Rate phenomena in the reaction of hydrogen sulfide with a zinc oxide-based sorbent

A zinc oxide-based sorbent was prepared by spraying drying a slurry containing 65% zinc oxide, 18% peptized alumina, and 17% perlite. The spray dried solids were dry sieved, wet sieved, dried at 150°C for 1 h, and subsequently calcined at 635°C for 1 h to produce the sorbent. The rate of sorption of hydrogen sulfide was measured as a function of time with a Cahn VersaTherma-thermogravimetric analyzer. Sorption rate is reported as a function of hydrogen sulfide partial pressure, temperature, and external particle size. Sorption rate can be described by a hydrogen sulfide mass-transport model for agglomerated particles. This agglomerate kinetics model satisfactory explains rate phenomena observed in this system.