Abstract: This invention provides a catalyst and method for removing sulphur compounds from a fluid stream and decomposing such compounds to produce sulphur. Sour natural gas can be sweetened effectively by this invention, and sulfur can be prepared thereby. The invention employs a catalyst containing an alkali metal sulfide and sulfides(s) or selenide(s) of metal(s) showing polyvalent and/or amphoteric character, e.g. Zn, etc. The catalyst is generally impregnated on a microporous type support (e.g., alumina) and is capable of providing reactive oxygen. Its activity is sustained by exposure to small amounts of oxygen either while decomposing the sulphur compound, or thereafter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for contacting a flow of gas with a flow of liquid is provided. The liquid is introduced into a vortex sustaining container and flows through the container in a spiralling manner creating a liquid vortex with an open axial core. Gas flows to be contacted with the liquid flow are introduced into the core. The vortex core geometry may be adapted to accommodate insertion of a flame to effect heat transfer. The degree of contact between the gas and liquid flows may be increased by adding an extended contact zone following the region where the vortex flow breaks down and mixing of the liquid and gas flows occurs. By creating annular misting in the extended contact zone, the rate of any chemical, physical or mass transfer process between the two flows may be increased.