion chamber (2), the catalyst chamber and the chamber on the outflow side (11) are located next to one another. The catalyst chamber is delimited on both sides in the flow direction by gas-permeable chequer bricks (14) and has a fill opening (15) on the shell side for introducing the catalyst bed.

Title of Invention

FISSION REACTOR FOR A CLAUS PLANT

Abstract

The invention relates to a fission reactor (1) for a Claus Plant, comprising a fireproof lined boiler (9), which contains a combustion chamber (2) with an influx opening for a mixture of fuel gas, air and acid gas containing H2S, a catalyst chamber (10) with a catalyst bed and a chamber on the outflow side (11) comprising a gas outlet for a hot process gas that contains elemental sulphur. According to the invention, the boiler is configured as a horizontal cylindrical boiler, in which the combustion chamber (2), the catalyst chamber and the chamber on the outflow side (11) are located next to one another. The catalyst chamber is delimited on both sides in the flow direction by gas-permeable chequer bricks (14) and has a fill opening (15) on the shell side for introducing the catalyst bed.

Full Text	Fission Reactor for a Claus Plant Specification: FIELD OF INVENTION The invention relates to a fission reactor for a Claus plant, comprising a boiler lined with refractory material, which comprises a combustion chamber having an inflow opening for a mixture of heating gas, air and acid gas containing H2S, a catalyst chamber having a catalyst bed, and a chamber on the outflow side, having a gas outlet for hot process gas containing elemental sulfur. BACKGROUND/PRIOR ART In a Claus plant, hydrogen sulfide is converted to elemental sulfur, which is condensed and precipitated by means of cooling the process gas stream. In its fundamental structure, a Claus plant consists of the fission reactor described initially, a waste heat boiler, as well as at least one catalyst stage. An acid gas containing H2S is guided into the combustion chamber of the fission reactor, together with air heating gas. Here, about 60-70% of the hydrogen sulfide is converted to sulfur in an exothermic reaction on the catalyst bed. The process gas leaves the fission reactor at a temperature of about 1200°C, and is cooled to a temperature below 170°C in the waste heat boiler. After precipitation of the condensed sulfur, the process gas is heated again and passed to the catalyst stage, in which hydrogen sulfide that is still contained in the process gas is converted to elemental sulfur, at a working temperature below 300°C. DE-A-3708957 discloses a reactor having a catalyst bed for the catalytic conversion of H2S and SO2 present in a gas stream into elemental sulphur. For the said conversion, when operating the reactor below the dew point of sulphur or the solidification point of sulphur, as high a uniformity as possible in the cooling or heating of the catalyst charge in the case of adsorption or regeneration, the reactor is at least partially cooled or heated internally and at least one cooling/heating coil is arranged in at least one part of the catalyst bed. It is here also provided that the catalyst bed is divided into a number of sub-beds containing different catalysts. WO-A-01/09032 discloses a method and system for improving the yield of syngas from the partial oxidation of methane or other light hydrocarbons. The increase in yield results from the substitution of H2S partial oxidation for the combustion of light hydrocarbon to CO2 and water. Within the scope of the known measures, a vertical shaft oven that has a combustion chamber at its upper end and a bed of a loose catalyst bulk material below the combustion chamber is used as a fission reactor. The oven, through which flow passes from top to bottom, possesses a great height. For reasons of stability, a complicated oven scaffolding is required in order to absorb the wind stress that acts on the oven. Furthermore, there is the problem that flames can flash over from the combustion chamber to the catalyst bed, thereby damaging the catalyst. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The invention is based on the task of reducing the expenditure, in terms of plant technology, for the fission reactor of a Claus plant. The fission reactor is supposed to function reliably, while having a compact structure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To accomplish this task, the invention teaches that the boiler is configured as a horizontal cylindrical boiler, in which the combustion chamber, the catalyst chamber, and the chamber on the outflow side are disposed next to one another, and that the catalyst chamber is delimited, on both sides, in the flow direction, by gas-permeable checker bricks, and has a fill opening for introducing the catalyst