The 6th biennial Sulphuric Acid Conference and Workshop was held in Cape Town between 9 and 11 May 2017.

Approximately 90 delegates attended with regional representation from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and the DRC and from further afield with delegates from Germany, the USA, UK, The Netherlands, Canada, and Denmark. Delegates representing plant operations management, technical experts, traders, transporters, and vendors were all present.

The conference began with a workshop on the care of sulphuric acid catalyst using a host of case studies, which was sponsored by Haldor Topsoe.

The main conference had three keynote speakers

• The ‘Big Cat Guy’ gave an enthralling talk on how the big cats behave and how this is similar to what we have to do in business – teamwork, competition, motivation and focus
• Ms Freda Gordon gave a talk on the global sulphur and sulphuric acid markets – supply and demand, and the current picture plus future outlook
• Ms P. Gwaze from the Department of Environmental Affairs spoke on the NAEIS emissions reporting system and the new regulations that will be introduced.

Sixteen Technical papers were presented, covering plant uprating case studies, technical improvements, sulphur melting, water saving methodologies, and recovery and processing of smelter off-gases.

A social programme also included a cocktail party and a whiskey pairing dinner.

Feedback from delegates indicated that the conference was well received and gave opportunities for people with common issues a platform to engage, share ideas, and ‘network’.

The next Sulphur and Sulphuric Acid Conference conference is still being planned but is scheduled for 2019.

S. Sackett
on behalf of the Organizing Committee