desulphurization

desulphurization

A scientist monitors the desulphurization process in a laboratory.

Definition

Noun (uncountable, technical): The process of removing sulfur or sulfur compounds from a substance, such as fuel, gas, or metal, typically to reduce pollution or improve quality.

Usage Examples
  • (The removal of sulfur from fuel to meet environmental standards.)
  • (The process of extracting sulfur compounds from gas.)
  • (The removal of sulfur from molten metal.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Desulphurization plant": A facility specifically designed to carry out this process.

    • The desulphurization plant at the power station captures over 90% of sulfur dioxide. (A dedicated facility for sulfur removal.)
  • "Flue-gas desulphurization" (FGD): A specific technology used to remove sulfur from exhaust gases of coal-fired power plants.

    • Flue-gas desulphurization systems are mandatory for new coal plants in many countries. (A technical method for cleaning exhaust gases.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Desulfurize (verb): The act of removing sulfur from something.

    • Engineers must desulfurize the crude oil before refining it further. (To perform the process of sulfur removal.)
  • Desulfurized (adjective): Having undergone the process of sulfur removal.

    • Desulfurized diesel fuel burns cleaner than untreated fuel. (Fuel that has had sulfur removed.)
  • Desulfurization (noun): An alternative spelling, particularly common in American English.

    • The desulfurization process is similar in both British and American usage. (Same meaning as desulphurization.)
Synonyms
  • Sulfur removal: A simpler, more general term for the same process.

    • Sulfur removal from coal reduces acid rain. (A direct synonym.)
  • Desulfurization: The standard American English spelling of the word.

    • The desulfurization of petroleum is a key step in refining. (Equivalent term.)
Related Idioms
  • "To take the sulfur out of": A literal, non-idiomatic expression used in technical contexts, but not a common idiom.
    • We need to take the sulfur out of the gas before it reaches the pipeline. (A descriptive phrase equivalent to desulphurization.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • "Take out": (transitive) to remove, often used in a general sense for sulfur removal.

    • The chemical takes out the sulfur from the mixture. (Removes sulfur as part of the process.)
  • "Clean up": (transitive) to purify or remove impurities, including sulfur.

    • The scrubber cleans up the exhaust by removing sulfur compounds. (Purifies the gas.)