AbstractRemoval of sulfur compounds from hot coal gas is a necessary step during power generation operations. Zinc ferrite has been identified as a promising absorbent material. A mathematical model describing the kinetics of zinc ferrite during absorption and regeneration as it applies to a steady‐state moving‐bed concept, where the solids are continuously transferred between absorber and regenerator vessels has been developed. Model predictions, based on experimental data, are presented for various flow configurations and operating conditions, including multistage operation of regeneration, where the effect of diffusion mechanisms, temperature, gas concentrations, and flow rates on conversion are presen