Reduction of sulfur content in a gaseous stream

A process for reducing sulfur content in a gaseous stream with the production of elemental sulfur comprising the steps of:

• treating the gaseous stream by hydrogenation and hydrolysis to convert at least substantially all of the sulfur components therein to hydrogen sulfide;
• then reducing the water content of the gaseous stream to thereby increase sulfur production;
• introducing enough oxygen into the gaseous stream to allow conversion of hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur;
• contacting the gaseous stream in an oxidation reactor with an acidic catalyst at a temperature of about 150.degree. C. to about 350.degree. C. in such manner that a reaction consisting essentially of the gas phase direct conversion of hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur and water vapor occurs;
• said contacting being conducted in such manner that sulfur dioxide is produced in only trace amounts;
• said acidic catalyst being a hydrogen form zeolite or a nickel-impregnated or exchanged zeolite said zeolite having a structure of ZSM-5, ZSM-11, ZSM-12, ZSM-22, ZSM-23, ZSM-35, ZSM-48, MCM-22 or mixtures thereof and said zeolite having a pore size in the range of from about 5 angstroms to about 7 angstroms, a silica-to-alumina ratio of at least 12, a constraint index of from about 1 to about 12, and a significant Bronsted acid activity or a mixture thereof;
• and
• cooling the product gas after it leaves the oxidation reactor to separate elemental sulfur by condensation.