This invention refers to a microporous crystalline material of zeolitic nature that has, in its calcined state and in the absence of defects in its crystalline matrix manifested by the presence of silanols, the empirical formula
x(M.sub.1/nXO.sub.2):yYO.sub.2:gGeO.sub.2:(1g)SiO2 in which M is selected between H.sup.+, at least one inorganic cation of charge +n, and a mixture of both, X is at least one chemical element of oxidation state +3, Y is at least one chemical element with oxidation state +4 different from Si, x takes a value between 0 and 0.2, both included, y takes a value between 0 and 0.1, both included, g takes a value between 0 and 0.5, both included
that has been denoted ITQ-55, as well as a method for its preparation. This invention also relates to uses of the crystalline material of zeolitic nature for adsorption of fluid components, membrane separation of fluid components, storage of fluid components, and catalysis of various conversion reactions.

A system for reducing SO.sub.2 emissions comprises a hydrogenation reactor, a tail gas cooler, a contact condenser, a hydrolysis reactor, and an absorber. The hydrogenation reactor is configured to receive a Claus tail gas and convert at least a portion of SO.sub.2 in the Claus tail gas to H.sub.2S to produce a hydrogenated Claus tail gas stream. The hydrolysis reactor is configured to convert at least a portion of COS to H.sub.2S. The absorber comprises an amine-based solvent and is configured to absorb at least a portion of the H.sub.2S and recycle the H.sub.2S to the Claus plant.

A gas separation membrane module includes a seal between a higher pressure gas and a lower pressure gas. The seal includes a compressible sealing member in between sealing surfaces. At least one of the sealing surfaces has corrosion-resistant cladding provided over either low alloy steel or high alloy steel. The cladding reduce the possibility of a seal failure due to corrosion of low alloy or high alloy steel exposed to acid gases or condensed moisture containing acid gases dissolved therein while at the same not requiring that all surfaces of the membrane module exposed to acid gases be provided with cladding.

A gas separation membrane module includes a seal between a higher pressure gas and a lower pressure gas. The seal includes a compressible sealing member in between sealing surfaces. At least one of the sealing surfaces has corrosion-resistant cladding provided over either low alloy steel or high alloy steel. The cladding reduce the possibility of a seal failure due to corrosion of low alloy or high alloy steel exposed to acid gases or condensed moisture containing acid gases dissolved therein while at the same not requiring that all surfaces of the membrane module exposed to acid gases be provided with cladding.

A method is provided for removing hydrogen sulfide from a gas or liquid stream containing hydrogen sulfide, the method comprises reacting the hydrogen sulfide in the gas or liquid stream in a reactor containing a mixture of iodine, water and hydriodic acid, under low temperature conditions, to thereby remove the hydrogen sulfide; and then regenerating the iodine in the liquid phase under conditions below the boiling point or vaporization of the mixture.