Wah Engineering College

University of Wah

Project
Report
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Department of Chemical Engineering
Wah Engineering College
University of Wah, Wah Cantt
 Wah Engineering College
University of Wah

1st Semester Project

Subject: Computing Fundamentals (Ch.E-111)

Topic: Flowchart for Liquid Sulphur Dioxide Production

Submitted To: Engr. Muhammad Umar Mushtaq

Submitted By: Hashir Ameen

Roll No: UW-20-CHE-BSC-009

Semester: 1st

Date of Submission: January 13, 2021

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Department of Chemical Engineering
Wah Engineering College
University of Wah, Wah Cantt
 Abstract
SO2 is a colorless gas. It smells like burnt matches. It can be oxidized to sulphur trioxide, which
in the presence of water vapour is readily transformed to sulphuric acid mist. SO2 can be oxidized
to form acid aerosols. SO2 is a precursor to sulphates, which are one of the main components of
respirable particles in the atmosphere. Approximately 66% of the SO2 emitted in Ontario in 2012
came from smelters and utilities. Other SO2 industrial processes each accounted for approximately
26% of SO2 emissions. Lesser sources of SO2 include transportation and miscellaneous/residential.
Health effects caused by exposure to high levels of SO2 include breathing problems, respiratory
illness, changes in the lung's defenses, and worsening respiratory and cardiovascular disease.
People with asthma or chronic lung or heart disease are the most sensitive to SO2. It also damages
trees and crops. SO2, along with nitrogen oxides, are the main precursors of acid rain. This
contributes to the acidification of lakes and streams, accelerated corrosion of buildings and reduced
visibility. SO2 also causes formation of microscopic acid aerosols, which have serious health
implications as well as contributing to climate change. The output of liquid sulfur dioxide in 1952
was 43,856 tons. . It may he produced by the burning of sulfur or by the roasting of metal sulfides'
in special equipment.

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 Production of Liquid Sulphur Dioxide
The output of liquid sulfur dioxide in 1952 was 43,856 tons. It may he produced by the burning of
sulfur or by the roasting of metal sulfides' in special equipment. It may be obtained also by the
recovery from the waste gases of other reactions. Its production and the subsequent compression
and cooling to form liquid SO2, which boils at –l0°C., as it is shown in the Figure below:

Sulfur Absorbers H2 O N2, O2 98% Compressor

H2 SO4 700kPa Storage and
Heat Exchanger 70°C Cylinder
Filling

Streaming Tower
16% SO2
Melter

Moist SO2

Dry Tower
Combustion
Chamber
Liquid
Burner 1200°C SO2
E-8
Condenser
Air Waste
2 Percent Soln., 30°C Spent Acid
Air Steam Cooler

Figure. 1: Flowchart for Liquid Sulphur Dioxide Production

In order to produce 100kg liquid SO2, the following materials and utilities are required.

Sulphur 54 kg Electricity 1.5 MJ

H2SO4 (98%) 30 kg Steam 340 kg
Water 7500 L Direct labor 1.1 work-h

With very careful control of the amount of air entering the combustion chamber, sulfur dioxide
can be produced up to 18 per cent at a temperature of 1200°C. As the gases from the combustion
chamber pass through the heat exchanger, they heat the water for the boilers. The cooled gases,
containing from 16 to 18 per cent SO2, are pumped into the absorbers through acid proof pumps.
The strength of the solution from the absorbers is dependent upon the temperature and the strength
of the gases entered, but the concentration usually runs about 1.3 per cent with the temperature
close to 30°C. A very small amount of the SO2 is lost in the exhaust from the second absorber-
about 0.02 per cent. The temperature of the vapors coming from the steaming tower depends upon
its design but usually runs about 70°C. The vapors are cooled and passed through a drying tower
in which 98 per cent sulfuric acid is used. Other drying agents may be employed and some plants
by special procedure eliminate the use of this sulfuric acid drier altogether. The SO2 is liquefied
by compressing to about 7 atm. and cooling. It is stored or put into cylinders. Sulfur dioxide is
shipped as a liquid under 2 or 3 atm. pressure. It is obtainable in steel cylinders2 of from 50 to 100
lb. capacity, in 1-ton tanks, or in 15-ton tank cars.

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 Uses of Sulphur Dioxide
Its uses are numerous. A quite pure commercial grade containing not more than 0.05 per cent of
moisture is suitable for most of its applications. However, a very pure grade, containing less than
50 p.p.m. of moisture, is supplied for refrigeration. Sulfur dioxide also serves as the raw material
for the production of sulfuric acid. It finds application as a bleaching agent in the textile and food
industries. , sulfur dioxide is an effective antichlor for removing excess chlorine. It is an effective
disinfectant and is employed as such for wooden kegs and barrels and brewery apparatus and for
the prevention of mold in the drying of fruits. Sulfur dioxide effectively controls fermentation in
the making of wine. It is used in the sulfite process .for paper pulp, as a liquid solvent in petroleum
refining', and as a raw material in many plants, e.g., in place of purchased sulfites, bisulfites, or
hydrosulfites. The convenience of the application of liquid S02 has persuaded many small or
intermittent users to purchase this rather than to make their own.