Sampling methods, acid mist

Sulfur Dioxide EPA Method 6 is the reference method for determining emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO9) from stationary sources. As the gas goes through the sampling apparatus (see Fig. 25-33), the sulfuric acid mist and sulfur trioxide are removed, the SO9 is removed by a chemical reaction with a hydrogen peroxide solution, and, finally, the sample gas volume is measured. Upon completion of the rim, the sulfuric acid mist and sulfur trioxide are discarded, and the collected material containing the SO9 is recovered for analysis at the laboratory. The concentration of SO9 in the sample is determined by a titration method. 

This overall study of acid mists began with the development of a sampling and analytical method for hydrogen chloride ((>,7). Various solid sorbents and filters, both treated and untreated, were evaluated as collection media and for compatibility with ion chromatography. The sorbent of choice was silica gel which had been washed with deionized water to remove inorganic impurities. 

The OSHA and MSHA permissible exposure limits for sulfuric acid is 1 mg/rv as an 8-hour TWA. NIOSH and OSHA have developed several sampling methods for sulfuric acid. They are, however, based on the analysis of total sulfates. These methods create a problem in assessing sulfuric acid mist exposure considering the presence of several metal sulfates throughout the hydrometallurgical process. A new method appears to be promising in determining sulfuric acid in the presence of other sulfates (Hethmon 1997). 

Hethmon, T., and S. Ludlow. 1997. Air sampling methodologies for sulfuric acid mist in copper electrowinning field evaluations and development of a new method. Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene 12(12) 1041-1046. 

Automated analyzers may be used for continuous monitoring of ambient poUutants and EPA has developed continuous procedures (23) as alternatives to the referenced methods. Eor source sampling, EPA has specified extractive sampling trains and analytical methods for poUutants such as SO2 and SO [7446-11-9] sulfuric acid [7664-93-9] mists, NO, mercury [7439-97-6], beryUium [7440-41-7], vinyl chloride, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Some EPA New Source Performance Standards requite continuous monitors on specified sources. 

In this method, an ale soln of benzene-sulfonic acid(previously standardized with phosgene by weighing the pptd diphenyl-carbamide) is added from a burette to a sample of aniline(or its nitrated compd not jiighvr thsji tctrsnitro-) until the 3ppcufuptcc of a dirty-bluish coloration, when a drop of the reaction mist is placed on a filter paper previously impregnated with amino-/3-naphthol indicator(spot test). This method is not applicable for analysis of penta-nitroani ine(Ref 15)... 

---