Improved method for separate determination of sulfur compounds in hydrocarbon gases

In order to eliminate the influence of hydrogen sulfide on the determination of mercaptan sulfur content, the authors propose that the single absorber solution (40% NaOH) should be replaced by two different solutions used in series: a 3% aqueous Na/sub 2/CO/sub 3/ solution for selective removal of the hydrogen sulfide, and a 40% aqueous NaOH solution for absorption of the mercaptans and residual hydrosulfide. The use of these two solutions can give a significant improvement in the accuracy of determination of the mercaptan sulfur concentration in gases.