Nonthermal plasma technique for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from methane.

The process of removal of hydrogen sulfide from methane in the plasma of a barrier discharge in the presence of octane vapor is studied. The use of octane vapors in the initial mixture with methane and hydrogen sulfide permits to avoid the formation of a deposit on the electrodes of the plasma-chemical reactor. The degree of hydrogen sulfide removal reaches 98%, the methane conversion does not exceed 10%. Energy consumption for hydrogen sulfide removal is 83 kW h/kg. The main gaseous products of the treatment of the initial mixture in the barrier discharge are hydrogen (30%) and ethane (30%). Among sulfur-containing products, mainly mono- and dialkylsulfides are identified. A possible mechanism of the process is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]