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PHurley  
#1 Posted : 08 March 2012 08:57:14(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
PHurley

Hi all, I am reviewing a EHSMS for a chemical processing plant and wanted to know what the standard control measures for storage and handling of molten sulfur are. In addition in the event of a spillage of molten sulfur from the storage tank into the containment bund will the sulfur immediately solidify and / or can it be reasonably expected that a quantity of H2S will be generated (with obvious associated hazards!)? Cheers, Peter
Jane Blunt  
#2 Posted : 08 March 2012 09:23:48(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Jane Blunt

The melting point of sulfur is 115 degrees C, so it will tend to solidify, but it rather depends on how much is spilt. The latent heat of fusion has to leak away for solidification to take place. If the atmosphere around it is normal (i.e. oxidising) I would not expect H2S. If it were to catch fire, you would get highly toxic sulfur dioxide. What is lying about in the bund?
PHurley  
#3 Posted : 08 March 2012 09:44:15(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
PHurley

The bund should be concrete with concrete base. I am not aware whether it is entirely enclosed (ie underground), if it is above ground there can be expected to be some sand and dust - it is in Abu Dhabi in the middle east.
boblewis  
#4 Posted : 08 March 2012 18:12:03(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
boblewis

As Jane says your problem is sulphur oxides rather than H2S - this latter is the product of organic decomposition rather than combustion. Generally speaking you can cool it rapidly with cold water and you then get an unusual form of sulphur - much like chewing gum in consistency and red brown in colour. This will revert to the normal yellow suphur in a matter of hours. In the solid form sulphur is relatively innocuous, subject to dust control if needed. Bob
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