Stack Testing for Sulphur Species
Stack Testing for Sulphur Species
Sulphur emissions are important health and safety and environmental concerns in the chemical process industries. Emissions have been especially bad for coal-powered industries.
We are accredited to test for a range of sulphur types.
Air sampling for sulphur gases is performed using either:
- Wet Chemical Methods
- Electronic Meters
- Grab Sampling Techniques
The method used depends on site requirements and the amount of sulphur gases expected to be discharged.
Sulphur-containing compounds that are typically tested for include:
- Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
- Sulphuric acid mist (H2SO4)
- Sulphur trioxide (SO3)
- Hydrogen sulphide
- Reduced sulphurs (hydrogen sulphide, carbonyl sulphide COS, methyl mercaptan, ethyl mercaptan, dimethyldisulphide, carbon disulphide)
Total Reduced Sulphur (TRS) refers to the combined concentration of sulphur in air from the following:
- Dimethyl disulphide
- Dimethyl sulphide
- Hydrogen sulphide (H2S)
- Methyl mercaptan (CH4S)
- Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)
- Carbonyl Sulphide (COS)
- Carbon disulphide (CS2)
TRS compounds produce pungent odours that smell like rotten eggs or cabbage.
It is often found in steel production, pulp and paper mills, refineries and sewage treatment facilities.
The human health effects of TRS compounds vary with concentration and depend upon the sensitivity, age, and physical condition of the individual. At concentrations as low as 10 parts per million (ppm) TRS can produce eye irritation.
Some other common physical complaints include fatigue, nausea, insomnia, headache, and dizziness. Long-term exposure to low-level concentrations of TRS compounds may cause chronic health effects.