Remediate DMS Contamination of N-Pentane 1

[sshep]

We use a closed loop n-pentane (and n-octane mix) desorbent for a chemical process. The n-pentane mix is recovered by distillation. Unfortunately we have contaminated this loop with several ppm of dimethylsulfide (DMS) from an upstream upset. Now this DMS is trapped in the process. There is also some H2S in there, but can be more easily weathered off through a column vent. The problem is that DMS and n-pentane are close boilers and we are faced with wasting (or reprocessing by an as yet undetermined process) a large portion of our n-pentane inventory in order to remediate the problem. DMS is an inhibitor to the process, and our plant is at reduced rates because of this problem.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me? I am specifically interested in some sort of bed of sacrificial material that could remove DMS from our pentane-octane desorbent via a side stream circulation, but will take any suggestions. Thanks- sshep

 

[bchoate]

bchoate
Selexsorb can be used for this purpose. I don't know the limits to which it can remove the impurities. See the following link:

http://www.coastalchem.com/PDFs/Product20Literature/Alcoa/Selexsorb CDX.pdf

Bill C

 

[sshep]

Thanks Bill, This was right on the mark for what I envisioned. To anyone else reading this- I am still open to as many alternatives as I can get. -sshep

 

[moltenmetal]

Some vendors of activated carbon sell a version which is doped with an alkaline material and used for trace H2S removal from gas streams, vents etc. It may do a decent job in the liquid phase for dimethylsulphide, but the sorption capacities may not be very high. Contact Calgon Carbon, Cameron Yakima etc.- there are many vendors.