Sulfuric acid production
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Question: When producing sulfuric acid using solid sulfur particles, what impact does the moisture content of these particles have on the yield? For dry granulation, the moisture content is 0.5%, while for wet granulation it is 2%. Which method do acid production companies prefer to use?
If solid sulfur has a high moisture content, more heat is required to melt it, which in turn results in an increased consumption of steam. This is clearly not economical. More importantly, excessive moisture can corrode the sulfur melting equipment. If sulfur contains a high amount of moisture, this moisture will be carried into the converter. It becomes sulfuric acid vapor, and at low temperatures, this vapor condenses on the catalyst. Dissolving the active components of the catalyst reduces its activity. It causes the catalyst to become pulverized, forms scabs on it, and increases resistance. Moreover, sulfuric acid vapor can also corrode subsequent heat exchangers such as heat exchangers. For acid-producing companies, it is preferable to use dry granulation with solid sulfur having a moisture content of 0.5%.
It’s not beneficial for the acid-producing companies downstream, but **they still insisted on changing the sulfur particle standard to 2% – why?** Furthermore, many ports sprinkle water on sulfur to ensure its safe storage and transportation. Texas in the United States even stipulates that the moisture content of sulfur shipped by ship must not be lower than 2.8%. Very
I only know the facts but not the reasons behind them; I’m ashamed.
With you saying that, I feel even more ashamed. I have absolutely no idea why. Under current national standards, this level of moisture content allows it to be sold without any issues.
In our open-air storage area, workers are spraying water to reduce dust, and everything is covered in water. Wastes steam and corrodes equipment. Sigh
Just sprinkle some water regularly, and then cover it tightly with a tarpaulin; there’s no need to use that much water