Molecular sieves for removing H/sub 2/S from natural gas

An investigation by Phillips Petroleum Co. was concerned with the removal of less than 160 ppM H/sub 2/S from natural gas with commercially available molecular sieves. Molecular-sieve products displayed a wide range of catalytic activity for the reaction converting H/sub 2/S and CO/sub 2/ to COS and H/sub 2/O when treating natural gas. At low H/sub 2/S concentrations, the reaction significantly eliminated H/sub 2/S. The unpredictable behavior revealed by the tests and the complexities involved warrant a cautious approach to system design.