Today’s Patent – Systems and methods for preventing the formation of carbonyl sulfide

The said invention (US20230241548A1) was invented by William L. HollandTodd M. Becker, patented by USPTO on 31-01-2022. Currently, it stands assigned to Marathon Petroleum Company Lp.

The removal of contaminants like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) from raw gas streams is critical to prevent issues such as pipeline corrosion and souring. However, traditional removal methods often result in the formation of new unwanted constituents, such as carbonyl sulfide (COS), which can further complicate processing and transportation. Current systems rely on amine absorption for contaminant removal but lack efficient methods to mitigate COS formation while ensuring high-quality sweet gas production for downstream applications.

This invention presents advanced methods and systems that prevent the formation of carbonyl sulfide during sweet gas production using an amine-lean aqueous solution in absorption columns. By operating at optimized temperature and pressure ranges, the system efficiently absorbs H₂S and CO₂ while preventing COS formation. It incorporates processes such as heat exchange, regeneration, and metal oxide adsorption to separate and dispose of contaminants, producing a sweet gas stream for hydrogen facilities. This integrated approach minimizes COS formation, enhances contaminant management, and ensures sustainable sweet gas production.