3 replies to this topic

[ernesto]

Hi all,
I am involved in a sulphur forming plant, the sulphur pastilles will be stocked at an open stockpile. I read some papers that indicate the formation of acidity by oxidation of elemetal sulfur to SO4= . Does anyone known if it is necesary to treat the liquid effluent from rain over the stockpile. If someone have industrial experience I will appreciate.
Thanks

[ernesto]

Hi Khan,
By the info I get, the 0.14% of acidity must be produced in the stockpile. The stockpile consider will have 19.000 Tns as maximum


Hi ernesto
what is your sulfur production acidity? if you want , i can get its procedure.
sulfur isn't soluble in water.
with regards
khan
[/quote]

You are right. The stock pile of sulphur left in open when come in contact with rain water, it generates some acidic effluent. But I do not think if anyone treats it. During run out the water wash down the stock and the level of acidity is very very low. This acidity gets neutralized with the mud from the ground which is usually alkaline due to presence of calcium carbonates. In all ports sulphur is kept in large piles and the effluent is not treated. The problem comes when the rain stops and the sulphur is still wet. During this time slow oxidation of sulphur in presence of water makes some dilute acid as H2SO3 and H2SO4. With sun shining bright the water tends to dry up concentrating the acid formed. Thus sulphur gets coated with a layer of acid which is highly corrossive. The mechanical handling implements used for Sulphur get corrodded very fast due to its contact with wet sulphur. So you do not have much problem with water run down but the stagnant water is dangerous. In many industries they add lime or soda for neutralization of this wet sulphur while melting in pit.
Regards

Tirtha
[quote name='ernesto' post='5283' date='Mar 20 2006, 06:42 AM']Hi Khan,
By the info I get, the 0.14% of acidity must be produced in the stockpile. The stockpile consider will have 19.000 Tns as maximum


Hi ernesto
what is your sulfur production acidity? if you want , i can get its procedure.
sulfur isn't soluble in water.
with regards
khan[/quote]
[/quote]