Sulphur

Sulphur is one of the chemical industry’s most important raw materials. It is used principally as the derivative (sulfuric acid) in many chemical and industrial processes and is particularly important in the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers, the single largest end use for Sulphur.

Drum granulation of solid Sulphur is the most common method of producing dense, spherical Sulphur granules. In this method, solid Sulphur particles or seeds are sprayed and coated with molten Sulphur as they move through a rotating drum. Usually, the particles are coated until they reach a diameter of 2-6 mm. Granules vary in color (white to yellow) and size.

Granular Sulphur is also produced in refineries but with an additional process with respect to lump Sulphur. Molten liquid Sulphur is sprayed in granulator unit and exposed to a rapid cooling where Sulphur particles are created. It has high purity Sulphur with a rigid shape.
Nowadays, Sulphur is produced from petroleum, natural gas, and related fossil resources. Sulphur forms a distinctive product if heated with hydrogen – a gas called hydrogen sulfide. This compound can be recognized by its very strong and unpleasant smell of rotten eggs.

Applications:

It is used for making car batteries, fertilizer, oil refining, water processing, and mineral extraction. Other applications for Sulphur-based chemicals include rubber vulcanization, bleaching paper, and product making such as cement, detergents, pesticides. And some gunpowder.

Sulphur is essential for many growth functions in plants including nitrogen metabolism, enzyme activity and protein and oil synthesis. Generally, Sulphur-deficient plants have short and/or spindly stems and yellowing of the young (top) leaves. With nitrogen deficiency, yellowing affects the older, lower leaves first.