Sulfur Dioxide
SO₂Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a colorless gas with a pungent, irritating odor that is produced by burning sulfur-containing fuels and in various industrial processes including metal smelting, paper manufacturing, and chemical production. SO₂ is also released during volcanic activity. The gas is highly irritating to the respiratory system and contributes to acid rain and particulate matter formation. OSHA PEL is 5 ppm TWA with IDLH at 100 ppm. SO₂ detection is critical in power plants, refineries, smelters, chemical facilities, and any operation using sulfur-containing materials. Environmental monitoring also requires SO₂ detection for ambient air quality compliance.
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Key Information
Essential safety and exposure information for Sulfur Dioxide
Health Effects
- Respiratory problems
- eye irritation
- and aggravation of existing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Common Sources
- Power plants
- industrial facilities
- volcanic emissions
- and combustion of sulfur-containing fuels.
Exposure Limits
- OSHA PEL
- 5 ppm
- NIOSH REL
- 2 ppm (ST 5)
- ACGIH TLV
- 0.25 ppm (ST)
Regulatory Status
- OSHA PEL
- 5 ppm TWA
- NIOSH REL
- 2 ppm TWA, 5 ppm STEL
- IDLH
- 100 ppm
- ACGIH TLV
- 0.25 ppm TWA
- EPA
- NAAQS Criteria Pollutant
- DOT
- Class 2.3 Toxic Gas, UN1079
Detection Requirements
- Sensor Technology
- Electrochemical
- Detection Range
- 0-20 ppm (safety) or 0-100 ppm (industrial)
- Response Time
- <30 seconds (T90)
- Calibration Frequency
- Semi-annual
- Alarm Setpoints
- Low 2 ppm, High 5 ppm (OSHA PEL)
Related Applications
Industries and environments where Sulfur Dioxide detection is critical
Wastewater Treatment
Hydrogen sulfide, methane, and oxygen monitoring for pump stations, digesters, and enclosed treatment areas
Laboratories
Continuous monitoring protects laboratory personnel from combustible gases, oxygen displacement, and hazardous toxic gas exposure in laboratory settings and research facilities.
Detection Solutions
Sensors and detectors for Sulfur Dioxide monitoring
LPT Low Power Transmitter
Single channel, analog gas detector for enclosed parking facilities, recreational facilities, oxygen depletion applications.
cGas Detector Analog Transmitter
Single channel, analog gas detector with Plug & Play Smart Sensor Technology.
cGas Detector Digital Transmitter
One or two channel Modbus® or BACnet® gas detector with flexible customization options and Plug & Play Smart Sensor Technology.
cGas-SC Self-Contained Controller
A self contained controller with up to 3 gas channels, Plug & Play Smart Sensor Technology and configurable logic control and priority settings. Offers superior user customization and reliable gas detection performance for monitoring many gases.
cGas-SD Sample Draw System
A Self-contained, single sensor sample draw gas detection system that draws sample air from locations where it is difficult to install a gas detector.
CXT2 Explosion Proof Transmitter
Reliable, accurate monitoring of toxic or combustible gases in potentially explosive and harsh environments, including hazardous-rated areas.
Related Gases
Other Toxic Gases we detect