Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Analysis

Measuring Hydrogen Sulfide in LPG

H₂S is highly undesirable in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for several reasons:

• Storage. When storing produced LPGs for later distribution, H₂S causes corrosion in the expensive sphere tanks.
• Polymer yield. Sulfur compounds reduce the polymer yield in polyolefins like polypropylene.
• Catalysts. H₂S is known to poison catalysts in reactions that use LPGs as feedstock.
• Emissions. When burning propane or any other LPG, H₂S will oxidize to SO₂, a particularly harmful emission.

Controlling H₂S and mercaptans in LPG requires online concentration measurement. Whether measuring the LPG entering the storage tank or analyzing the propylene feed to plastics production, the ability to respond quickly to changes in sulfur loading is critical for tight process control.