Drying Biosulphur into Hydrophilic Powder
Convert biosulphur slurry into fine, hydrophilic sulphur powder for fungicide formulations. Hosokawa Micron supplies integrated drying systems that combine controlled slurry feeding, DMR flash drying and powder collection in a closed nitrogen loop.
Biosulphur is formed during the biological treatment of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S). Processing this wet material into powder requires efficient moisture removal while managing its sticky, thixotropic behaviour and keeping drying temperatures below the sulphur’s melting point.
From slurry to hydrophilic powder
The drying process must produce a hydrophilic powder with the required moisture content and particle size. Consistent feeding and controlled drying conditions are essential to accommodate the slurry’s changing flow properties and prevent sticking or melting.
Explosion protection is a further consideration when designing the drying and powder collection system.
DMR flash drying system
The DMR flash dryer combines intensive dispersion and rapid drying. Its multi-blade rotor disperses the wet biosulphur feed into fine droplets, creating a large surface area for efficient heat transfer and moisture removal. PTFE lining helps manage product sticking within the dryer.
A closed nitrogen loop provides inert operating conditions. The dryer and filter feature a pressure-shock-resistant design as part of the system’s explosion protection measures. A condenser removes evaporated moisture from the circulating gas before it is reheated and returned to the dryer.
Controlled feeding with a Nauta live hopper
A Nauta live hopper holds the wet biosulphur and supports a consistent supply to the drying system. Its mixing action assists handling of the thixotropic slurry, while a dedicated slurry pump beneath the conical vessel transfers the material to the DMR.
Together, the hopper and pump provide a feeding arrangement tailored to the material’s flow properties and the required drying capacity.
Practical example: biosulphur drying
In a documented biosulphur application, a DMR system reduced the moisture content from 45% to 1.8% by weight, producing powder with 99% of particles below 50 µm.
| Parameter | Operating data |
|---|---|
| Wet feed capacity | 63 kg/h |
| Feed moisture content | 45% by weight |
| Final powder moisture content | 1.8% by weight |
| Inlet gas temperature | 105°C |
| Outlet gas temperature | 55°C |
| Particle size | 99% below 50 µm |
Moisture contents are expressed on a wet basis. These figures relate to this specific application; performance depends on feed properties, system configuration and operating conditions.
Test before you invest
Run trials with your own materials on lab and production-scale equipment at our 2,000 m² Test Centre in the Netherlands. Our experienced process specialists work with you to determine the right process, equipment or system configuration for your application. Each trial is supported by a detailed technical report, helping you select the right solution with confidence.
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