Gulf Coast Environmental Systems

By

Sulfuric Acid

What is Sulfuric Acid?Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric acid, or vitriol, is a brownish, odorless, oily mineral acid. Although odorless, it has an obvious acidic taste that is said to be incredibly off-putting. It is generally considered stable and composed of sulfur, hydrogen, and oxygen. The molecular formula for sulfuric acid is H2SO4, and it is water-soluble, meaning it will not burn. It is considered extremely corrosive due to its highly acidic nature and in high concentrations, it is dehydrating and oxidizing. Another interesting property that sulfuric acid exhibits its ability to absorb water vapor from the air, which means its hygroscopic. Because of this, it is highly reactive with most chemicals, especially water.

Corrosive Sulfuric Acid

Where is Sulfuric Acid Found? [Read more…]

By

Dimethyl Sulfide

What is Dimethyl Sulfide?Dimethyl sulfide

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS), also known as methylthiomethane, is an organosulfur compound. It is a methyl sulfide, in which the sulfur atom is substituted by two methyl groups, with the chemical formula of (CH3)2S. It is a highly flammable straw-colored liquid, with a boiling point of 37 degrees Celsius, or 99 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a compound that is easily recognized by its foul odor, that is often described as “cabbage like”. Unlike many other organosulfur compounds, this disagreeable odor is present in even low concentrations of DMS. Dimethyl sulfide is the product of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) breakdown, and is also the result of bacterial metabolism of methanethiol.

Dimethyl Sulfide

Where is Dimethyl Sulfide Found? [Read more…]

By

Methyl Mercaptan

What is Methyl Mercaptan?

methyl mercaptan

Methyl Mercaptan, also known as Methanethiol, is a volatile organic compound known as an organosulfur, because it contains sulfur. Methyl mercaptan is a member of a series of compounds, in which there can be chains of up to 20 carbon-atoms attached to sulfur. The chemical formula for methanethiol is CH3SH; it is classified as a thiol.  It is colorless, highly flammable, and has a strong rotten-cabbage-like odor. It is a colorless, low-boiling liquid, that is denser than water. When inhaled, Methyl Mercaptan is very toxic, and the dangerous gas is often overlooked when in low concentrations. It can undergo steam reforming to hydrogen-rich gas over cerium oxide-coated rhodium or aluminum oxide catalyst via the solid-gas reaction, under certain operating conditions. This process has potential use in toxic-waste treatment, such as removal of methanethiol present in industrial-waste off-gas. Because it is derived from decaying organic matter, Methyl Mercaptan is a weak acid, and is reactive with dissolved metals, in aqueous solutions. [Read more…]

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)SOx, Sulfur Oxides
  • 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 disulfur 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

Ammonia Removal Utalizing an Ammonia Scrubber

Part 5 of Abating Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ammonia

What is Ammonia?

Ammonia is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen. A colorless gas with the formula NH3, ammonia has a pungent smell. Ammonia boils at 33.34 degrees and must be stored under pressure or at a low temperature. Industrial ammonia is sold as either an ammonia liquor or as a pressurized and/or refrigerated anhydrous liquid ammonia transported in Ammonia Scrubbertanks cars or cylinders. In 2014 the global production of ammonia was 176 million tonnes. China is the top worldwide producer with nearly one-third of total production, followed by India, Russia and the United States.

Ammonia molecules have a trigonal pyramidal shape. The molecules shape allows for a dipole moment and makes it polar. This polarity allows the ability to form hydrogen bonds and makes ammonia highly miscible with water. The central nitrogen atom has five outer electrons with additional electron from each hydrogen atom. This makes a total of eight electrons or four electron pairs that are arranged tetrahedrally. Of these electron pairs three of them are used as bonded pairs leaving one sole pair of electrons. This long pair repels more strongly than bond pairs. [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