Abstract: A sealed observation element for viewing the flow of molten liquid during the operation of a sulfur recovery unit comprises at least one sight glass that is heated and which may be swept with a purge gas supplied through one or more bleed rings to prevent condensation or deposition of materials on the side of the sight glass exposed to the process stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting, monitoring or injecting a process material into a high temperature process vessel includes a lance having an outer annulus, an inner annulus and a plurality of tubes positioned between inner annulus and outer annulus, the inner annulus defines a center passage, the tubes communicating with the cooling medium inlet for the flow of cooling medium to the distal end of the lance, the outer annulus, inner annulus and plurality of tubes defining a plurality of interspacial areas for the flow of cooling medium from the distal end of the lance to the cooling outlet. A thermocouple may mounted inside a thermocouple well for measuring the temperature adjacent the distal end of the injection lance.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling oxygen flow to a Claus type sulfur recovery unit includes system for measuring the flow(s) of feed gas and combustion air to the unit and an oxygen injection system for supplying supplemental oxygen when the oxygen demand exceeds the oxygen available in the form of combustion air. The control system also measures a unit pressure in the sulfur recovery unit and controls the flow of combustion air to the unit to maintain the unit pressure at or below a preselected level.

Abstract: Process of treating sulfur containing gas streams by the Claus reaction in which a recycle stream containing a reactive component is employed in a negative feedback mode to maintain the sulfur producing Claus reaction at approximately equilibrium conditions. The feedstream may contain hydrogen sulfide or sulfur dioxide in a minor amount in an inert gas background. In one embodiment the feedstream to the reaction zone contains a stoichiometrically excess amount of sulfur dioxide for the Claus reaction. Effluent from the reaction zone is passed to a hydrogenation zone where the sulfur dioxide is converted to hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is extracted from the hydrogenation zone effluent and recycled to the Claus reaction zone. In another embodiment the feedsteam may contain a stoichiometrically excess amount of hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: A gas mixer and reactor is provided which is especially suitable as a burner which includes an elongated gas flow chamber with a nozzle arrangement at its inlet end for passing a first gaseous reactant into the interior of the chamber toward the outlet from points uniformly about the inner periphery of the chamber, and an annular nozzle arrangement near the outlet of the gas flow chamber for directing another gaseous reactant or reactants through the outlet of the gas flow chamber and into a thermal reaction chamber which communicates with the outlet of the gas flow chamber.

Abstract: A process for the production of reducing gases and apparatus for use therein is provided. A unique gas mixer and reactor is provided which can be used to effect substoichiometric reactions of gaseous reactants to produce a hydrogen rich gas. The gases which are to be reduced are then admixed with the hydrogen rich gas and the gaseous mixture is passed to a catalytic reactor where the reduction reaction takes place.

Abstract: A gas mixer and reactor is provided which includes an elongated gas flow chamber with a nozzle arrangement at its inlet end for passing a first gaseous reactant into the interior of the chamber, toward the outlet of the chamber from points uniformly about the inner periphery of the chamber, and an annular nozzle arrangement near the outlet of the gas flow chamber for directing another gaseous reactant, or reactants, through the outlet of the gas flow chamber and into a thermal reaction chamber which communicates with the outlet of the gas flow chamber. In this manner controlled amounts of gaseous reactants may be thoroughly admixed and reacted to produce an atmosphere of desired composition. Atmospheres for kilns having controlled amounts of free hydrogen, carbon monoxide, oxygen, or carbon for example, are produced by burning controlled ratios of fuel, air and in some cases an inert gas, mixed by the reactor.

Abstract: A gas mixer and reactor is provided which is especially suitable as a burner which includes an elongated gas flow chamber with a nozzle arrangement at its inlet end for passing a first gaseous reactant into the interior of the chamber toward the outlet from points uniformly about the inner periphery of the chamber, and an annular nozzle arrangement near the outlet of the gas flow chamber for directing another gaseous reactant or reactants through the outlet of the gas flow chamber and into a thermal reaction chamber which communicates with the outlet of the gas flow chamber. Also provided are processes utilizing the mixer and in particular a process for converting sulfur containing gas into sulfur.