Abstract: A process for removing sulfur dioxide from an off-gas and converting it to elemental sulfur wherein steam is introduced into a sulfur dioxide-containing off-gas, and the composite is passed through a reactor containing a mixture of fresh and recycled coal.

Abstract: A continuous process for the selective removal of hydrogen sulfide from a hot gas stream containing hydrogen sulfide by contacting the effluent with particulate nickel or nickel oxide at a temperature whereby the hydrogen sulfide will react to form surface coatings of a sulfur/nickel liquid phase. The temperature of the system is maintained in a range so that the sulfur-containing liquid phase continuously drains off of the particulate solid phase exposing fresh surface areas for further reaction. The liquid phase separates from the solid phase, is removed from the reaction zone and collected for processing for recovery of nickel.

Abstract: A system for reducing sulfur dioxide to elemental sulfur in which a reactor vessel is divided into a plurality of compartments, and coal is fed from a single source into each of the compartments. A sulfur dioxide rich gas is distributed to each of the compartments and is contacted with the coal to form substantially pure sulfur.