Reactor, a retained catalyst structure, and a method for improving decomposition of polysulfides and removal of hydrogen sulfide in liquid sulfur

A structured packing for contacting a first stream and a second stream in a reactor, the structured packing comprising:

• a retained catalyst structure;
• the retained catalyst structure having a catalyst material affixed, coated, trapped, or supported such that movement of the catalyst is limited and whereby the retained catalyst structure increases the rate of decomposition of the polysulfides and facilitates the removal of hydrogen sulfide produced by decomposing polysulfides and hydrogen sulfide present in the liquid sulfur of the first stream with the second stream, thereby decreasing total polysulfides and hydrogen sulfide content in the liquid sulfur to less than 5 ppmw;
• wherein the first stream includes liquid sulfur containing polysulfides and dissolved hydrogen sulfide, and
• wherein the second stream includes an inert gas or a low oxygen-containing gas.

A method of treating hydrogen sulfide and polysulfides in liquid sulfur, the method comprising:

• providing a first stream including liquid sulfur containing polysulfides and hydrogen sulfide;
• providing a second stream of an inert gas or a low oxygen-containing gas;
• and
• in a retained catalyst structure, contacting the first stream and the second stream, the retained catalyst structure having a catalyst material affixed, coated, trapped, or supported such that movement of the catalyst is limited;
• and
• wherein the catalyst is sufficient to increase the rate of decomposition of polysulfides to hydrogen sulfide and facilitate the removal of hydrogen sulfide thus produced and hydrogen sulfide present in the liquid sulfur of the first stream with the second stream, thereby decreasing total polysulfides and hydrogen sulfide content in the liquid sulfur to less than 5 ppmw.