Abstract: Degasification of liquid sulfur produced by the Claus process to remove hydrogen sulfide. The liquid sulfur is caused to flow continuously through a vessel where it is contacted by a counter-flowing inert gas, thereby stripping hydrogen sulfide from the sulfur. Nitrogen and air are preferred examples of inert gas which can be used in the method.

Abstract: Method and means for redistributing fluid flow through a catalyst bed in a reactor by applying uniform flow resistance. A mat to which a series of uniformly spaced disks are adhered is placed within the catalyst bed. The disks are formed of a material capable of withstanding the temperatures within the reactor, while the mat is formed of a material which is not. The mat is destroyed by the heat of the reactor, leaving the disks in place. Localized high flow rates are smoothed out by the flow resistance provided by the disks, with flow taking place between the disks. Since the disks are small relative to the opening used to dump the spent catalyst, special consideration for disk recovery and handling are not necessary as the disks flow out the opening with the spent catalyst.