Ramavi Akbar, Hanif Ardhiansyah, Muhammad Wasim Ikram

A Simple Method in Evaluating the Performance of H2S Scrubber at Existing Biogas Plant

Introduction

A simple method in evaluating the performance of h2s scrubber at existing biogas plant. Evaluate H2S scrubber performance at existing biogas plants using a simple method. Analyze factors affecting H2S removal efficiency to prevent corrosion and environmental impact, finding optimal low liquid spray flow for the biogas industry.

Abstract

Biogas as one of the renewable energy sources contains hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) which causes equipment corrosion and gives negative impacts on the environment. To study some factors that affect the H2S removal efficiency, evaluation was done on the performance of existing H2S scrubber. For the case study, it was found that the existing scrubber performance did not reach the target (< 200 ppm-v H2S) with 1,450 Nm3 biogas/h and 2,550 ppm-v H2S inlet (-10 mbarg and 35oC). Scenarios were made by varying the design parameters of the H2S outlet scrubber (0 - 1,140 ppm-v), H2S inlet scrubber (2,550 and 3,000 ppm-v), and biogas flow (1,450 and 1,700 Nm3 biogas/h). Based on the analysis results, it was found that the initial design had already considered an overdesign factor of at least 52 times. Through solubility and residence time analysis, favorable scrubber operation is to run at low liquid spray flow (~ 70 m3/h). In addition, low flow liquid spray could help activate the bacteria on the bio-packing media surfaces so that they are not eroded by the high erosive spray velocity. This study’s results are expected to be a reference for the biogas industry in evaluating the performance of H2S scrubbers.

Review

This paper introduces a valuable and timely study focusing on a simple method for evaluating the performance of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) scrubbers in existing biogas plants. Addressing the critical issue of H₂S in biogas, which is detrimental to equipment and the environment, the research aims to provide practical insights for optimizing desulfurization processes. The proposed methodology is particularly relevant for the renewable energy sector, where the efficient and cost-effective operation of biogas facilities is paramount, making this study significant for improving operational sustainability and preventing infrastructure degradation. The authors conducted a case study on an existing H₂S scrubber, revealing that its current performance did not meet the target removal efficiency under specific operating conditions (1,450 Nm³/h biogas flow, 2,550 ppm-v H₂S inlet). To investigate influencing factors, a systematic evaluation was performed by varying critical design parameters such as H₂S outlet concentrations, H₂S inlet concentrations, and biogas flow rates. Through solubility and residence time analysis, the study uncovered that the initial design incorporated a substantial overdesign factor of at least 52 times. Crucially, the analysis indicated that operating the scrubber with a low liquid spray flow (~70 m³/h) is more favorable, not only for efficiency but also for protecting bio-packing media by preventing erosion and facilitating bacterial activation. The strength of this work lies in its practical applicability and the development of a 'simple method' that can be readily adopted by the biogas industry for performance assessment and optimization. While the abstract effectively presents the findings from a specific case study, the full paper would ideally elaborate on the general principles and steps involved in this "simple method" to enhance its broader transferability. The discovery of an optimal low liquid spray flow, coupled with its benefits for bio-packing, offers a tangible and actionable recommendation for plant operators. Overall, this study provides a robust framework and valuable insights, making it a highly relevant reference for improving the operational efficiency and longevity of H₂S scrubbers in existing biogas facilities.

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