Section: CRUSU Market & Features

The Sulphur Institute celebrates its 65th anniversary this year. In this article the organisation describes its lasting legacy and global impact.

Joel Cantrell of Bryan Research & Engineering and Clay Jones of INEOS GAS/SPEC re-evaluate the historical practice of intentionally adding strong base such as caustic (NaOH) to amine with the purpose of improving performance and reducing corrosion by “neutralising” heat stable amine salts (HSAS) which have accumulated in the amine.

Platinum-promoted honeycomb catalyst bricks offer function as total oxidation catalysts that convert all oxidisable species under appropriate temperature and oxygen conditions. P&P Industries presents a case for a H2S-rich gas stream – relevant to the fibre industry, Claus offgas treatment, and other chemical sectors.

While sulphuric acid production is dominated by sulphur burning or metallurgical acid routes, pyrite roasting remains a niche sector, particularly in China.

Smelter outages and tight concentrate markets ease an oversupplied market.

While north Africa’s sulphur demand is dominated by its phosphate industry, south of the Sahara it is copper, cobalt and uranium mining, leaching and smelting that hold sway over acid production and demand.

Sulphur prices advanced further in October, more than expected, supported by the supply towards the end of summer becoming restricted, with a number of non-mainstream sources facing logistical constraints.

• Russia is set to impose a temporary ban on sulphur exports, covering liquid, granulated, and lump material, to ensure domestic supply. The measure will be in effect until 31 December 2025. CRU expects Russia to return to the export market in 2026 Q1. On the other hand, exports from Iranian ports are set to come back not only for Iranian production but also for Turkmenistan.

Join us at the 2025 Sulphur + Sulphuric Acid Expoconference in The Woodlands, Texas, 3-5November, for a truly global gathering of the sulphur and sulphuric acid community, where leading market and technology experts and producers will gather to connect, share knowledge, exchange ideas and learn about market trends and the latest developments in operations, technology, processes and equipment.

Almost one third of sulphuric acid production, and a much greater share of globally traded acid, comes from smelting of base metal sulphides and the recovery of SO2 from flue gases. Smelter acid production continues to increase, particularly from copper, creating an imbalance in the sulphuric acid market.