ACTIVATED ALUMINA CLAUS CATALYST AND METHOD

摘要

An improved Claus catalyst is provided in the form of activated alumina in which sodium oxide concentration, LOI and surface area of the catalyst are carefully controlled to achieve increased sulfur conversion. Sulfur recovery is enhanced by choosing an alumina catalyst having properties which minimize chemisorption of sulfur dioxide on the catalyst at reaction conditions. Sodium oxide may be present in an amount of 0.1 to 2.5 wt% of the catalyst (1100.degree.C calcined basis). The catalyst desirably has a surface area greater than 100 m2/g (BET) and an LOI (hydroxyl content as determined by heating from 400 to 1100.degree.C) between 2.0 and 6.0 wt%. A method of producing the catalyst and a method of using the catalyst are also provided.