Occidental Research Corporation

Phillip N La Mori

Chien-Cheng J Shih

Raymond L Zahradnik

A process for removing hydrogen sulfide from geothermal steam and from vent streams, or concentrated portions produced by a hydrogen sulfide separation process, includes the steps of introducing an oxygen-containing gas, such as air into the steam, or vent stream, and thereafter contacting the steam and oxygen-containing gas in a contacting stage with iron oxide supported by a carrier resistant to deterioration. The steam having a temperature of at least 250.degree. F. is mixed with oxygen to provide a molar ratio of oxygen-to-hydrogen sulfide ratio of less than about 10. During the contacting stage the pressure of the steam and oxygen-containing gas is maintained at a pressure sufficient to enable removal of a majority of the hydrogen sulfide from the steam and oxygen-containing gas.

Process to abate geothermal hydrogen sulfide

Method for the use of heat, especially 'Waste Heat', from geothermal steam or brines for the manufacture of chemicals such as alcohol, which comprises, according to one embodiment, flashing the brine to produce steam, passing the steam to a turbine for electrical energy generation, and employing the steam from the turbine discharge and/or the flashed brine to provide some or all of the heat requirements for the fermentation-distillation process for production of alcohols, e.g. (methanol and/or ethanol) from agricultural wastes. The method can also be utilized for the production by distillation and/or by industrial fermentation and/or by hydrolysis of other chemicals (such as furfural and acetone).

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Corona Del Mar, CA, United States of America

Phillip N La Mori