Process sensitivity of the hybrid sulphur thermochemical cycle

Abstract

A simple flowsheet of the hybrid sulphur cycle was devised and a steady state simulation thereof was built in Aspen. A sensitivity analysis was done and the snowball effect was identified as a significant process control issue. The flowsheet will become more complex as other process alternatives are investigated and optimisation and heat integration are done. This will probably result in further process control complications that need to be identified and dealt with. A detailed literature study was done and future research needed was identified. This includes further research to be done into the electrolyser and the thermodynamics of the mixtures involved in the hybrid sulphur cycle. The control related lessons learned were summarised in a very preliminary control strategy.