LLC “Institute “Gipronikel”, Saint Petersburg, Russia:

Yu. V. Vasilev, Leading Researcher

O. I. Platonov, Former Leading Researcher, e-mail: OIPla@yandex.ru

L. Sh. Tsemekhman, Former Head of Pyrometallurgical Laboratory

Polar Division of LLC “Institute “Gipronikel”, Norilsk, Russia:

O. V. Zotikov, Director

This article gives the analysis of current status and near-term prospect of sulphur production from metallurgical sulphurous gases, containing sulphur dioxide, considering the results of research studies and practical knowledge, amassed at elemental sulphur production circuit of the Copper Plant of Polar Division of MMC “Norilsk Nickel”. Results of chromatographic investigation of industrial reactor at first technological chain of elemental sulphur production circuit (Copper Plant) allowed to draw the functional relationships of the reduction products' yields as functions of the relative excess of reducing agent. These results also provided the basis for creation (generalization and improvement) of kinetic model of sulphur dioxide thermal reduction by methane. Essential aspects were revealed in sulphur gas processing technology: insufficient yield of hydrogen sulfide on thermal reduction stage, and significant content of sulphurorganic components in the reduced gas, which makes unacceptable the use of standard criteria for Claus unit control, based on optimization of [H₂S]/[SO₂] ratio. Sulphur gas processing technology optimization factor should consider the carbonyl-sulfide content in reduced gas. The prospective technology of sulphur production from metallurgical sulphur gases, containing SO₂, requires the obligatory inclusion of catalytic conversion stage of reduced gas at the temperature of more than 350 ^°C.

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19. Vasilev Yu. V., Nosan L. M., Popkov E. V., Ryabko A. G., Tsemekhman L. Sh., Platonov O. I. Sposob polucheniya elementnoy sery iz otkhodyashchikh gazov, soderzhashchikh dioksid sery (Method of obtaining of elementary sulphur from waste gases, containing sulphur dioxide). Patent RF, 2221742, IPC С 01 В 17/04. Applied: February 08, 2002. Published: January 20, 2004.