Catalytic incineration of hydrogen sulfide from gas streams

摘要

A process for the conversion of H2S to SO2 in a feed gas containing H2S is effected by oxidation with air or oxygen at temperatures between 300 DEG and 900 DEG F. The oxidation is conducted in the presence of an extremely stable oxidation catalyst comprising an oxide and/or sulfide of vanadium supported on a non-alkaline porous refractory oxide. The preferred catalyst comprises between 5 and 15 wt. % V2O5 on hydrogen mordenite or alumina. Hydrogen, carbon monoxide, light hydrocarbons, and ammonia present in the feed gas are not oxidized. The invention is especially contemplated for use in treating waste gases from geothermal steam power plants.