IPCO Drum granulation is a fully automated sulphur granulation process based on rotating drum technology. These sulphur drum granulators are the highest capacity units available and produce formed sulphur to SUDIC specifications.

IPCO engineers total sulphur processing and handling systems to the strictest production and environmental parameters, with a typical turnkey project covering everything from pumping liquid sulphur from the storage tank, to loading equipment for the end product.

In recent years IPCO has become a partner to several internationally-renowned engineering companies that service the petrochemical industry, and their Rotoform sulphur granulation units are now operational on all six continents.

Seed or nuclei particles of solid sulphur are generated externally by freezing sprays of liquid sulphur in a water bath at controlled pressures to form the desired size range. These particles are then augured into a slowly rotating drum with appropriately placed flights attached to its inner surface. The flights create curtains of particles inside the drum as well as gently moving them towards the discharge end.

As the nuclei particles travel along the drum, they are progressively enlarged to the required size by means of sulphur sprayed from a bank of nozzles running the length of the drum. The temperature in the drum is moderated by the evaporation of water from spray nozzles located inside the drum.

IPCO sulphur drum granulators are supplied prefabricated for fast delivery and rapid installation. A simple design provides a combination of high capacity, low maintenance and continuous operation to deliver exceptional ROI.

The spherical sulphur product meets the shape criteria and Stress Level I and II friability parameters of the SUDIC premium product specification.

The completely spherical shape – along with the repeated spraying and cooling of thin layers of molten sulphur on the surface of the granules as they pass through the granulator – accommodates the natural shrinkage of the product as it completes the transition from sulphur melt to solid sulphur granule, without weakening the product.

IPCO activities range from cooperation during FEED (front-end engineering design) to EPC (engineering procurement construction) contracts, and turnkey solutions include liquid sulphur supply, solidification and downstream handling of solid sulphur as well as utility equipment and control systems.

Its product portfolio also includes liquid sulphur degassing, granulation, block pouring, re-melting and consulting services.