3. INTRODUCTION
About 0.1% of the Earth’s crust consists of sulphur. It is found as the
element in salt domes in the USA and Mexico and associated with other
minerals in various parts of Europe. About 90% of the sulphur mined is
used in the production of sulphuric acid. In the production of sulphuric
acid, the sulphur is first burnt to make sulphur dioxide. The other 10% is
used to make chemicals for agriculture, dyestuffs, in woodpulping
processes and in vulcanisation.
4. Add a little bit of body
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01 SULPHUR DIOXIDE IN FOOD PRESERVATION
Sulphur dioxide is used to preserve food and drinks. It does this by killing
any bacteria present. Sulphur dioxide can be added directly to drinks such
as wine and dried fruits such as apricots in order to preserve them. In
general, it is sulphites such as sodium sulphite, which are added to foods
such as packaged meats and ready-made meals.
5. SULPHUR DIOXIDE IN FOOD PRESERVATION
Sulphur dioxide can inhibit spoilage caused by microbes and
extend the shelf life of food products. In acidic conditions,
which may be caused by bacterial fermentation, sulphur
dioxide is released. The sulphur dioxide kills the bacteria.
SO32–(aq) + 2H+(aq) → SO2(g) + H2O(l)
6. SULPHURIC ACID MANUFACTURING
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Sulphur is burnt in air to produce the sulphur dioxide required for the
manufacture of sulphuric acid by the Contact Process. Sulfuric acid is
also a key substance in the chemical industry. It is most commonly used
in fertilizer manufacture but is also important in mineral processing,
oil refining, wastewater processing, and chemical synthesis.
7. ROLE OF H2SO4 IN VARIOUS MANUFACTURING SECTORS
• Chemical Manufacturing: Sulfuric acid is used in the production of various chemicals such as
fertilizers (ammonium sulfate, superphosphate), pigments (titanium dioxide), detergents,
explosives, and synthetic fibers (rayon).
• Petroleum Refining: In the petroleum industry, sulfuric acid is used in the refining process to
remove impurities, particularly in the alkylation process to produce high-octane gasoline.
• Battery Manufacturing: Sulfuric acid is a key component in the production of lead-acid
batteries used in vehicles, backup power supplies, and various industrial applications.
