Experimental results are presented on the role of benzene addition to H_2S combustion at an equivalence ratio of three with respect to H_2S and complete combustion of benzene (i.e. under Claus condition). The results reported here are with addition of 0% and 1% benzene to H_2S/O_2 flame. The results showed that H_2S combustion caused H_2S to decompose to a minimum mole fraction, which resulted in the formation of SO_2 to a maximum mole fraction and then decomposed due to the formation of elemental sulfur, which is favorable under Claus condition. Combustion of H_2S and benzene mixture favored the formation of H_2 and increased the amounts of H_2S at reactor exit after combustion. Benzene also caused faster decomposition of formed SO_2 and formation of CO and COS. It is conjectured that benzene hinders the efficiency of Claus reactors and help increase emissions from sulfur recovery plants. These results provide significant insight on direct impact of benzene on the performance of Claus reactor for sulfur capture from acid gases. The results are also of practical value to designers and operators of sulfur plants and policy makers on emission control.
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