Single Contact Process for sulfur production:

Four stages involved:

Sulfur Burning: Sulfur is fed in the burner where it reacts
with dry air to produce sulfur dioxide (SO2). The air is dried
using concentrated sulfuric acid.
S(s) + O2(g) ==>SO2(g)
H= -297 kj/mol
Oxidation: The sulfur dioxide is oxidised to sulfur trioxide by
oxygen using vanadium(V)oxide as a catalyst.

2SO2(g) + O2(g)

2SO3(g) H= -197 kj/mol

Absorption: Concentrated sulfuric acid is used to dissolve

sulfur trioxide where it forms oleum (H2S2O7) in an absorption
tower.

SO3(g) + H2SO4(l) ==> H2S2O7(l)

Cooling: Oleum is then mixed with water to obtain sulfuric
acid.

H2S2O7(l) + H2O(l) ==> 2H2SO4(l)

Overall Reaction:

SO3(g) + H2O(l) ==> H2SO4(l)

Key points:
Single SO3 absorption tower
Can be operated at low SO2 concentration(6-10% by volume)
Does not meet emission regulation of SO2
Maximum conversion 97.5-98 %
Simple and easy to start up and operate therefore preferred
for new plants