ADSORPTION OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE USING PALM SHELL ACTIVATED CARBON: AN OPTIMIZATION STUDY USING STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Lee Chung Lau, Norhusna Mohamad Nor, Keat Teong Lee, Abdul Rahman Mohamed, KeatTeong Lee

Abstract: Removing H2S from biogas that is produced from anaerobic digestion of palm oil mill effluent is a crucial step in order for the biogas to be utilized as a source of energy. In this study, palm shell activated carbon (PSAC) prepared by steam activation was used to adsorb H2S from simulated biogas. The parameters studied were H2S concentration, adsorption temperature and space velocity. The effect of these parameters towards breakthrough adsorption capacity was studied using statistical analysis with Design Expert Software. H2S concentration and space velocity were found to be significant in affecting the breakthrough adsorption capacity.Adsorption temperature on its own was found not to have significant effect on the breakthrough adsorption capacity but its interaction with other parameters was found to be significant. Characterization of fresh and spent PSAC confirmed and provided further information on the adsorption of sulfur species on PSAC pore surface.

Keywords: Activated carbon; Biogas; Hydrogen sulfide; Adsorption

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2013.0208048