Efficiency of various desulphurisation methods in improving the quality of the propane-propylene fraction

The study was conducted to determine the most effective and economically substantiated desulphurisation method for oil and gas deposits, ensuring a minimum content of sulphur compounds in the propane-propylene fraction. In this study, the methods of absorption, adsorption, and chemical purification, including catalytic, were compared in terms of hydrogen sulphide removal efficiency, economic feasibility, and impact on the final quality of the propane-propylene fraction. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the effectiveness of various methods of desulphurisation of the propane-propylene fraction depends on the initial concentration of hydrogen sulphide, the technical characteristics of the equipment, and the economic operating conditions. Absorption methods using amine solutions showed the highest degree of purification, reducing the hydrogen sulphide content to less than 5 ppm for large volumes of gas. However, the significant costs of absorbent regeneration reduce their economic attractiveness. Adsorption using zeolites and activated carbon has demonstrated high efficiency in processing small and medium volumes of gas. However, a reduction in the hydrogen sulphide content to 10 ppm is achieved, and adsorbent regeneration is possible without significant costs, which makes the method preferable for small installations. Catalytic purification using oxidising agents proved to be less effective at high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide, but ensures stable operation at low levels of impurities. This method requires significant capital investments, but it allows obtaining a fraction with a sulphur content of less than 8 ppm. Based on the data obtained, it was established that the choice of the optimal desulphurisation method is determined by the scale of production and the acceptable economic costs. Absorption is preferable for large enterprises, while the adsorption method is optimal for small installations