bed, on the mantle side. Preferably, the inflow opening and the gas outlet are disposed on opposite faces of the boiler. The invention is based o the recognition that a horizontal arrangement of the fission reactor can be implemented if the catalyst bed is introduced into a catalyst chamber delimited on both sides by gas-permeable checker bricks. Significant advantages result from the arrangement according to the invention. The fission reactor can be configured to be compact, having a short combustion chamber, since the gas-permeable checker bricks made of a refractory material effectively prevent flash-over of flames from the combustion chamber all the way to the catalyst bed. Furthermore, because of the horizontal arrangement of the boiler, static problems in setting up the fission reactor are eliminated. An oven scaffolding to absorb wind stresses is not necessary. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the checker bricks made of refractory material contain elongated holes that cannot become blocked up by the catalyst, which are generally spherical. In another embodiment of the fission reactor, the invention teaches that on the circumference of the chamber on the outflow side, a branch line lined with refractory material is connected, which opens into a process gas line adjacent to the boiler, through which a cooler process gas flows. In the opening region of the branch line, a valve body is disposed in adjustable manner, with which the amount flow of a hot gas stream that exits from the branch line can be regulated. In this connection, the cooler process gas that passes through the process gas line cools the valve body and a setting device assigned to the valve body, so that usual metallic materials can be used for the valve body and the setting device. Other embodiments are described in the subordinate claim 5 and are described in the following, using an exemplary embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS The drawing schematically shows: Fig. 1 a Claus plant having a fission reactor configured according to the invention, Fig. 2 the fission reactor in a representation that is enlarged as compared with Fig. 1. DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS Hydrogen sulfide is converted to elemental sulfur in the Claus plant shows in Fig. 1. The fundamental structure of the plant includes a fission reactor 1 having a combustion chamber 2 and a catalyst bed 3, a waste heat boiler 4 connected with the gas outlet of the fission reactor 1, as well as at least one catalyst stage 5. An acid gas 6 containing hydrogen sulfide, along with air 7 and heating gas 8, is introduced into the combustion chamber 2 of the fission reactor 1. In an exothermic reaction, part of the hydrogen sulfide is converted to elemental sulfur on the catalyst. The process gas leaves the fission reactor 1 at a temperature of approximately 1200°C, and is cooled to a temperature of less than 170°C, which is required for condensation of the sulfur, in the waste heat boiler 4. The condensing sulfur is precipitated. After precipitation of the sulfur, the cooled process gas is heated and passed to the catalyst stage 5, in which sulfur compounds are converted to elemental sulfur on a catalyst. The catalyst stage 5 is operated at a temperature of less than 300°C. The process gas leaving the catalyst stage 5 is also cooled to the temperature required for condensation of the sulfur, in the waste heat boiler 4, and the condensed sulfur is precipitated. , It is evident from a comparison of Figures 1 and 2 that the fission reactor 1 consists of a horizontal, cylindrical boiler 9, lined with refractory material, in which boiler the combustion chamber 2, a catalyst chamber 10 for the catalyst bed 3, as well as a chamber 11 on the outflow side are disposed next to one another. An inflow opening 12 for a mixture of heating gas, air, and acid gas containing H2S, as well as a gas outlet 13 for a hot process gas containing elemental sulfur are disposed on the opposite faces of the boiler 9. The catalyst chamber 10 is delimited, on both sides, by gas-permeable checker bricks 14 made of refractory material, and has a mantle-side fill opening 15 for introduction of the catalyst bed. It is practical if the checker bricks 14 contain elongated holes. A branch line 16 lined with refractory material is connected on the circumference of the chamber on the outflow side, which line opens into a process gas line 17 adjacent to the boiler. The process gas line 17 connects the gas outlet of the waste heat boiler 4 with the catalyst stage 5, and has a process gas flowing through it, which exits from the waste heat boiler 4 at a temperature of less than 170°C, and is heated to a working temperature between 210°C and 250°C before entry into the catalyst stage 