Determination of sulfur components in natural gas: A review

Abstract

More stringent environmental regulations as well as higher demands presently being imposed on the sulfur content of natural gas feed‐stocks for chemical processes necessitate the development of new analytical procedures for sulfur determination in natural gas. Only analytical procedures based on gas chromatography can meet the sensitivity and accuracy requirements dictated by environmental regulation institutions and modern chemical industry. The complexity of the natural gas matrix as well as the extremely low concentration levels at which the sulfur species occur make the development of these analytical methods a true challenge. In this review the three steps common for analytical methods for trace analysis in complex matrices, i.e. pretreatment, chromatographic separation, and detection, are discussed in detail. Possible methods for calibration of the system are discussed in the final section. Various techniques to determine sulfur in natural gas are described. Depending on the application, the most suitable system has to be selected. For example, for on‐line application in a hazardous area a simple and rugged system is required, i.e. a simple gas chromatograph with a flame photometric detector, while for laboratory application a more complex instrument including preconcentration, column switching, and more exotic detection systems could be more suitable. Therefore it is crucial to define the requirements of the instrument at an early stage and use the information in this review article to develop/select a dedicated instrument/procedure for the problem at hand.

Development of stable isotope dilution assays for the quantitation of the food odorants hydrogen sulphide, methanethiol, ethanethiol, and propane-1-thiol and application to durian (Durio zibethinus L.) pulp

“…Classical quantitation of hydrogen sulphide in aqueous systems is based on the spectrophotometric measurement of methylene blue formed from H 2 S, N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine and ferric chloride [31]. Simultaneous quantitation of hydrogen sulphide and short-chain alkane-1-thiols can be accomplished by gas chromatography with PLOT columns and sulphur-sensitive detectors such as a flame photometric detector (FPD) or a sulphur chemiluminescence detector (SCD) [32]. However, the high volatility of hydrogen sulphide and short-chain alkane-1-thiols and their tendency towards the oxidative formation of disulphanes [2,33,34] may lead to substantial losses during the analytical workup.…”

Field sampling of trace levels of hydrogen sulfide with the use of solid adsorbent preconcentration

“…3 -6 Hydrogen sulfide may also be present in natural gas, which is a main contributor to the world's energy needs at concentration levels up to 1%. 7 During long-distance pressure transportation of sewage, large amounts of hydrogen sulfide can be produced and emitted from manholes and terminals, creating a serious environmental and maintenance problem. 8 -10 .…”

“…11 Because of the generally low concentration of volatile sulfur compounds in ambient air, especially in rural and remote areas, a preconcentration step is usually required before gas chromatographic analysis for investigating natural and anthropogenic emissions. 2,7,12,13 In recent years methods reported in the literature have used solid adsorbent preconcentration followed by thermal desorption and gas chromatography for the analysis of volatile organic compounds in air. Examples include trace levels of formaldehyde, 14 lower-molecular-weight hydrocarbons, 15,16 the chemicalwarfare agent mustard gas, 17 volatile hydrocarbons in indoor air, 18 dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl sulfone in air, 19 or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.…”

“…35 However, there is little information in the literature on pos-sible use of other solid adsorbents for collecting and desorbing hydrogen sulfide. 7 The purpose of this study is (a) to determine the trapping efficiency of selected solid adsorbent materials for collecting field samples of trace levels of hydrogen sulfide and ( b) to develop an accurate thermal desorption -gas chromatographic method for the separation of hydrogen sulfide from other collected reduced volatile sulfur gases (e.g., carbonyl sulfide, methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, carbon disulfide).…”

Investigation of audible carbon monoxide alarm ownership

“…It is a colourless, odourless gas and as such is SASBE 3,1 difficult to notice, unlike natural gas, which has a smell added to aid its detection (Tuan et al, 1994;Tam et al, 2012). The main causes of CO in homes are when gas appliances have been poorly fitted, maintained or repaired but may occur if vents, flues and chimneys are blocked (CIEH, 2011).…”