Abstract: A condensate which contains cyanide ions, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia is first partly purified by stripping with water vapor and stripped-off gases are then scrubbed with an absorbent. The laden absorbent contains 50 to 300 grams ammonia and 10 to 100 grams hydrogen sulfide and is at a temperature of 70.degree. to 150.degree. C. and has a pH value of at least 9. Sulfur is added to the condensate or the laden aqueous absorbent in a quantity which is at least 0.8 times the quantity that is stoichiometrically required to convert the cyanide ions to thiocyanate ions. The sulfur may be produced from hydrogen sulfide and oxygen, preferably in the presence of an oxidation catalyst. Alternatively, the sulfur may be added to a liquid which contains 10 to 400 grams ammonia and/or ammonium ions per liter so that ammonium polysulfide is formed. That solution is mixed with the liquid that contains cyanide ions.

Abstract: A process for purifying gases produced by the gasification of fossil fuels by a treatment with water vapor and oxygen under superatmospheric pressure. The raw gas produced is treated to remove catalyst-deteriorating impurities such as mono- and polyunsaturated hydrocarbons, mercaptans, HCN, HCl, H.sub.2 S, CS.sub.2, COS, and NH.sub.3, and to desulfurize the gas to produce an exhaust gas which is rich in H.sub.2 S. The gas is cooled and scrubbed under superatmospheric pressures and at normal temperatures. The raw gas, at a temperature of 150.degree.-170.degree. C., is indirectly cooled to ambient temperature. The condensible hydrocarbons are then separated and removed, and the gas is then scrubbed with water to remove ammonia in a first scrubbing stage wherein the rate of water addition is controlled to be just sufficient to remove the ammonia.

Abstract: Methanol is produced by a process wherein1. sulfur-containing high-boiling hydrocarbons are subjected to a partial oxidizing treatment with oxygen and water vapor at a pressure which is at least 5 kilograms and preferably 10-15 kilograms per square centimeter above the pressure of the methanol synthesis to produce a raw gas;2. the raw gas is desulfurized and is subsequently treated with water vapor to convert part of its carbon monoxide content into hydrogen and carbon dioxide;3. thereafter the converted gas from step (2) is scrubbed to remove at least part of the carbon dioxide;4. methanol is produced by a reaction of the resulting synthesis gas from step (3) in contact with a copper-containing catalyst, which is indirectly cooled with water boiling under superatmospheric pressure resulting in the production of high-pressure steam; and5.