5. The heating takes place by mixing in hot process gas that flows in through the branch line 16. In the opening region of the branch line 16, a valve body 18 is disposed, in adjustable manner, with which the amount flow of the hot gas stream exiting from the branch line 16 can be regulated. The valve body 18 and a setting device 19 assigned to the valve body are cooled by the cooler process gas that flows through the process gas line 17, so that usual metallic materials can be used. The fission reactor furthermore has cleaning and inspection openings 20, as well as an access 21 for a temperature measurement device. The waste heat boiler 4 has a steam generator chamber surrounded by a pressure-resistant mantle, to which chamber a feed device 22 for boiler feed water as well as an exhaust device 23 for low-tension steam are connected. The waste heat boiler 4 contains a long tube bundle of heat exchanger tubes, which extend through the steam generator chamber and are inserted, on both ends, into tube plates that delimit the steam generator chamber. Furthermore, at least one additional tube bundle of shorter heat exchanger tubes is provided, which are also inserted into the tube plate at their exit-side end, and open into an inflow chamber 24 at the entry-side end. The long tube bundle has a hot process gas that exits from the fission reactor flowing through it. The inflow chamber 2 4 is disposed within the steam generator chamber and is impacted by a cooler process gas from the catalyst stage 5. The waste heat boiler 4 furthermore has a head piece 25 that follows the tube plate on the exit-side end, and is divided into sections. Each section of the head piece 25 has a tube bundle assigned to it, in each instance. Devices for drawing off condensed sulfur are connected with the sections. WE CLAIM 1. Fission reactor for a Claus plant, comprising a boiler (9) lined with refractory material, which comprises a combustion chamber (2) having an inflow opening (12) for a mixture of heating gas, air and acid gas containing H2S, a catalyst chamber (10) having a catalyst bed (3), and a chamber (11) on the outflow side, having a gas outlet (13) for hot process gas containing elemental sulfur, characterized in that the boiler (9) is configured as a horizontal cylindrical boiler, in which the combustion chamber (2), the catalyst chamber (10), and the chamber (11) on the outflow side are disposed next to one another, and that the catalyst chamber (10) is delimited, on both sides, in the flow direction, by gas-permeable checker bricks (14), and has a fill opening (15) for introducing the catalyst bed (3), on the mantle side. 2. Fission reactor as recited in claim 1, wherein the inflow opening (12) and the gas outlet (13) are disposed on opposite faces of the boiler (9). 3. Fission reactor as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the checker bricks (14) contain elongated holes. 4. Fission reactor as recited in one of claims 1 to 2, wherein on the circumference of the chamber (11) on the outflow side, a branch line (16) lined with refractory material is connected, which opens into a process gas line (17) adjacent to the boiler (9), that in the opening region of the branch line (16), a valve body (18) is disposed in adjustable manner, with which the amount flow of a hot gas stream that exits from the branch line (16) can be regulated, and that a cooler process gas passes through the process gas line (17), which cools the valve body (18) and a setting device (19) assigned to the valve body. Fission reactor as recited in claim 4, wherein a waste heat boiler (4) is connected with the gas outlet (13), in which the hot process gas that exits from the boiler (9) is cooled for the condensation of elemental sulfur, and steam is generated, and that the branch line (16) opens into a process gas line (17) that is connected with the waste heat boiler (4) and passes the cooled process gas to a catalyst stage (5) of the Claus plant. Dated this 19th day of January, 2005 The invention relates to a fission reactor (1) for a Claus Plant, comprising a fireproof lined boiler (9), which contains a combustion chamber (2) with an influx opening for a mixture of fuel gas, air and acid gas containing H2S, a catalyst chamber (10) with a catalyst bed and a chamber on the outflow side (11) comprising a gas outlet for a hot process gas that contains elemental sulphur. According to the invention, the boiler is configured as a horizontal cylindrical boiler, in which the combustion chamber (2), the catalyst chamber and the chamber on the outflow side (11) are located next to one another. The catalyst chamber is delimited on both sides in the flow direction by gas-permeable chequer bricks (14) and has a fill opening (15) on the shell side for introducing the catalyst bed.

