Liquid Sulphur Transmission By Pipeline
Authors: Cartwright D.J. , WayMouth R.D. 
Published: March 2010

Liquid sulphur, maintained at an optimum viscosity in a temperature range of 260 ° to 300 °F, can be transported over any distance through a pipeline. In order to investigate the technology of such a pipeline to transmit sulphur some 20 miles from the Ram River Processing Plant to rail facilities, a l,400-foot pilot pipeline loop capable of circulating 5,000 LT/D of sulphur was constructed by Aquitaine Company of Canada Ltd. near Rainbow Lake, Alberta. Initial results show that a pipeline can be maintained at the optimum temperature economically b:r the use of an asbestos-polyurethane insulation system and electrical heating by the patented Skin Electric Current Tracing System (SECT).

The first main area of investigation concerns the construction of such a pipeline. Construction techniques must be such that as many "normal" pipeline construction practices as possible be permitted to keep construction costs to a minimum. However, certain extra precautions are required and the pilot provided insight into these.

Insulation is probably the m.ost difficult achievement for a hot, buried pipeline. In view of the minimum operating temperature of some 260 °F, moisture must be excluded from the insulation. A new fusing technique for Yellow Jacket has been developed for use at welds. This, and a much thicker than normal coating of Yellow Jacket to prevent punctures, should prevent moisture from entering the system.

Another area of investigation concerns the application and operation of the SECT System developed by Chisso Engineering Corporation of Tokyo, Japan. Although many applications of this system are operating in Japan it is a new system to North America. The pilot has given much information on the cost, maintenance, operational procedures, problems and safety associated with SECT.

Although pilot project testing is still in progress, it is believed that a long-distance buried pipeline for transmission of sulphur is technically and economically feasible.

INTRODUCTION

THE USE OF VARIOUS fluid-traced pipeline systems has become well established for sulphur movement 'within processing plant sites and over relatively short distances. However, for long-distance transport of sulphur, railway has been the traditional mode.

Aquitaine's new Ram River Gas Processing Plant is situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains some 24 miles southwest of the town of Rocky Mountain House, the point of nearest rail service. Construction costs for a 25- to 35-mile spur railway line to the plant 'will be high because of the 1,500-foot elevation change and the terrain to be crossed. Hence, the problem was to determine the transportation mode that could move the sulphur the initial 20–25 miles to exacting rail facilities at the lowest cost per ton.

Having evaluated sulphur marketing and after discussion with both CNR and CPR, a preliminary engineering study concluded that the concept of liquid sulphur pipelining merited further analysis, A major portion of this further analysis was the construction of a pilot pipeline for operation during the winter in Rainbow Lake, Alberta. This paper will outline the pilot project investigation of liquid sulphur pipelining feasibility.