SULFUR SAFETY & HANDLING

Low dust generation is another important operational requirement. Sulfur dust is both a nuisance and potentially hazardous. With specially designed Impact Tests, Tumbler Tests and Particle Hardness Tests, Keg River research shows that the mechanical strength of pastilles increases with the proportion and type of Bentonite Clay content – less dust is generated with harder pastilles.

Effects of Pastille Shape

The shape of pastilles is important for handling characteristics and dust generation. Our research shows that a proper ratio of the diameter to the height of the pastille is a key quality. At Keg River, we produce pastilles in the optimal range of 2.2mm:1mm to 2.6mm:1mm, diameter to height. With this specification, the pastille is a high quality semi-sphere. Many competitive pastilles have a ratio that greatly exceeds 2.6:1, and the pastille is too flat. Pastilles that are too flat tend to have edges break off during handling, which forms dust.

Effects of Aging

Research at Keg River Chemical documented the effects of aging on degradation of our products. As Degradable Sulfur ages, there is a change in the crystalline structure that results in lower degradability; this trend continues for about 45 days, after which the rate of degradability of all products stabilizes. Higher Bentonite content yields a product of higher performance whose properties change less over time.

Effects of Bulk Resistivity

In addition, more Bentonite decreases bulk resistivity (the tendency for electrostatic buildup with sulfur that can result in fire). As is shown in the resistivity graph below, Degradable Sulfur with zero to 5% Bentonite is considerably more at risk for electrostatic build-up than Sulfur products that contain 10% or more of Bentonite.

Considerations When Handling Sulfur Fertilizers

Keg River takes many steps to reduce dust including the production of harder pastilles with a durable shape, screening, gentle conveyance systems, and application of dust control sprays during load-out. In spite of these measures, the formation of dust cannot be totally eliminated. Unloading and handling techniques after delivery can make a difference:

• Conveyor and storage systems should be grounded;
• Use conveyors rather than augers when possible;
• Use non-sparking tools for cleanup of spillage.

The excellent handling characteristics of Keg River pastilles are the result of a continual commitment to research and development since we began production in 1983. The result is a vastly improved product with excellent degradability and handling characteristics.

back to top