Full Text

Fission Reactor for a Claus Plant
Specification:
FIELD OF INVENTION
The invention relates to a fission reactor for a Claus plant, comprising a boiler lined with refractory
material, which comprises a combustion chamber having an inflow opening for a mixture of
heating gas, air and acid gas containing H2S, a catalyst chamber having a catalyst bed, and a
chamber on the outflow side, having a gas outlet for hot process gas containing elemental sulfur.
BACKGROUND/PRIOR ART
In a Claus plant, hydrogen sulfide is converted to elemental sulfur, which is condensed and
precipitated by means of cooling the process gas stream. In its fundamental structure, a Claus
plant consists of the fission reactor described initially, a waste heat boiler, as well as at least one
catalyst stage. An acid gas containing H2S is guided into the combustion chamber of the fission
reactor, together with air heating gas. Here, about 60-70% of the hydrogen sulfide is converted to
sulfur in an exothermic reaction on the catalyst bed. The process gas leaves the fission reactor at a
temperature of about 1200°C, and
is cooled to a temperature below 170°C in the waste heat boiler. After precipitation of the
condensed sulfur, the process gas is heated again and passed to the catalyst stage, in which
hydrogen sulfide that is still contained in the process gas is converted to elemental sulfur, at a
working temperature below 300°C.
DE-A-3708957 discloses a reactor having a catalyst bed for the catalytic conversion of H2S and
SO2 present in a gas stream into elemental sulphur. For the said conversion, when operating the
reactor below the dew point of sulphur or the solidification point of sulphur, as high a uniformity
as possible in the cooling or heating of the catalyst charge in the case of adsorption or
regeneration, the reactor is at least partially cooled or heated internally and at least one
cooling/heating coil is arranged in at least one part of the catalyst bed. It is here also provided that
the catalyst bed is divided into a number of sub-beds containing different catalysts.
WO-A-01/09032 discloses a method and system for improving the yield of syngas from the partial
oxidation of methane or other light hydrocarbons. The increase in yield results from the
substitution of H2S partial oxidation for the combustion of light hydrocarbon to CO2 and water.
Within the scope of the known measures, a vertical shaft oven that has a combustion chamber at its
upper end and a bed of a loose catalyst bulk material below the combustion chamber is used as a
fission reactor. The oven, through which flow passes from top to bottom, possesses a great height.
For reasons of stability, a complicated oven scaffolding is required in order to absorb the wind
stress that acts on the oven. Furthermore, there is the problem that flames can flash over from the
combustion chamber to the catalyst bed, thereby damaging the catalyst.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The invention is based on the task of reducing the expenditure, in terms of plant technology, for
the fission reactor of a Claus plant. The fission reactor is supposed to function reliably, while
having a compact structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To accomplish this task, the invention teaches that the boiler is configured as a horizontal
cylindrical boiler, in which the combustion chamber, the catalyst chamber, and the chamber on the
outflow side are disposed next to one another, and that the catalyst chamber is delimited, on both
sides, in the flow direction, by gas-permeable checker bricks, and has a fill opening for introducing
the catalyst bed, on the mantle side. Preferably, the inflow opening and the gas outlet are disposed
on opposite faces of the boiler. The invention is based o the recognition that a horizontal
arrangement of the fission reactor can be implemented if the catalyst bed is introduced into a
catalyst chamber delimited on both sides by gas-permeable checker bricks. Significant advantages
result from the arrangement according to the invention. The fission reactor can be configured to be
compact, having a short combustion chamber, since the gas-permeable checker bricks made of a
refractory material effectively prevent flash-over of flames from the combustion chamber all the
way to the catalyst bed. Furthermore, because of the horizontal arrangement of the boiler, static
problems in setting up the fission reactor are eliminated. An oven scaffolding to absorb wind
stresses is not necessary. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the checker bricks
made of refractory material contain elongated
