Frasch Process of Mining Sulphur

This method is very effective in areas where natural deposits of sulphur lie about 900ft or more below the surface of the earth, such as in Louisiana and Texas. All other substances that have a higher melting point remain underground. The froth is forced up the third pipe from the added pressure of the air. 5% purity rate, which is much better than other means of extracting sulphur. In his process, a hole is drilled and cased into the sulphur formation where four pipes, one over the other, are placed into the protective casing.

As a result America has become one of the top leaders in sulphur production in the world. When the right amount of sulphur has been melted, hot air is forced down the fourth pipe to turn the melted sulphur into a air/sulphur mix called froth. Herman Frasch

The sulphur is then run into wooden bins where it is allowed to dry in the open air. Thanks to his work the United States now produces a great deal of the worlds sulphur, chiefly from Texas and Louisiana. Water heated to 338oF and at a pressure of 100pds/psi is then forced down the two outer pipes causing the sulphur to melt. All of this was accomplished because of a chemist who had a dream and dared to turn it into reality.

Herman Frasch patented his method of mining sulphur in 1891.