Gulf Coast Environmental Systems

By

Sulfur Oxides

What are sulfur oxides?

Sulfur oxides (SOx) are compounds of sulfur and oxygen molecules. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is the predominant form found in the lower atmosphere. Sulfur oxide is the common term for many types of sulfur and oxygen containing compounds such as:

  • Lower sulfur oxides(SnO, S7O2 and S6O2)
  • Sulfur monoxide(SO)
  • Sulfur dioxide(SO2)
  • Sulfur trioxide(SO3)
  • Higher sulfur oxides(SO3 and SO4 and polymeric condensates of them)
  • Disulfur monoxide(S2O)
  • Disulfur dioxide(S2O2)

These molecules are colorless, but have a very distinct and strong scent and taste that can be detected when the gas is of high concentration.

Sulfur monoxide, SO, is a common sulfur oxide compound that is rarely found outside of space. When concentrated or condensed it becomes S2O2, or sulfur dioxide (see below). Under extreme laboratory conditions sulfur monoxide can be produced by treating sulfur dioxide with sulfur vapors in a glow discharge. In spaced sulfur monoxide is detected around one of Jupiter’s moons, Lo, in the atmosphere and in the plasma torus. It has also been found in the atmospheres of Venus and the Hale-Bopp comet as well as the interstellar medium. In biological chemistry, sulfur monoxide may have some biological activity, the formation of transient SO in porcine coronary artery has been inferred from the reaction products. Because it is rare in occurrence it is difficult to fully understand the hazardous of sulfur monoxide but as sulfur dioxide it is both toxic and corrosive.

Sulfur dioxide, one of the more popular sulfur oxides, is a poisonous gas with a smell that is often described as a just struck match. Sulfur dioxide can be can be liquefied at room temperatures under moderate pressures. As a liquid it freezes at -37° C (-99.4° F) and boils at -10° C (+14° F) under atmospheric pressure. Sulfur dioxide, like sulfur monoxide is often found in space. In the atmosphere of Venus it is the third-most significant gas at 140 ppm. Interestingly, on Venus it is a contributor to global warming and is a key component of the chemical reactions in the planets atmosphere. [Read more…]

By

Pollution Control Engineering

National Professional Engineers Week: February 18th through February 24th

Gulf Coast Environmental Systems is proud of the superior team of engineers and pollution control experts that we employ. Not only are they the who’s who of industry experts but they are truly wonderful people who are engaged in their communities, families and of course their careers. With this being National Professional Engineers week there is no better opportunity to introduce a few of our team members.

The Expert: Chad Clark, GCES Technical Director Chad Clark, Pollution Control Engineer

Education: Vanderbilt University, Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Mechanical Engineering (ME)

What is your favorite GCES product or service? Our Engineering Services because we are able to make the most positive impact with customers by improving people’s lives both at work and at home.  The equipment we design and supply brings it all together making the work we do within our engineering team and services come to fruition.

What is the best part of working at GCES? Being able to bring an idea from paper to operation.

As our Technical Director, Chad Clark, has developed many of our internationally recognized BACT (Best Available Control Technology) air pollution control systems including the breakthrough patent pending Aqueous Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO). Mr. Clark is a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and has spent most of his career in environmental protection engineering. Mr. Clark is a sought after speaker and thermal oxidizer expert who is regularly sought out for this knowledge on air pollution control technologies and remediation best practices. Having recently developed a line of Thermal Oxidizers that can be operated through heat recovery, natural gas or electric, Mr. Clark has once again lead the field in technological development and best practices.

When Mr. Clark is not immersed in work and on the road visiting customers,  he enjoys continuing his worldwide travel with his wife of 15 years and 3 beautiful children.  He finds it exciting to view different cultures and experiences through a child’s eyes.  Mr. Clark believes there can never be too much time on a golf course.

[Read more…]

By

Holiday Startups & Shutdowns

Startup & ShutdownWith the holidays around the corner it is time to start preparing for shutting down and quality time with family. This season provides plant and facility operations with unique circumstances outside of standard operating conditions. Utilize these tips to ensure the safety of yourself, your team and your facility. From all of us at GCES we wish you a safe holiday season filled with family, friends, laughter and joy.

Let’s begin by reviewing the Top Safety Considerations During a Shutdown:

Slips and Falls: Per OSHA, slips and falls are the accidents most cited during a shutdown. As a result of the demanding schedules of shutdowns and turnarounds, workers tend to be more likely to create spills or other slip hazards and be slower to clean them up or otherwise address them. [Read more…]

By

5 Tips for Reducing Plant Shutdown Costs

Shutdowns and turnarounds are anything but inexpensive but with proper planning and prioritization, budgets can be maintained and stress managed. Use these tips to help you reduce plant shutdown costs.plant shutdown costs

  1. Implement a Project Managment App or System

The use of project management software is often utilized to streamline both the planning and execution processes. While it does take time to implement a new project management system there are many advantages to consider. For example) systematic project management can help you achieve a better understanding of a process and in turn opens the door for process improvements and streamlined operations. There are many software systems available including some that offer a free trial. Some examples of these include: [Read more…]

By

Before the Storm: A Storm Readiness Guide from the GCES Field Services Team

If you have decided to put a storm readiness plan together, these are the essentials items that you will need to consider as part of your storm plan.

Facility Checklists: The following suggestions should be part of a larger Storm Preparedness Plan that should be executed once the storm is imminent and the warning of severe weather has been issued.

Protecting your Facility:A Storm Readiness Guide

  • Site Preparation – Keeping your site clean is a must.
  • Secure Site – Secure all tools, movable equipment, etc. so to avoid creating projectiles. Cover or remove dumpster and trash from the job site. Dismantle all wood or fences that could be lifted by high winds.
  • Maintenance – Perform a complete full maintenance of all electrical and mechanical equipment. Identify precautions for equipment exposed to water or high humidity and procedures for restarting machinery and equipment.
  • Backup Systems – Check and perform tune-ups of generators. Purchase extra batteries for all systems that utilize a backup battery system.
  • Emergency Site Supplies – Check and maintain proper supply of sandbags, fans, generators and other items that may be needed during an emergency.
  • High Reaching Equipment – Dismount and secure all scaffolding. Booms should be laid down if time permits or the load line hooked to the structure at some low point.
  • Piping and Inlets – Protect all underground piping and underground drains to prevent any accumulation of debris inside. Confirm all storm water inlets and catch basins are free of any material that can lead to obstruction.
  • Deliveries – Postpone any scheduled delivery at least two days after storm occurrence.
  • Power – Disconnect all power lines and remove temporary connections susceptible to damage.

[Read more…]

Company Profile

Gulf Coast Environmental Systems (GCES) is your custom solutions provider for pollution control systems, industrial ovens, systems engineering and field support worldwide. Our unique approach is to analyze your process stream and business objectives and propose an ideal solution or range of options to help you optimize these objectives. GCES is a one-stop shop: we provide engineering services, manufacturing, installation, commissioning and ongoing support. With our broad base of expertise and large installed global base, we are well-positioned to solve your pollution control issues.

Recent News