Abstract: In accordance with the invention sulfur dioxide in sulfur dioxide-containing gases is converted under selective conditions to provide elemental sulfur in an efficient and economically-acceptable manner for present day industrial operations. The conversion involves the thermal reduction of sulfur dioxide in a zone at relatively moderate temperatures maintained by the combustion of carbonaceous fuel in the zone to provide elemental sulfur and to provide a gaseous thermal reduction effluent which is acceptable for further processing to recover additional sulfur values therefrom.

Abstract: A process for continuously gasifying carbonaceous material using fluidizing medium and oxygen-containing gas, under controlled feed rates and certain delivery conditions, and under selective processing conditions to produce a product rich in carbon monoxide and hydrogen is provided. If desired, the product can be produced with increased amounts of methane. Gasification is conducted under pressure in a fluidized bed to produce a gaseous reaction product, and char solids are coproduced. Additional increments of oxygen-containing gas with steam is selectively introduced. The product is passed through a dilute-phase, maintained at certain temperatures, at a certain superficial velocity, and for a certain residence time. The presence of undesirable heavy hydrocarbon by-products is precluded. Char, in removal from the bottom of the bed, is contacted with steam or inert gas to recover sensible heat. Cooled product gas is provided having less than about 4 grains of solid per scf at certain conditions.