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Claus Process Sulfur Recovery Calculator

API 955 · GPSA · Kohl & Nielsen

Claus Sulfur Recovery Calculator
Designs sulfur recovery units using the Claus process with thermal and catalytic stages. Calculates air demand, sulfur production, and overall recovery efficiency for acid gas treating applications.

Feed Conditions

lb-mol/hr
%
From amine regenerator or sour water stripper

Process Conditions

°F
°F
stages
Typical Ranges:
Furnace: 1800-2700°F
Converter: 400-650°F
Stages: 2-3 (92-96% recovery)

About Claus Process

Thermal Stage: H₂S + 1.5 O₂ → SO₂ + H₂O
Catalytic: 2 H₂S + SO₂ → 3 S + 2 H₂O

Converts hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur. 1/3 combusted, 2/3 catalytically reacted.

About This Calculator

Calculates sulfur recovery material balance and efficiency per API 955 and GPSA standards.

Key Aspects:

  • Thermal Stage: 1/3 H₂S combustion
  • Catalytic: Multi-stage reaction
  • Efficiency: 92-96% typical (2-3 stages)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Claus process calculator do?

It designs Claus sulfur recovery units with thermal and catalytic stage calculations per industry standards.

What is the Claus process used for?

The Claus process recovers elemental sulfur from H₂S-containing acid gas streams through thermal and catalytic reaction stages.

How many stages does a Claus sulfur recovery unit have?

A Claus unit typically includes one thermal stage followed by two or three catalytic stages to maximize sulfur recovery.