Thermodynamic estimation of plasma assisted pyrolysis of hydrogen sulfide in high voltage AC plasma torch

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide is largely produced as a byproduct during the oil refining process. The common method used for its recycling involves processing it into elemental sulfur, which is later processed into sulfuric acid. However, significant change in industrial use of sulfuric acid calls for revising of hydrogen sulfide recycling. In this paper the thermodynamic estimations of plasma-assisted pyrolysis of hydrogen sulfide were carried out for a high voltage AC plasma torch with a variety of plasma forming mixtures. In this case hydrogen, which can be used in chemical synthesis or as a fuel, is formed in addition to sulfur. Energy inputs for hydrogen production are estimated: For Ar/H2S(1:1) – 373.0 MJ/kg H2; for N2/H2S – 534.6 KJ/kg H2.