A PROCESS FOR REMOVING SULFUR PARTICLES FROM AN AQUEOUS CATALYST SOLUTION AND FOR REMOVING HYDROGEN SULFIDE AND RECOVERING SULFUR FROM AGAS STREAM

摘要

The invention relates to a process for removing sulfur particles from an aqueous catalyst solution used to remove hydrogen sulfide from a gas stream (1, 5), comprisin g the steps of: directing a flow of a suspension (12) comprising reduced catalyst solution a nd sulfur particles to an oxidizer zone (20), where the catalyst solution is regenerat ed by contacting said suspension with a gas (22) containing oxygen; and removing sulfur from said suspension at least by gravity sedimentation at a bottom (21) of said oxidizer zone (20). According to the invention a flow deflecting means (34) is disposed at least at an outlet (35) for the oxidized catalyst solution leaving said oxidizer zone (20) such as t o prevent any tur- bulent state caused at least by a stream of oxidized catalyst solution leavi ng said oxidizer zone (20) such as to reduce foaming and plugging of the whole system. A gas (27) is additionally injected at the conical bottom (21) of the oxidiz er zone (20) in parallel to said slanted surface (23) for avoiding sedimentation and agglomeration of sulfur particles on said bottom (21). Heavy hydrocarbons are eliminated to further reduce foam production. Further , foaming and plugging is controlled by using proper packings in the absorber. Proper controls are used to avoid flooding. The temperature is adjusted such that not only the reaction rate in the oxidizer is high, but also the catalyst degradation is kept low. Thus excessive foaming and flooding of the oxidizer zone is avoided.