A commercially feasible method is provided for controlling depositions of solid sulfur within plant equipment utilized in absorptive- regenerative processes for the removal of H.sub.2 S from sour gas streams which eliminates costly shutdowns and manual cleaning of the plant equipment and permits removal of solid sulfur therefrom in conjunction with that produced during the regular process itself. The method comprises adding ammonia to such H.sub.2 S removal systems during running thereof in order to solubilize any solid sulfur and remove the same with the sulfur produced by circulating alkali absorption solution employed. Ammonia may be added to either the sour gas stream or directly to the absorption solution, and moreover can be added intermittently to remove preexisting sulfur deposits or on a semi-continuous basis as needed to substantially prevent undesirable sulfur buildup. The present method finds application in connection with known desulfurization processes such as the Stretford, Ferrox and Takahax.
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