Compare complete specifications, not just purity
The materials supplied to Apex ChemTrade contain two distinct sulphur specifications. One is the Venicia Chemical Industries granular/lump sheet with 99.5% minimum sulphur. The other is a separate granular sulphur sheet with 99.95% minimum dry-basis purity. These should not be combined into a single product guarantee.
The Venicia granular/lump specification
The supplied Venicia sheet lists ash at 0.3% maximum, moisture at 0.2% maximum and acidity expressed as H₂SO₄ at 0.1% maximum. The size range shown is 2–50 mm for granular/lump material. It describes jumbo bags of approximately one metric tonne.
The separate granular specification
The separate sheet lists ash at 0.03% maximum, acidity as H₂SO₄ at 0.003% maximum and moisture at 0.2% maximum. Its granular size range is 0.5–6.3 mm. The provider identity and commercial availability of this grade must be confirmed in the quotation.
How to compare an offer
Ask which source sheet applies, whether the quoted purity uses a dry basis, and what physical form is offered. Confirm the specification limits separately from a batch certificate. Packaging, quantity, destination and inspection requirements also belong in the enquiry.
Does a higher purity figure establish suitability?
Purity is one parameter in the comparison. Your purchasing requirements may also depend on size, moisture, ash and acidity. Confirm the full specification and the documents for the offered shipment instead of selecting on the headline percentage alone.
Source: product specification sheets provided to Apex ChemTrade.
Clear answers. Better decisions.
What is the real difference between 99.5% and 99.95% sulphur?
Purity rises by less than half a percentage point, but ash falls from 0.3% to 0.03% maximum and acidity from 0.1% to 0.003% maximum. For most processes the ash and acidity figures decide suitability, not the purity headline.
Is higher purity always better?
No. Higher purity usually costs more and may offer no benefit if your process tolerates the lower grade. Match the specification to the process rather than buying the highest number available.
Should I order granular or lump sulphur?
Granular handles and meters predictably, which suits blending and automated feed. Lump suits processes where the material is dissolved or burned. If either works, saying so usually widens availability.
Can the two specifications be compared directly?
They come from separate provider sheets, and the 99.95% sheet does not identify its provider. Treat them as two distinct specifications rather than two points on one scale.
What are the main applications for industrial sulphur?
Sulphuric acid production, fertilizer manufacture, rubber processing, pulp and paper, and metallurgy. Confirm the specification against your own process requirements.