The efficiency of Hg vapor sorption from the gas stream flowing through an absorber (flow rate 0.5-167 cm(3)/s) was detd. exptL on an sulfonitrided steel sheet. The increase of gas velocity resulted in a decrease in sorption efficiency. Computer simulations of the sorption process were performed. The factors causing growth of gas flow turbulence (the distances between the absorber elements and their position relative to the flowing gas) had a significant influence on the process.