Embodiments of the invention are directed to a contactor apparatus for degassing liquid sulfur, in order to separate the liquid sulfur from the process vapors. As such, the liquid sulfur is at least partially degassed to reduce off-gassing of dangerous gases during storage and transportation without the need for additional equipment to degas the liquid sulfur during or after storage. The contactor apparatus may receive liquid sulfur and degassing gas, which are passed through a catalyst zone, which along with the degassing gas degasses the liquid sulfur. The contactor apparatus is structured such that a catalyst within the catalyst zone is constrained within and prevented from flowing out, while still allowing the flow of liquid sulfur and degassing gas.

A system includes a purification unit configured to process a vapor stream including sulfur dioxide. The purification unit includes an inlet configured to allow the vapor stream to enter the purification unit. The purification unit includes a steam coil configured to circulate steam and provide a source of heat. The purification unit includes a packed bed. The purification unit includes a tray configured to accumulate sulfur. The purification unit includes an absorber section configured to remove at least a portion of the sulfur dioxide from the vapor stream. The purification unit includes an outlet configured to allow an effluent with a lower sulfur dioxide content than the vapor stream to exit the purification unit. The system includes a sulfur tank including a vent line in fluid communication with the inlet. The vent line is configured to allow vapor to flow from the sulfur tank to the purification unit.

A process for preparing sulfuric acid may involve melting elemental sulfur in a melting stage to give molten sulfur. Sulfuric acid is subsequently produced from the molten sulfur. Further, sulfur-containing offgases formed in the melting stage may be subjected to oxidation in a supplementary oxidation stage in which sulfur-containing components of the offgases are oxidized to sulfur dioxide. The process may further involve processing the sulfur dioxide to give at least one reaction product. The melting stage may be operated without emissions by processing all of the offgases from the melting stage. An apparatus may be employed for carrying out such a process.

Embodiments of a degassing system of the present invention generally include a degassing device having a sintered metal matrix component; and a process vessel having a liquid inlet and liquid outlet through which liquid flows providing a liquid level there within; wherein the degassing device, which is fluidly connected to a pressurized gas source, is disposed within the process vessel beneath the surface of the liquid, wherein pressurized gas is introduced to the degassing device and forced through the sintered metal matrix to create gas micro-bubbles which rise through the liquid to strip volatile compounds therefrom, the gaseous composition above the surface of the liquid being evacuated through the gas outlet. In one embodiment, a degassing tower having multiple degassing chambers and degassing devices is employed. In one embodiment, a metal powder is disposed within the sintered metal matrix. Embodiments of methods of using the degassing device are also provided.

Processes and systems for degassing liquid sulfur may include mixing a gas, such as air, with a liquid sulfur mixture comprising sulfur, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrogen polysulfides to form a sulfur-gas mixture. The sulfur-gas mixture may then be transported to a separator, storage vessel or storage tank for separating the sulfur-gas mixture.

Embodiments of a degassing system of the present invention generally include a degassing device having a sintered metal matrix component; and a process vessel having a liquid inlet and liquid outlet through which liquid flows providing a liquid level there within; wherein the degassing device, which is fluidly connected to a pressurized gas source, is disposed within the process vessel beneath the surface of the liquid, wherein pressurized gas is introduced to the degassing device and forced through the sintered metal matrix to create gas micro-bubbles which rise through the liquid to strip volatile compounds therefrom, the gaseous composition above the surface of the liquid being evacuated through the gas outlet. In one embodiment, a degassing tower having multiple degassing chambers and degassing devices is employed. In one embodiment, a metal powder is disposed within the sintered metal matrix. Embodiments of methods of using the degassing device are also provided.

Processes for forming a vulcanizable elastomeric formulation are disclosed. The processes include the steps of mixing an elastomer with a vulcanizing agent to form a vulcanizable elastomeric formulation that includes the vulcanizing agent dispersed in the elastomeric compound, wherein the vulcanizing agent includes a cyclododecasulfur compound. A process for forming a vulcanized elastomeric article is also described.

Embodiments of the invention include a method for degassing liquid sulphur in a container, a first area of the container being flooded with liquid sulphur and a second area of the container being flooded with a gas, and a gas flow being injected into the first area, wherein liquid sulphur is sprayed into the second area. Embodiments of the invention include a device for degassing liquid sulphur having a container comprising two adjacent areas, the first area being flooded with liquid sulphur and the second area being flooded with gas, and having at least one device for injecting a gas flow into the first area, characterized by a device for spraying liquid sulphur opening into the second area. Other embodiments are also included herein.

A vulcanizing composition useful for the vulcanization of vulcanizable formulations is disclosed. The vulcanizing composition includes a vulcanizing agent which in turn includes a cyclododecasulfur compound. A cyclododecasulfur compound characterized by a DSC melt point onset of between 155 C. and 167 C. when measured at a DSC heat rate of 20 C./minute is also disclosed.

Contemplated systems and methods for removing polysulfides and hydrogen sulfide from liquid sulfur of a Claus plant include (a) physically separated steps of catalytic decomposition of polysulfides and gas stripping, or (b) use of the stripping gas as the continuous phase in a packed column with decomposition catalyst to so avoid catalyst attrition.