Fixed Source Emissions, Determination of Mass Concentration of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Sulfur dioxide appears as a colorless, heavy-smelling gas with a suffocating effect. This gas, heavier than air, is very toxic if inhaled and irritates the eyes. Containers may rupture violently with prolonged exposure to fire or heat. It is used in the manufacture of chemical compounds, pulp, metal and food processing.

Ambient air quality standards for sulfur dioxide, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are designed to provide protection against the entire group of sulfur oxides. However, sulfur dioxide (SO2) is the component of greatest concern. Other gaseous sulfur oxides are found in much lower concentrations in the atmosphere. Therefore, monitoring sulfur dioxide emissions and sulfur concentrations in the air is crucial.

Emissions leading to high concentrations of sulfur dioxide generally also cause the formation of other sulfur oxides. The largest sources of sulfur dioxide emissions are the combustion of fossil fuels used in power plants and other industrial facilities. Lower sources of sulfur dioxide emissions are industrial processes such as metal extraction from ore, natural resources such as volcanoes, and locomotives, ships and other vehicles and heavy equipment burning fuels with high sulfur content.

Practices and standards to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions and pollutants that form sulfur oxides, published by the American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), help improve air quality. The EPA has identified areas where air quality does not meet sulfur dioxide standards.

Sulfur dioxide is the most common polluting gas in the atmosphere and is generally found in high concentrations in urban and industrial areas. Sulfur dioxide, together with other pollutants and moisture, causes the formation of highly resistant, visible corrosion layers on all surfaces except noble metals and alloys, such as gold and silver. Sulfur dioxide arises from both natural and man-made sources, as well as from volcanic emissions. Natural resources dominate the world. The primary source of man-made sulfur dioxide is the combustion of fossil fuels.

Our organization, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, also provides services for the determination of the mass concentration of sulfur dioxide, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.