Process for regenerating a solid copper-chromium reactant used in the removal of hydrogen sulfide from hydrogen recycle gas

A process for regenerating a solid reactant comprising copper and chromium disposed on a high-surface-area carbon support, said reactant having reacted to form a solid sulfur compound by contact with a hydrogen sulfide-containing recycle hydrogen stream in a hydrocarbon reforming system for removing substantially all the hydrogen sulfide from said hydrogen stream, said regeneration process comprising the steps of:

• a. forming sulfate by reacting said sulfur compound with oxygen in an oxygen-containing gas comprising an inert gas and about 0.1 to about 2 weight percent oxygen at a temperature between about 200.degree. F and 425.degree. F, whereby reduction of the surface area of said carbon support is prevented, and removing the resulting gas from contact with the resulting solid;
• b. forming sulfur dioxide by reacting said sulfate with hydrogen at a temperature of about 300.degree. F to about 500.degree. F, whereby a portion of the sulfur dioxide is adsorbed on said resulting solid, and removing the resulting gas from contact with said resulting solid;
• and
• c. desorbing sulfur dioxide from said resulting solid by contacting said solid with an inert gas at a temperature of 450.degree. F to 600.degree. F and removing the resulting gas from contact with said solid.