Improvement of sulphur dioxide yield from the sulphuric acid thermal decomposition process by membrane separation.

摘要

This work investigates the feasibility of applying high temperature oxygenudseparation to the sulphuric acid decomposition process, a step used inudlarge scale hydrogen production processes currently under development.udPorous and dense membranes are both considered. Equilibrium calculationsudshow yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ), combined with platinum electrodes,udto be a candidate membrane. Process simulations show the potentialudsulphur dioxide yield increases that could be achieved through the useudof a high temperature oxygen separation membrane in two different configurations.udBespoke experimental apparatus was designed, procured andudassembled in order to investigate the oxygen flux through YSZ membranesudin the presence of sulphur dioxide, during external voltage application. Experimentsudwere performed in the 700 - 900°C temperature range. Resultsudshow that oxygen permeation through YSZ membranes occurs under theseudconditions. A decrease in oxygen permeation with time was observed andudattributed to sulphur dioxide adsorption on to the platinum electrodes. Futureudwork would concentrate on using variable applied voltages to reduceudthis performance decrease.