Production of elemental sulfur and methane from H{sub 2}S and CO{sub 2} derived from a coal desulfurization process. Annual technical progress report, October 1, 1994--September 30, 1995; Quarterly technical progress report, July 1--September 30, 1995

This study is to develop an experimental and theoretical procedure to investigate the feasibility of producing elemental sulfur, CO, H{sub 2} and possibly CH{sub 4} from H{sub 2}S and CO{sub 2} through catalytic reactions. A standard experimental system that can evaluate potential catalysts under controlled laboratory conditions has been designed and constructed. An effective simulation program capable of providing valuable thermodynamic information of the reaction system has been compiled. During this second project year, the modified experimental system for the laboratory catalytic reaction studies has been installed and temperature distribution profile inside the reactor has been characterized. Based on the experimental decomposition of H{sub 2}S under both non-catalytic and catalytic conditions with the CoO-MoO{sub 3}-alumina catalyst at moderate temperatures, around 550 C, further thermodynamic analyses of the theoretical conversion of H{sub 2}S for various temperatures, pressures and ratios of H{sub 2}S to CO{sub 2} were performed. A multistage reaction system was also considered. Results are presented. 47 refs., 51 figs., 7 tabs