holes that cannot become blocked up by the catalyst, which are generally spherical.
In another embodiment of the fission reactor, the invention teaches that on the circumference of
the chamber on the outflow side, a branch line lined with refractory material is connected, which
opens into a process gas line adjacent to the boiler, through which a cooler process gas flows. In
the opening region of the branch line, a valve body is disposed in adjustable manner, with which
the amount flow of a hot gas stream that exits from the branch line can be regulated. In this
connection, the cooler process gas that passes through the process gas line cools the valve body
and a setting device assigned to the valve body, so that usual metallic materials can be used for the
valve body and the setting device.
Other embodiments are described in the subordinate claim 5 and are described in the following,
using an exemplary embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The drawing schematically shows:
Fig. 1 a Claus plant having a fission reactor configured according to the invention,
Fig. 2 the fission reactor in a representation that is enlarged as compared with Fig. 1.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE
ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Hydrogen sulfide is converted to elemental sulfur in the Claus plant shows in Fig. 1. The
fundamental structure of the plant includes a fission reactor 1 having a combustion chamber 2 and
a catalyst bed 3, a waste heat boiler 4 connected with the gas outlet of the fission reactor 1, as well
as at least one catalyst stage 5. An acid gas 6 containing hydrogen sulfide, along with air 7 and
heating gas 8, is introduced into the combustion chamber 2 of the fission reactor 1. In an
exothermic reaction, part of the hydrogen sulfide is converted to elemental sulfur on the catalyst.
The process gas leaves the fission reactor 1 at a temperature of approximately 1200°C, and is
cooled to a temperature of less than 170°C, which is required for condensation of the sulfur, in the
waste heat boiler 4. The condensing sulfur is precipitated. After precipitation of the sulfur, the
cooled process gas is heated and passed to the catalyst stage 5, in which sulfur compounds are
converted to elemental sulfur on a catalyst. The catalyst stage 5 is operated at a temperature of less
than 300°C. The process gas leaving the catalyst stage 5 is also cooled to the temperature
required for condensation of the sulfur, in the waste heat
boiler 4, and the condensed sulfur is precipitated. ,
It is evident from a comparison of Figures 1 and 2 that the
fission reactor 1 consists of a horizontal, cylindrical boiler 9,
lined with refractory material, in which boiler the combustion
chamber 2, a catalyst chamber 10 for the catalyst bed 3, as well
as a chamber 11 on the outflow side are disposed next to one
another. An inflow opening 12 for a mixture of heating gas, air,
and acid gas containing H2S, as well as a gas outlet 13 for a hot
process gas containing elemental sulfur are disposed on the
opposite faces of the boiler 9. The catalyst chamber 10 is
delimited, on both sides, by gas-permeable checker bricks 14
made of refractory material, and has a mantle-side fill opening
15 for introduction of the catalyst bed. It is practical if the
checker bricks 14 contain elongated holes. A branch line 16
lined with refractory material is connected on the circumference
of the chamber on the outflow side, which line opens into a
process gas line 17 adjacent to the boiler. The process gas
line 17 connects the gas outlet of the waste heat boiler 4 with
the catalyst stage 5, and has a process gas flowing through it,
which exits from the waste heat boiler 4 at a temperature of
less than 170°C, and is heated to a working temperature between
210°C and 250°C before entry into the catalyst stage 5. The
heating takes place by mixing in hot process gas that flows in
through the branch line 16. In the opening region of the branch
line 16, a valve body 18 is disposed, in adjustable manner, with
which the amount flow of the hot gas stream exiting from the
branch line 16 can be regulated. The valve body 18 and a
setting device 19 assigned to the valve body are cooled by the
cooler process gas that flows through the process gas line 17,
so that usual metallic materials can be used.
The fission reactor furthermore has cleaning and inspection
openings 20, as well as an access 21 for a temperature
measurement device.
The waste heat boiler 4 has a steam generator chamber surrounded
by a pressure-resistant mantle, to which chamber a feed device
22 for boiler feed water as well as an exhaust device 23 for
