• Plant Journal
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.36-46
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• 2017

In the reaction furnace of modified Claus process, chemical equilibrium reactions and kinetic reactions occur simultaneously. The main kinetic components are hydrogen ($H_2$), carbon monoxide (CO), carbonyl sulphide (COS) and carbon disulphide ($CS_2$). The equilibrium calculations, empirical correlations and sulfur recovery technology providers' (licensors) data for kinetic components (COS and $CS_2$) in the reaction furnace were analyzed to evaluate the amount of kinetic components by applying them to five different projects in which GS Engineering & Construction participated. Kinetic components ($H_2$ and CO) are also calculated and the results are analyzed to evaluate the impact of temperature in the reaction furnace and the waste heat boiler. Total required $O_2$ deviations for combustion in the reaction furnace are additionally shown, with and without side reactions. A full understanding of side reactions in the modified Claus process can help to improve sulfur recovery efficiency and optimize equipment design.