Reduction of TRS Gases During Non-Condensable Gas Venting and Liquor Spills to Mill Sewer, 1995 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Peter Spizzirri

Quaker Chemical Corporation

Kraft pulp mills are known to emit a foul odor caused by the emission of gases containing total reduced sulfur (TRS). The use of sulfides in the kraft pulping process provides the chemistry for production of TRS components: typically hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide. The collection and incineration of Non-condensable gases (NCG’s) is a standard practice in the pulp and paper industry. When the incineration device is down, a venting procedure is required to prevent hazardous accumulation of these gases. Quaker Chemical has developed an NCG venting procedure using ENVIRO-SCRUB® TRS scavenging agent, that has met with community and state approval. Occasionally, sulfide containing liquors are released to municipal or mill sewers. The pH control of sewer water containing sulfides releases hydrogen sulfide. The addition of the TRS scavenging agent to the sewer during liquor spills dramatically reduces H2 S emissions. The resulting organo-sulfur molecule does not exhibit uncontrolled release of H2 S. The organo-sulfur molecule passed the RCRA reactivity test.