High temperature electrochemical polishing of H{sub 2}S from coal gasification process streams: Quarterly progress report, October 1, 1994--December 31, 1994

A high temperature electrochemical cell capable of polishing hydrogen sulfide from fuel gas streams is being perfected. The operation, to be used in compliance with high efficiency energy conversion systems, takes advantage of an electrochemical potential gradient instead of typical separation techniques to separate hydrogen sulfide from the fuel gas stream leaving hydrogen to enrich the exiting gases. Vaporous sulfur is the by-product carried downstream by a separate inert sweep gas and condensed. Work continued this quarter to improve experimental conditions (laboratory and equipment enhancement). The oven containing the Electrochemical Membrane Separator (EMS) is the main focus of improvement readjusting spatial requirements conforming to the controlled environmental emissions equipment while creating a controlled atmosphere gauntlet to unfavorable reactions with electrolytic species. Manufacturing of yttria-stabilized zirconia matrices was the primary focus of laboratory experimentation while full-cell testing is not possible