18-08-2020

40 years of sulphur granulation

Sulphur processing and handling equipment manufacturer IPCO is celebrating 40 years’ continuous production of its market-leading Rotoform sulphur pastillation system.

The development of this innovative rotary dropforming technology in 1980 brought new levels of quality and productivity to the market and changed the face of sulphur solidification. A premium quality formed product — one with consistent size, moisture and friability specifications — enables safer, easier handling during storage and transportation. As formed sulphur can be handled many times between solidification and subsequent reprocessing, often being shipped between continents, this predictable quality is a major advantage for the producer, the transportation company and the final customer.

Such is the quality and reliability of pastille production delivered by Rotoform that it has gone on to become the most widely used premium quality sulphur pastillation system in the world, with more than 750 installed to date.

“We had been supplying flaking systems since the early 1950s,” says Johan Sjögren, Managing Director of IPCO’s Equipment division, “and our ranges now encompass storage and handling solutions too, but the introduction of Rotoform was a defining moment in our company’s history. It put us on the map in this respect and the system remains the market leader to this day.”

While the core principle — direct-from-the-melt solidification on a steel belt cooler — remains unchanged, Rotoform technology has undergone significant advances over the years.

The latest models specially designed for sulphur processing are the Rotoform S8, with a capacity of 140 t/d, and the Rotoform HS, a high speed model with a capacity of up to 350 t/d.

“Rotoform has been a cornerstone of our portfolio for forty years,” says Johan Sjögren. “By continuing to focus on how we can make it better, faster and even easier to maintain, we are confident that it will carry on playing a central role in sulphur processing for another 40 years and more.”