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Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is a toxic gas that is released in various industrial processes and naturally in volcanic eruptions. Coal and petroleum often contain sulfur compounds and their combustion generates Sulfur Dioxide unless the sulfur compounds are removed before burning the fuel.

Typical applications where dangerous levels of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) might occur and benefit from a Sulfur Dioxide gas detector are:

• Petroleum refining
• Paper manufacturing
• Winemaking
• Sulfuric acid production
• Food processing (preservative)
• Sulfide ore smelting
• Coal or fuel oil powered plants

Sulfur Dioxide is intensely irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Workplace exposure to SO2 can cause both chronic and acute effects. The chronic effects of exposure include permanent pulmonary impairment, which is caused by repeated episodes of bronchoconstriction. High exposures can result in various respiratory diseases.

Exposure Limits (Source: OSHA)

Following are Sulfur Dioxide exposure limits that industries should be aware of when researching Sulfur Dioxide gas detectors and gas detection systems.

Definitions:

• TWA = Time Weighted Average exposure concentration for a normal 8-hour workday and 40-hour workweek
• STEL = Short Term Exposure Limit (Usually a 15-minute time-weighted average exposure that should not be exceeded at any time during a workday
• NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
  • REL = Recommended Exposure Limit
  • IDLH = Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentration
• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
  • PEL = Permissible Exposure Limit
• ACGIH (American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists)
  • TLV = Threshold Limit Value

Sierra Monitor has several different Sulfur Dioxide gas detectors dependent upon the application.

• Model 5100-10-IT smart gas detector utilizes electrochemical technology to detect levels of Sulfur Dioxide in the range 0 to 100 ppm.
• Model 4501-10 two-wire gas detector utilizes electrochemical technology to detect levels of Sulfur Dioxide in the range 0 to 100 ppm.