China is the world’s largest importer of sulphur, mainly to feed domestic phosphate production. Sour gas in Sichuan and new refinery production, coupled with rationalisation in the phosphate sector are all leading to reduced imports, while new smelters are increasing sulphuric acid production and reducing the need for pyrite-based and sulphur burning acid production.
Meena Chauhan , Head of Sulphur and Sulphuric Acid Research, Argus Media, assesses price trends and the market outlook for sulphur.
Chemetics describes a variety of ways to extend the life of sulphuric acid plants. Debottlenecking, emissions reduction and/or energy recovery projects require a systematic, phased approach to maximise the potential of economic and operational benefits to the owner.
Tightening regulations and growing global competition are increasing the pressure felt by sulphuric acid plant operators to reduce emissions and improve energy output. Conservation of energy is a continuous focus for operators, and environmental communities have grown more vocal in their desire for greater emissions oversight. In this article, DuPont Clean Technologies examines simple, tried, and true tactics, as well as new products and designs that can be incorporated into existing plants to address operating efficiency and emissions and to help to prolong the life of the plant.
As well as Morocco, Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia all have major phosphate industries, and all of these countries have plans to expand their capability to extract and process phosphates, though Algeria and Tunisia remain hampered by political instability.
Dealing with sulphur dust is an operational challenge for sulphur forming plants and sulphur storage and handling facilities.
The processed phosphates market view is supporting sulphur demand. The average DAP price for Morocco f.o.b. is forecast to rise significantly on 2020 levels. As the leading end use for sulphur consumption and trade, this has implications for pricing. The expected downward correction in DAP in 2022 will likely lead to a parallel decline in sulphur, at a time when supply is expected to improve in the oil and gas sector, adding further pressure for prices to ease.
The Sulphur Institute (TSI) has announced that Connor Dyck of Koch Sulfur has assumed the responsibility of chairman of the TSI board. Dyck said, “It is an honour to be named TSI’s Chair. I look forward to working with the Institute and its members to advocate on behalf of the sulphur and sulphuric acid industries.”
Corrosion is one of the most critical aspects regarding sulphuric acid plant lifespan. One important cause of corrosion in sulphuric acid plants is acid condensation from the process gas due to inadequate drying. E. Almeida, B. Ferraro, N. Clark, V. Machida and V. Sturm of Clark Solutions discuss this problem and how it can be avoided with proper tower and internals design.
INEOS Enterprises has announced the completion of the sale of its Sulphur Chemicals business to International Chemical Investors Group, for an undisclosed sum. INEOS Sulphur Chemicals business is Spain’s largest dedicated manufacturer of sulphuric acid and oleum, serving clients in both agriculture and chemical intermediates via its 400,000 t/a plant in Bilbao. The business will become part of WeylChem’s advanced intermediates and reagents portfolio, which includes an existing sulphuric acid and oleum plant located in Lamotte, northern France. WeylChem is wholly owned by the International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG).