Iron Oxide Desulfurizer
A high-efficiency dry desulfurization agent built on iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) as the main active component, formulated with accelerators for hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) removal. Operates at room temperature, is regenerable with air, and delivers sulfur capacity up to 800 mg/g. Free samples and custom size grading on request.
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What Is an Iron Oxide Desulfurizer?
Iron oxide desulfurizer, also commonly named H₂S scavenger or fixed-bed dry desulfurization media, is a solid gas purification medium built around hydrated iron oxide, blended with special accelerators. When sulfur-laden gas flows through the adsorbent bed, hydrogen sulfide chemically reacts with iron oxide to form iron sulfide and water. After saturation, exposure to oxygen will re-convert iron sulfide back into active iron oxide, restoring its desulfurization performance for repeated service cycles.
- Effective for H₂S removal down to sub-ppm residual levels
- Works well at mild temperature range, no external heating required for most biogas, natural gas and coal gas projects
- Multi-cycle regeneration capability lowers long-term operational expenditure
- Auxiliary capture effect on mercaptan organic sulfur and part of nitrogen oxides
- Good pellet strength, low pulverization rate during loading and gas flow
Caractéristiques techniques
The table below shows our standard iron oxide desulfurizer grade. Every figure can be adjusted — send your target H₂S inlet, outlet precision, gas flow rate and pellet size and we will quote against those numbers.
Iron Oxide Desulfurizer Application
Biogas desulfurization
The single largest application. Biogas from anaerobic digestion contains H₂S that would corrode engines, boilers and fuel cells. An iron oxide bed removes H₂S to safe levels before energy recovery, with in-situ regeneration using the oxygen already in biogas or a small air bleed.
Natural gas & LPG
H₂S removal from natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and pipeline gas before distribution or further processing, protecting pipelines, compressors and downstream catalysts from sulfur poisoning and corrosion.
Coke oven & coal gas
Desulfurization of coke oven gas, water gas, semi-water gas and coal gas in steel, coking and coal-chemical plants, where H₂S must be removed before the gas is used as fuel or feedstock.
Fertilizer & chemical process gas
H₂S removal from process gas in fertilizer, chemical and petrochemical plants. Protects ammonia-synthesis and other catalysts from sulfur poisoning and meets product-gas sulfur specifications.
Gaz de décharge et gaz d'égout
Desulfurization of landfill gas and digester gas before flaring or energy recovery, where H₂S would otherwise cause SO₂ emissions and corrosion in combustion equipment.
City gas & fuel gas polishing
Final H₂S polishing of city pipeline gas, shift gas and other fuel gases to meet odor, corrosion and combustion-quality requirements before distribution to end users.
Iron Oxide Desulfurizer — FAQ
What is an iron oxide desulfurizer?+
An iron oxide desulfurizer is a solid gas-purification medium whose main active component is hydrated iron oxide (Fe₂O₃·xH₂O and Fe(OH)₃·xH₂O). It removes hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) from gas streams by reacting with it to form iron sulfide and water. It operates at room temperature and can be regenerated with air, making it a widely used dry desulfurization method for biogas, natural gas, coke oven gas and process gas.
How does the desulfurization and regeneration reaction work?+
In desulfurization, H₂S reacts with hydrated iron oxide: Fe₂O₃·H₂O + 3H₂S → Fe₂S₃·H₂O + 3H₂O. In regeneration, air oxidises the iron sulfide back: 2Fe₂S₃·H₂O + 3O₂ → 2Fe₂O₃·H₂O + 6S. When the feed gas contains enough oxygen (O₂/H₂S ≥ 2.5), both reactions happen simultaneously and the overall reaction becomes 2H₂S + O₂ → 2H₂O + 2S, with iron oxide acting as a catalyst.
What sulfur capacity and H₂S removal precision can you supply?+
Our standard grade has a saturation sulfur capacity of 550–800 mg/g (breakthrough ≥ 30%) and delivers outlet H₂S down to ≤ 0.5 ppm with a contact time of 30 seconds or more. Higher-capacity grades are available for high-H₂S feeds. The exact figure depends on inlet H₂S, contact time and temperature.
What pellet sizes are available?+
Standard pellet diameters are 4 mm, 6 mm and 8 mm, with lengths of 5–15 mm. Custom sizes are available to match your reactor dimensions and pressure-drop requirement. Larger pellets give lower pressure drop; smaller pellets give higher external surface area and faster kinetics.
Does the iron oxide desulfurizer need heating during operation?+
No. It works effectively at room temperature (20–100 °C), so no external heating is needed. This is one of its main advantages over other desulfurization methods — it saves energy and simplifies the system. Higher temperatures within the working range increase the reaction rate.
Is the desulfurizer regenerable, and how many times?+
Yes — it is regenerable by passing air through the bed. The iron sulfide is oxidised back to iron oxide and elemental sulfur is deposited on the pellet. The number of regeneration cycles depends on the H₂S load and how carefully temperature is controlled during regeneration; eventually the pores fill with sulfur and the medium is replaced. If the feed gas has enough oxygen, regeneration happens continuously in place.
Does it remove organic sulfur or other contaminants?+
It removes hydrogen sulfide with high efficiency and has a measurable effect on mercaptan organic sulfur and some nitrogen oxides. It does not remove CO₂, moisture, heavy hydrocarbons, VOCs or odour compounds. For broader gas cleanup, pair it with activated carbon or other treatment steps.
What gases can it be used on?+
It is widely used on biogas, natural gas, LPG, coke oven gas, water gas, semi-water gas, shift gas, coal gas, landfill gas, digester gas, city pipeline gas and process gas in fertilizer, chemical, petrochemical and coal-chemical plants.
Get a Free Sample of Iron Oxide Desulfurizer
Send us your gas type, flow rate and inlet H₂S — we will match the right pellet size and sulfur capacity, dispatch a free sample, and quote within 24 hours.