Home Processes Sulfuric acid plant Search Dutch Nyrstar Budel is part of the Nyrstar Group, an integrated mining and metals company with a leadership position in the zinc and lead market. Nyrstar has mines and smelters around the world and employs more than 5,500 people. Nyrstar is listed on NYSE Euronext Brussels and is headquartered in Switzerland. About us Products Processes Durability Working at Nyrstar Contact News Info for contractors Sulfuric acid plant The gas from the 'wet gas purification' is processed in the sulfuric acid plant where 99.97% of the SO 2 gas is converted into sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ). In the first step of sulfuric acid production, the gas stream is dried with the aid of concentrated sulfuric acid. Subsequently, the nitrogen compounds formed during the combustion of the concentrate must also be removed. For this ammonia (NH 3 ) is mixed in the gas flow. With the aid of a catalyst, the nitrogen oxides are converted with ammonia in the first reactor into nitrogen and water. 2 NO + 4 NH3 + 2 O2 -> 3 N2 + 6 H2O 6 NO2 + 8 NH3 -> 7 N2 + 12 H2O Subsequently, the SO 2 is removed from the gas according to the double absorption process. With oxygen (O 2 ), the SO 2 is converted into sulfur trioxide (SO 3 ), after which the SO 3 with water forms H 2 SO 4 . SO2 + ½ O2 -> SO3 + heat SO3 + H2O -> H2SO4 + heat A catalyst is also needed for the reaction of SO 2 to SO 3 to take place. A total of 5 different catalyst beds are used for this. After the gas has passed the first three catalyst beds, the SO 3 gas in the intermediate absorption tower is absorbed in 99% H 2 SO 4 . The remaining SO 2 is almost completely converted into SO 3 in the last two catalyst beds . The absorption process is then repeated in the final absorption tower. After passing the final absorption tower, the waste gas leaves the factory via a 68 meter high chimney. The waste gas contains less than 50 ppm (parts per million) SO 2. A partial flow of the circulating acid is continuously diluted with water to 96% H 2 SO 4 , filtered and pumped to storage tanks from which delivery to customers takes place. Download the technical diagram of the sulfuric acid plant . Zinc for Life Nyrstar.com IZA © Copyright 2009-2016 Nyrstar Disclaimer Terms and Conditions Directions Sitemap