Sulfur Dioxide - SO₂

Sulfur Dioxide

Applications

Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas with a pungent odor. When under pressure it remains liquid and it dissolves in water very easily. Sulfur dioxide in the environment is the result of activities such as burning of coal and oil for electricity and heat. Specifically, the sulfur produced by these processes combines with the oxygen in the air. It also present as the result of natural process like volcanic eruptions.  Sulfur Dioxide is also commonly stored at high concentrations in gas cylinders and used in metered quantities for accelerated corrosion testing of certain metals.   

Health and Environmental Effects

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) along with nitrous oxides, are two leading causes of acid rain.  When SO₂ is emitted into the atmosphere, it reacts with other chemicals to form sulfuric acid, which then returns to the surface through precipitation. 

Sulfur dioxide affects the lungs and makes it hard to breath. Sulfur dioxide reacts to form sulfate particles which when inhaled frequently enough can cause asthma or bronchitis. In operations with SO₂ Gas Cylinders, where Sulfur Dioxide gas may accidently be released in large concentrations, it can cause immediate danger to life and health.  In these applications, Heil provides emergency release scrubbers to reduce the risk of excessive exposure and contain the release. 

Regulatory Considerations

Reducing SO₂ emissions is a critical aspect of the EPA Acid Rain Program. 

Sulfur Trioxide (SO₃)

Applications

Sulfur trioxide, is a colorless to white crystalline solid which fumes in the air. It reacts violently with water to form sulfuric acid with the release of heat. It is corrosive to metals and human and vegetable tissue. It can cause eye irritation and skin burns. Ingestion severely burns any organ it comes into contact with. Vapors from SO₃ emissions are toxic by inhalation. When brought into contact with organic materials such as wood, cotton, and fiberboard, SO₃ poses a fire risk.

Health and Environmental Effects

Sulfur trioxide is an air pollutant that affects the lungs and makes it hard to breath. Sulfur oxides, both SO₂ and SO₃, are constituents of acid rain. Sulfur dioxide reacts with water droplets in the air to make sulfuric acid, which has a devastating influence on plants and fish and other living things.

Regulatory Considerations

Reducing SO₂ emissions is a critical aspect of the EPA Acid Rain Program. The agency estimates that its program should save $50 billion a year healthcare related costs.  

Control Technologies

Depending on the application, our HEIL Series 730 Counter-Current packed tower scrubbers can provide high efficiency removal of Sulfur Dioxide and Sulfur Trioxide emissions, most often combined with aqueous scrubbing solutions.