Method and system for increasing the absorption selectivity of H2S from a gas containing CO2 and H2S

A system and a method for increasing the selectivity of H₂S absorption in an aqueous amine treating processes for streams containing high CO₂:H₂S ratio mixtures in an absorption column by maintaining the temperature in the absorption column by withdrawing, cooling and returning cooled aqueous amine to the column at at least one location intermediate the sour gas inlet to the column and the lean gas outlet from the column.