Abstract: A process for reducing the hydrogen sulfide content of steam, such as steam produced from a subterranean geothermal reservoir, in which the steam is contacted with an aqueous, alkaline solution having a temperature approximating that of the steam to absorb hydrogen sulfide from the steam which is thereafter discharged or utilized in a power generation plant. Hydrogen peroxide is introduced into a cooled portion of the aqueous, alkaline solution to reduce the hydrogen sulfide content thereof and then the aqueous alkaline solution is heated to about the temperature of the steam and recycled into contact with the hydrogen sulfide-containing steam. The temperature of the cooled portion of the aqueous, alkaline solution into which hydrogen peroxide is introduced is such that thermal decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is substantially prevented.

Abstract: A process for reducing the hydrogen sulfide content of geothermal steam during a drilling operation by injecting hydrogen peroxide and an alkali metal hydroxide or calcium hydroxide into a flowing stream containing geothermal steam. Environmentally harmless reaction products are thus formed and the emission of hydrogen sulfide during drilling operations is substantially abated.

Abstract: In gas/liquid contact processes for the absorption of sulfur gas streams using alkaline, oxygen regenerated washing solutions, for example as in the Stretford process, the washing solution is treated with a soluble aldehyde to control the rate of formation of thiosulfate salts in the solution. The thiosulfate is thus oxidized to sulfate which is subsequently recovered without any substantial loss of washing solution.