Gas purification

In industrial gas purification for heterogeneous catalytic processes such as steam reforming of natural gas, the water–gas shift (WGS) reaction, or methanation, feed gas cleanliness is essential. Many industrial catalysts are highly sensitive to sulfur-containing compounds, which can cause irreversible poisoning and loss of activity. For this reason, desulfurization is carried out upstream of the catalytic conversion steps.

Under a reducing atmosphere, i.e. in the presence of hydrogen (H₂), a proven gas purification concept combines hydrodesulfurization on Co–Mo catalysts (HDMax 200) with downstream adsorption of the released hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) on a ZnO-based adsorber such as ActiSorb S2. This approach enables the efficient removal of both inorganic and organic sulfur compounds, including mercaptans and tetrahydrothiophene.

In addition to sulfur removal, HDMax 200 can also convert chlorine-containing organic compounds via hydrodehalogenation, releasing hydrogen chloride (HCl). The resulting HCl is reliably removed using a dedicated HCl adsorber such as ActiSorb Cl2, ensuring comprehensive gas purification and long-term protection of downstream catalysts and process equipment