Adsorption equilibria of binary ethylmercaptan/hydrocarbon mixtures on a NaX zeolite

We present here coadsorption data of ethylmercaptan with n-heptane or toluene on NaX at 298 K in the aim to use this adsorbent for removing mercaptans from natural gas. Results show that NaX has an adsorption affinity for sulphur compound strong enough to perform a deep desulphurization. NaX adsorbs preferentially ethylmercaptan over a large domain of pore filling. A displacement of n-heptane by ethylmercaptan is even observed. However, toluene becomes preferentially adsorbed at high filling. The dependence of filling and composition on selectivities and failed prediction of coadsorption equilibria by the IAS Theory indicate that the adsorbed mixture behaves as a non-ideal solution. Calorimetric measurements of coadsorption heats show that the coadsorption process is not governed by enthalpic effects but by entropic effects consecutive to steric hindrance of molecules in confined spaces.