Abstract: An improved acid gas recovery system is provided which has particular application in reducing the incidence of sulfide and other acid gas excursions. The present invention addresses the disadvantages of prior absorption techniques by closely monitoring and maintaining a reaction zone temperature profile within a contactor to improve and control the reaction between acid gas components and the aqueous amine absorbent. The temperature profile is maintained by frequently adjusting relative flow rates of the feed gas and lean amine in the process which in turn reduces the incidence of excursions.