Sulfur dioxide leak detection

What if a chlorine/sulfur dioxide leak is not detected ... 

Is continuous leak detection, using area chlorine/sulfur dioxide monitors, provided in storage and process areas ... 

Leaks of sulfur dioxide may be detected by passing a rag dampened with aqueous NH3 over the suspected valve or fitting. White fumes indicate escaping SO2 gas. To respond to a release, use appropriate protective equipment and clothing. Positive pressure air-supplied respiratory protection is required. Close cylinder valve and ventilate area. Remove cylinder to a fume hood or remote area if it cannot be shut off. If in liquid form, allow to vaporize. 

The continuous presence of the sharp, irritating odor of ammonia is evidence of a leak. Leaks of ammonia can be located by allowing fumes from an open bottle of hydrochloric acid (from a squeeze bottle of sulfuric acid or from a sulfur dioxide aerosol container) to come in contact with leaking ammonia vapor. This produces a dense fog. Leaks may also be detected with moist phenolphthalein or litmus paper. Sulfur tapes for detecting ammonia leaks are not recommended. When there is a leak around an ammonia container valve stem, it usually can be corrected by tightening the packing gland nut, which has a counter-clockwise thread. 

A leak in an ammonia system can be detected by odor. The location of the leak may be determined with moist red litmus paper, moist filter paper impregnated with phenolphthalein, or by detection instruments. These chemical test papers change color in ammonia vapor. Other means of detection involve the use of sulfur dioxide, which forms a white fog in contact with ammonia vapor. 

A leak in a sulfur dioxide system can be detected by odor, or sulfur dioxide sensors may be used as an alarm in case of leaks in areas where there are no personnel. A small leak can be lo-... 

A leak in a sulfur dioxide system can be detected by odor, or sulfur dioxide sensors may be used as an alarm in case of leaks in areas where there are no personnel. A small leak can be located by the dense white fumes resulting when a 10 percent ammonia solution is dispensed from an aspirator or squeeze bottle in the region where the leak is suspected. A leak can also be located by using an ammonia swab prepared by securing a small piece of cloth or sponge to a wire and soaking it in a 10 percent solution of ammonia. When ammonia vapor is passed over points of leaks, dense white fumes will form where the sulfur dioxide and ammonia come in contact. 

Methane has a GHS flammability rating of 1 (NFPA rating of 4), putting it in the extremely flammable category. A methane leak in a lab is extremely dangerous. The lower explosive level (LEL) is 4.5% and the upper explosive level (UEL) is 16.5%. A sulfur compound, often ethyl mercaptan or a mixture of mercaptans, is added to natural gas to give it an unpleasant odor and allow for easy detection. The complete combustion of methane produces carbon dioxide and water ... 

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