low-tension steam are connected. The waste heat boiler 4
contains a long tube bundle of heat exchanger tubes, which
extend through the steam generator chamber and are inserted, on
both ends, into tube plates that delimit the steam generator
chamber. Furthermore, at least one additional tube bundle of
shorter heat exchanger tubes is provided, which are also
inserted into the tube plate at their exit-side end, and open
into an inflow chamber 24 at the entry-side end. The long tube
bundle has a hot process gas that exits from the fission reactor
flowing through it. The inflow chamber 2 4 is disposed within
the steam generator chamber and is impacted by a cooler process
gas from the catalyst stage 5. The waste heat boiler 4
furthermore has a head piece 25 that follows the tube plate on
the exit-side end, and is divided into sections. Each section
of the head piece 25 has a tube bundle assigned to it, in each
instance. Devices for drawing off condensed sulfur are
connected with the sections.
WE CLAIM
1. Fission reactor for a Claus plant, comprising a boiler (9) lined with refractory material,
which comprises a combustion chamber (2) having an inflow opening (12) for a mixture of
heating gas, air and acid gas containing H2S, a catalyst chamber (10) having a catalyst bed
(3), and a chamber (11) on the outflow side, having a gas outlet (13) for hot process gas
containing elemental sulfur, characterized in that the boiler (9) is configured as a horizontal
cylindrical boiler, in which the combustion chamber (2), the catalyst chamber (10), and the
chamber (11) on the outflow side are disposed next to one another, and that the catalyst
chamber (10) is delimited, on both sides, in the flow direction, by gas-permeable checker
bricks (14), and has a fill opening (15) for introducing the catalyst bed (3), on the mantle
side.
2. Fission reactor as recited in claim 1, wherein the inflow opening (12) and the gas outlet
(13) are disposed on opposite faces of the boiler (9).
3. Fission reactor as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the checker bricks (14) contain elongated
holes.
4. Fission reactor as recited in one of claims 1 to 2, wherein on the circumference of the
chamber (11) on the outflow side, a branch line (16) lined with refractory material is
connected, which opens into a process gas line (17) adjacent to the boiler (9), that in the
opening region of the branch line (16), a valve body (18) is disposed in adjustable manner,
with which the amount flow of a hot gas stream that exits from the branch line (16) can be
regulated, and that a cooler process gas passes through the process gas line (17), which
cools the valve body (18) and a setting device (19) assigned to the valve body.
Fission reactor as recited in claim 4, wherein a waste heat boiler (4) is connected with the
gas outlet (13), in which the hot process gas that exits from the boiler (9) is cooled for the
condensation of elemental sulfur, and steam is generated, and that the branch line (16)
opens into a process gas line (17) that is connected with the waste heat boiler (4) and passes
the cooled process gas to a catalyst stage (5) of the Claus plant.
Dated this 19th day of January, 2005
The invention relates to a fission reactor (1) for a Claus Plant, comprising a fireproof lined boiler
(9), which contains a combustion chamber (2) with an influx opening for a mixture of fuel gas, air
and acid gas containing H2S, a catalyst chamber (10) with a catalyst bed and a chamber on the
outflow side (11) comprising a gas outlet for a hot process gas that contains elemental sulphur.
According to the invention, the boiler is configured as a horizontal cylindrical boiler, in which the
combustion chamber (2), the catalyst chamber and the chamber on the outflow side (11) are
located next to one another. The catalyst chamber is delimited on both sides in the flow direction
by gas-permeable chequer bricks (14) and has a fill opening (15) on the shell side for introducing
the catalyst bed.

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Patent Number

224195

Indian Patent Application Number

00061/KOLNP/2005

PG Journal Number

41/2008

Publication Date

10-Oct-2008

Grant Date

03-Oct-2008

Date of Filing

19-Jan-2005

Name of Patentee

THYSSENKRUPP ENCOKE GMBH

Applicant Address

CHRISTSTRASSE 9, 44789 BOCHUM

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	THIELERT, HOLGER	WESTERWIKSTRASSE 38, 44379 DORTMUND

PCT International Classification Number

C01B 17/04

PCT International Application Number

PCT/EP2003/004898

PCT International Filing date

2003-05-10

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	10233820.5	2002-07-25	Germany