HYDROGEN SULFIDE REMOVAL

Introduction

FERROLOX® – G is a iron hydroxide based, pelletized gas purification compound. It is particularly effective at Removing Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) from gas-producing installations (i.e. digesters, landfills). It is optimally shaped and highly porous, thus ensuring maximum loading capacity at low costs.

The pelletized gas purification compound FERROLOX® – G is a highlyeffective absorption compound used in both, moving and fixed-bed vessels.

 

 

Application

Oil & Gas Industry

Refineries including hydro-cracking

Oil Storage Tanks

Fuel Tanks

Bio-gas production installation

Landfills

 

 

Best Features

Cost-effective solutions, efficient operation

 

  • Ferrolox adsorbent can
  • Eliminate all Ion-Exchange systems without any
  • Regeneration and waste products from
  • Reverse osmosis concentrates, it is the
  • Only solution to adsorb and
  • Load six worst contaminants in
  • Our drinking water problem having
  • XXL capacity

 

Technical

 

Chemical characteristics: Pelletized gas purification compound based on iron hydroxide combined with alkalizing compounds, binding substances and porosity inducing substances
Chemical formula: FeO(OH)
Appearance: light brown, variably-shaped granules
Standard pellet sizes: For use in moving-bed columns:
  • 5 – 25 mm,
  • 8 – 25 mm,
  • 10 – 25 mm
For use preferred in fixed-bed columns:
  • 2 – 4 mm,
  • 2 – 8 mm,
  • 4 – 8 mm

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

FERROLOX-G® is a pelletized gas purification media based on iron hydroxide [FeO(OH)], specially formulated to remove Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) and other impurities from various gas streams. It is manufactured in Germany by Watch Water® GmbH and designed for both fixed-bed and moving-bed desulfurization systems.

FERROLOX-G® is used for Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) removal in the following gas environments:

  • ✅ Biogas and landfill gas plants
  • ✅ Oil & gas production and storage
  • ✅ Refineries and hydro-cracking units
  • ✅ Fuel tanks and gas scrubbers
  • ✅ Wastewater treatment and anaerobic digesters

It is also capable of partial siloxane adsorption, improving downstream activated carbon performance.

Hydrogen Sulfide is a toxic, corrosive, and flammable gas.

  • ✅ Even at low concentrations, it causes corrosion of pipelines and catalysts.
  • ✅ At high levels, it acts as a chemical asphyxiant, blocking oxygen uptake.
  • ✅ Prolonged exposure can lead to collapse, coma, or death within seconds above 1000 ppm.

Therefore, efficient and safe H₂S removal is critical in gas-handling systems.

Performance depends on factors such as gas moisture, flow rate, and oxygen ratio, but typical values are:

Parameter Value
H₂S Loading Capacity 265–710 g H₂S/kg dry media
Typical Operating Moisture ~12.5 %
Effective Capacity (wet basis) 232–621 g H₂S/kg media
Typical Sulfur Load 20–40 % by weight

Hydrogen sulfide first dissolves in water before reacting with iron hydroxide. To ensure complete conversion, maintain:

  • ✅ Minimum 40 % relative gas humidity (optimum 60–80 %).
  • ✅ Pellet moisture between 10–15 %.

If the media becomes too dry, reaction efficiency drops and regeneration becomes incomplete.

Yes. During operation, oxygen or regeneration air is added to re-oxidize the iron sulfide back to iron hydroxide.

Recommended regeneration air dosage:

  • ✅ 1–2 % by volume of air for 1000 ppm H₂S
  • ✅ or 0.2–0.4 % pure oxygen


Caution: Partial regeneration can cause localized heating. Sulfur may ignite at $190–260 \, \text{°C}$ if exposed to air during incomplete regeneration.

FERROLOX-G® can be used in:

  • ✅ Fixed-bed absorbers: media replaced once fully loaded.
  • ✅ Tower or moving-bed absorbers: continuous replacement through top loading and bottom discharge.

For fixed beds, a multi-stage design is ideal for easier layer-by-layer replacement and complete media utilization.

Parameter Recommended Range
H₂S Concentration 50 ppm – 15,000 ppm
Bed Height 0.5 m – 12 m
Pressure Range 0 – 25 bar
Contact Time 20 sec – 3 min
Gas Velocity 2 – 15 m/min
Pressure Drop < 1 – 15 mbar
Relative Gas Moisture 40 – 80 % (non-condensing)
Pellet Moisture 10–15 % optimum
System Type Recommended Pellet Size
Fixed-Bed Systems 2–4 mm / 2–8 mm / 4–8 mm
Moving-Bed Systems 5–25 mm / 8–25 mm / 10–25 mm


Smaller pellets offer higher surface area and faster reaction, while larger pellets are preferred for lower pressure drop in moving beds.

Elemental sulfur precipitates on and within the pellets after regeneration, gradually blocking active surface pores. When cleaning efficiency decreases or pellets turn dark grey/black, replace the media.

Yes — FERROLOX-G® can adsorb volatile siloxanes (e.g., decamethyl- and dodecamethyl-cyclopentasiloxane). While the chemical reaction is not fully characterized, studies show significant siloxane retention. A secondary activated carbon stage is recommended for complete siloxane polishing.

  • ✅ Avoid dropping or rough handling; pellets may fracture.
  • ✅ When filling, use a hose extension from the Big-Bag to load the reactor gently.
  • ✅ Remove dust or fines before use to reduce pressure drop.
  • ✅ Keep condensate inside the column (avoid draining it off immediately).
  • ✅ Never allow direct water contact—it can cause pellet disintegration into sludge.
Property Description
Base Compound Iron Hydroxide [FeO(OH)]
Additives Alkalizing agents, binding & porosity enhancers
Appearance Light brown, irregular granules
Moisture Content ~12.5 % typical
Specific Gravity ~0.9–1.1 g/cm³ (estimated)
  • ✅ Pellets turn dark grey or black and no longer change color upon air exposure.
  • ✅ H₂S concentration at outlet increases.
  • ✅ Noticeable reduction in desulfurization efficiency.

Replace media immediately to avoid channeling or excessive pressure drop.

  • ✅ Ensure adequate ventilation in gas treatment areas.
  • ✅ Never attempt rescue in H₂S zones without self-contained breathing apparatus.
  • ✅ Monitor temperature — avoid partial regeneration that may lead to auto-ignition.
  • ✅ Follow all site-specific safety and environmental regulations.

FERROLOX-G® was formerly known as FILTERSORB-HSR® before the rebranding under the FERROLOX® family.

  • ✅ High H₂S loading capacity (up to 700 g/kg)
  • ✅ Works in both fixed and moving beds
  • ✅ Regenerable with air or oxygen
  • ✅ Handles up to 15,000 ppm H₂S
  • ✅ Capable of siloxane removal
  • ✅ Safe, solid, and non-toxic handling
  • ✅ Proven long-term performance in biogas and refinery applications