Steam stripping: a new process for control of H/sub 2/S emissions from geothermal power plants

An experimental program has been conducted to determine the feasibility of a new process, known as Steam Stripping, for controlling hydrogen sulfide emissions from geothermal power plants. The tests were performed on a pilot plant scale apparatus, using simulated geothermal steam and condensate prepared by injecting hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and carbon dioxide into boiler steam and tap water. Stripping tests were run under vacuum at pressures as low as 1.8 psia and at an atmospheric pressure of 12.2 psia. Stripper performance was not a function of pressure; concentrations of H/sub 2/S in the treated water of less than 5 ppmw were attained under both vacuum and atmospheric pressures.