SBIR Phase I: HYDROGEN PRODUCTION VIA ULTRA-RICH SUPERADIABATIC COMBUSTION OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE IN A REVERSE FLOW REACTOR

This SBIR Phase I project aims to develop a new process employing the superadiabatic reverse flow reactor to reform hydrogen sulfide into hydrogen, with the simultaneous recovery of sulfur. Preliminary experiments indicate superadiabatic combustion is capable of producing both hydrogen and sulfur. The Phase I project will establish the design parameters for a low-cost and ultra-efficient reactor and ultimately, in the Phase II project, a complete process for the production of hydrogen and sulfur from hydrogen sulfide. Currently, the 6 million tons of hydrogen sulfide, produced each year as a byproduct of the reaction of sulfur compounds with hydrogen, is processed by a Claus reactor into sulfur with the loss of hydrogen through oxidation. The successful development of the proposed process would provide an economical means of dealing with hydrogen sulfide by retaining hydrogen, itself of significant value as it is used in the refinement process.