Ferrous Sulphate
About Ferrous Sulphate
Iron-(II)-sulphate is a crystalline powder that is widely used in various industries. It exists as monohydrate or heptahydrate. Ferrous sulphate is an important chemical product used in many applications such as fertiliser, chromate reduction and water treatment and in the manufacture of dyes and pigments. Iron-(II)-sulphate is produced as a by-product or waste in various industries, for example in the iron and steel, and titanium dioxide industries. In addition, iron-(II)-sulphate with special requirements can be produced synthetically in a targeted manner.
Cement industry
Cement is an indispensable raw material in the construction industry. Cement raw materials naturally contain chromium, which is found in the cement after the burning process as hexavalent chromium (chromate or chromium (VI)) with – depending on its origin – up to 30 ppm. In water-soluble form, it can cause allergic “chromate dermatitis” in humans, also known as “mason’s scabies”. In addition to skin irritation, chromate can cause severe allergies and cancer if it is absorbed through the skin, for example. For this reason, it is important to find ways to reduce the chromate content in cement. Since 17th January 2005, Directive 2003/53/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council obliges all EU Member States to maintain a chromate content in cement or in cement-containing preparations below 2 mg/kg. The use of ferrous sulphate is a proven method for chromate reduction in cement. Ferrous sulphate, also known in its wet form as copperas, is a compound capable of reducing hexavalent chromium (chromium (VI)) to trivalent chromium (chromium (III)). Chromium (III) compounds are usually non-toxic and can be safely used in cement.
Feed additive
Iron-(II)-sulphate is also used as a feed additive in animal nutrition. It is an essential trace element for animals, especially for pigs and poultry, as iron is needed for the formation of haemoglobin in the blood. Iron-(II)-sulphate is offered on request in a low-dust form as granules to ensure optimal uptake by the animals. The dosage of iron-(II)-sulphate as a feed additive depends on various factors, such as the weight and age of the animals. By using iron-(II)-sulphate as a trace element, a deficiency of this essential nutrient can be compensated. The growth and health of the animals are thus improved.
Fertiliser industry
Ferrous sulphate is an important trace element for plants and is therefore used as a fertiliser. Iron deficiency in plants can lead to the foliar disease “chlorosis”, in which the leaves turn yellow, and growth is inhibited. By using iron-(II)-sulphate in fertilisation, plants can be supplied with the required amount of iron. This promotes growth and health. It can be applied to the soil as well as to the leaves of the plants. It is quickly available to plants as it is highly soluble and easily absorbed by the roots. The dosage of iron-(II)-sulphate as a fertiliser depends on various factors, such as the type of plants and the condition of the soil. Depending on the desired dosage form, we offer different products to optimally supply your plants with iron.
(Waste) Water management
Our iron-(II)-sulphates are important precipitants in water management. Copperas is used to purify drinking water and to treat municipal and industrial waste water. It is mainly used for the precipitation of phosphate and the elimination of hydrogen sulfide. This ensures that eutrophication (over-fertilisation) of surface waters is prevented, and that harmful and malodorous substances are removed. But also in the desulphurisation of digester gases, Ferro Duo products can avoid health risks and achieve longer machine running times.
Biogas
Iron-(II)-sulphate is used in the biogas industry as an additive to optimise the fermentation of organic substances. During the biogas production process, hydrogen sulfide, which is harmful to the methane-forming microorganisms, can form. Iron-(II)-sulphate is able to solve this problem by selectively binding hydrogen sulfide as a precipitant. The dosage of iron-(II)-sulphate in biogas production depends on various factors, such as the type of organic matter. When dosed correctly, it is an important component in optimising biogas production, as it helps to improve efficiency and at the same time prevents acidification of the engine oil in combined heat and power plants (abbreviated CHP), which can lead to capital engine damage.
Other applications:
Iron-(II)-sulphate is a versatile substance used in speciality chemicals and pharmaceutical active ingredient production. It serves as a raw material for the production of iron oxide pigments and it is an important trace nutrient for food supplementation, as iron is needed for the formation of the red blood pigment haemoglobin. In addition, iron-(II)-sulphate is used in battery production as an electrolyte to improve battery performance. The high purity and solubility of iron-(II)-sulphate make it a preferred material for many applications in various industries.
