Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the separation of sulphur and sodium compounds from a hot process gas generated during gasification of spent liquor from the kraft pulping industry, through contact with hydrogen sulphide ion and hydroxide ion containing alkaline liquids in two or more stages, whereby the process gas in a first stage passes through a venturi throat and/or liquid trap where it is brought into contact with an alkaline washing liquid, whereby melt droplets in the process gas are separated from the gas flow and drawn off as an aqueous solution, whereby the process gas in a subsequent washing stage is brought into contact with a finely dispersed washing liquid containing hydroxide ions and hydrogen sulphide ions with a molar ratio greater than 4:1.