Which of the following is a suitable absorbent for removal of H₂S from natural gas ?

ANS:B - Monoethanol amine (MEA)

Monoethanolamine (MEA) is a suitable absorbent for the removal of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from natural gas. Here's why:

1. Absorption Capacity: Monoethanolamine (MEA) is a commonly used absorbent in gas treating processes due to its high absorption capacity for acidic gases like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
2. Chemical Reaction: MEA reacts chemically with H2S to form a stable product, effectively removing it from the natural gas stream. The reaction between MEA and H2S forms a complex that can be easily regenerated, allowing for the continuous removal of H2S.
3. Regeneration: MEA can be regenerated by heating to release the absorbed H2S and other acidic gases, making it suitable for cyclic use in gas treating processes.

In contrast, the other options listed—Vetrocoke solution, Dilute, and Hot water—are not commonly used absorbents for the removal of H2S from natural gas. Vetrocoke solution is not a recognized absorbent for this purpose, while dilute solutions and hot water lack the chemical properties necessary for effective absorption and reaction with H2S.