Modification of zeolite by metal and adsorption desulfurization of organic sulfide in natural gas

Abstract The metal modified zeolite was prepared by impregnation combined with roasting and the adsorption performance of organic sulfur in natural sulfur was evaluated. The zeolite type, ion concentration, calcination temperature, anion and cationic species all have effect on the desulfurization performance. Anions have a great influence on the performance of the zeolite modified by copper ions. Ag/13X had the highest adsorption capacity to methyl sulfide and the adsorption capacity increased by 1.6 times than that of the unmodified 13X zeolite. The order of adsorption capacity to sulfide by Cu/13X is ethyl mercaptan > methyl sulfide > dimethyl disulfide. And the adsorption capacity to the mixed sulfide is greater than that of the single sulfide, but less than the sum of the single sulfides. After regeneration by calcination, the adsorption capacity is basically recovered. Metal-modified zeolites are well suited for the deep removal of organic sulfur from natural gas.