Q. What temperature must sulfur products be heated to melt and use?
A. Sulfur products should be heated to a temperature between 275°F (135°C) to 295°F (146°C). It is important to understand that sulfur products go through a viscosity minimum in this temperature range. The ideal temperature range for minimum viscosity is 280°F (138°C) to 285°F (141°C). Users should avoid the temptation to increase the temperature above this range to reduce viscosity, as the viscosity will increase as the temperature increases above 285°F (141°C).
Q. My sulfur was overheated. What should I do with it?
A. Sulfur that has been accidentally overheated to a temperature in excess of 320°F (160°C) should be cooled, solidified and discarded according to all applicable local, state, provincial and federal environmental regulations.
Q. What is the highest temperature that I can use the solidified sulfur at after it is poured in place?
A. In practice, sulfur mortars have a maximum continuous use temperature of 190°F (88°C). Above this temperature, they undergo a phase change that will weaken the product.
Q. What type of apparatus is needed to heat sulfur to a molten state for use?
A. Ingots should be broken up and placed in a thermostatically controlled electrical melting pot, such as a home appliance cooker-fryer or oven unit or a cast iron roofer's or plumber's pot. Sta-Warm Electric Company, 553 North Chestnut Street, Ravenna, OH, also produces various types and sizes of melting pots.
Q. What effect do plasticizers have in sulfur?
A. Plasticizers help to increase the toughness and ductility of the sulfur compound.
Q. Do I need to use a respirator when using sulfur products?
A. When melted, sulfur gives off the odor of rotten eggs, which is hydrogen sulfide. It can be an annoying odor at very minimal concentrations in air. Ventilating the space for employee comfort should keep the concentration of hydrogen sulfide below the exposure limit. For exact information, air sampling is recommended.
Q. How do I get an MSDS for Atlas sulfur cements?
A. Contact us at msds@atlasmin.com and provide us with the complete product name and a fax number.
Q. What is the smallest size orifice that Atlas sulfur products will flow through?
A. Atlas sulfur products will flow through openings that are approximately 3/16" (4.8 mm.) to 1/4" (6.4 mm.).
Q. How quickly does the material cool?
A. This varies with the quantity of material poured. The surface, however, will cool immediately to a dull finish.
