SBIR Phase I:CLEAN, INEXPENSIVE, AND CARBON-FREE ENERGY FROM A TOXIC WASTE

This SBIR Phase I project will develop a unique packed bed (no catalyst) reactor that can internally maintain temperatures for converting H2S to hydrogen and sulfur. This reactor helps to defeat the equilibrium limitation of the standard Claus Reaction and in addition allows one to capture hydrogen which is otherwise expended as a waste. The broader/commercial impact of the project will be to focus attention on the production of sulfur from petroleum refinery waste streams of H2S instead of treating the hydrogen as a waste exhaust gas (as the Claus process does). This process allows for the use of hydrogen both as a fuel and also to drive turbines and thereby save energy. Furthermore, hydrogen is a carbonless fuel.