Sulfuric Acid is an irreplaceable constituent of countless industrial processes that includes the manufacturing of fertilizer, paints and pigments, explosives, pulp and paper, plastics, detergents, textiles, batteries and a variety of specialty chemicals. Its properties of acidity and reactivity, it Sulfur content, and it’s affinity for water play essential roles in the manufacturing of a broad range of products.
Our key priority is being a safe, reliable supply of Sulfuric Acid complimented by value added services that enable us to deliver more than just H2SO4.
Metallurgical manufacturing is the primary source that co-produces Sulfuric Acid that we market within the United States. It all begins with the roasting and smelting of Nickel, Zinc, Copper, and Lead. These minerals are found naturally in the form of Sulfide ores such as Copper Sulfide. Following concentration of the mined ores, the first step of metallurgical refining is the removal of the Sulfur content. Heating the concentrated ore liberates Sulfur in the form of Sulfur Dioxide gas (SO2). If not captured and removed, SO2 can contribute to the formation of acid rain. The SO2 is captured and converted to Sulfuric Acid. Sulfuric Acid production at smelters is the direct result of emission controls designed to protect the environment.
Generally, smelter acid plants are comprised of three major stages (1) the gases are first thoroughly clean in the gas cooling and cleaning section, mist precipitators complete the gas cleaning, enabling an estimated 99.99% removal efficiency for most of the impurities present. (2) A large blower draws the clean gases to the conversion section (3) finally, the conversion and absorption stage where the Sulfuric Acid is actually produced. This final step is the oxidation of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) to Sulfur Trioxide (SO3), which is then combined with water creating a 98% (H2SO4) Sulfuric Acid.
Sulfuric Acid is also produced through the burning of Sulfur process where elemental Sulfur is oxidized to provide the feedstock for acid production.
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