Theoretical analysis of elemental sulfur dissolution process in high-sulfur natural gas

Objective  Utilizing laboratory-measured data of elemental sulfur solubility in high-sulfur natural gas, the elemental sulfur dissolution process is analyzed.

Methods  Depending on the material balance theory of chemistry reaction, the proportion of materials and the proportion of chemical reaction products were calculated, and the applicability of chemical dissolution theory to the process of elemental sulfur dissolution was demonstrated.

Results  The proportion of materials in the process of elemental sulfur dissolution did not meet the requirements of chemical reactions, and the proportion of chemical dissolution was generally below 10%, which did not apply to chemical dissolution theory. The solubility of elemental sulfur in H₂S, CH₄, CO₂, and H₂S-containing natural gas increased with increasing pressure, which did apply to physical dissolution theory.

Conclusion  The dissolution process of elemental sulfur in high-sulfur natural gas is suitable for physical dissolution theory.