Identification and Characterization of Sulfur Cake from Stepnogorsk Sulfuric Acid Plant

Abstract

In the paper, the physical and chemical characteristics of sulfur cake from Stepnogorsk Sulfuric Acid Plant (SSAP LLP) were studied. During the production of sulfuric acid, 130–200 tons of sulfur-containing residues are accumulated per year, the storage of which negatively affects the environment. The peaks of IR spectrum analyses are linked to the stretching vibrations of S=O, S-S bonds, and O-S-O groups. The chemical composition of the filtration waste of molten sulfur from the settling tanks of the Stepnogorsk sulfuric acid plant is represented by the following elements: S (about 60 wt.%), O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, Cl, Ca, Fe, Cu, Pb, and Zn. The content of organic compounds in sulfur cake is low, and mineral components – gypsum, calcium sulfate, and silicates are contained in insignificant quantities, which makes it possible to use it for the production of composite materials for construction purposes. Using compositions will improve the properties of materials and provide an opportunity to sell additional volumes of sulfur on the domestic market, which will reduce the consequences of excess production and the environmental burden from long-term storage of sulfur-containing waste.