Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing the sulfur deposition in the absorber of a Stretford process. In the Stretford process, hydrogen sulfide is removed from a gas stream by contacting the gas stream in an absorber with a circulating aqueous solution to convert the hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur particles, passing the solution containing the sulfur particles to a reaction vessel where the conversion of hydrogen sulfide to sulfur is completed, passing the solution containing the sulfur particles to an oxidizer, oxidizing the solution containing the sulfur particles in the oxidizer to form a regenerated solution, separating the sulfur particles from the regenerated solution, and recirculating the solution to the absorber.

Abstract: An improved process for removing sulfur from a bed of deactivated and sulfur-contaminated platinum-alumina catalyst in a reactor in a hydrocarbon conversion system having a vessel associated with the reactor, including the steps of: treating the catalyst with an oxygen-containing gas to burn off deactivating substances and oxidize sulfur in the catalyst bed; passing a hydrogen-containing gas through the catalyst bed to remove sulfur from the bed and form gaseous sulfur compounds; and removing the resulting sulfur-containing gas from the reactor and the conversion system by a path that excludes the sulfur-containing gas from contact with the associated vessel.