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Protection Against the Hazards of Sulfur Dioxide  Sulfur
dioxide (SO2) is a colorless gas with a characteristic, irritating,
pungent odor that is also liquid when below 14°F
for many industrial applications. It reacts with water to form sulfurous
acid and is highly dangerous in this state. Accidental exposure to sulfur
dioxide in the workplace can have severe and life-threatening consequences
if workers are not warned about the unexpected presence of this dangerous
gas.SO2 is also a common airborne pollutant to which we are exposed at very low levels every day by breathing air in cities and some industrial environments. Higher exposure levels are more likely to be found in the workplace where it is produced as a by-product, such as in chemical refining, smelting and the combustion of coal or oil. Industrial workers can also be exposed to SO2 during the manufacture of fumigants, food preservatives, clothing, paper, bleaches and wine making. It can be ingested by eating preserved foods such as apricots and breathed in, harming asthmatics and other individuals sensitive to its effects. Upon entry, nose, throat and lungs may be affected. Frostbite and Blindness People encountering SO2 concentrations of 10 to 50 parts per million (ppm) for 5 to 15 minutes will find it causes irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, choking and coughing. Exposure to liquid sulfur dioxide (from, for example an industrial accident) can cause severe burns (frostbite) and the loss of vision. Other health effects include headache, general discomfort and anxiety. NIOSH requires breathing respirators at exposures of 2 ppm and higher. Those with impaired heart or lung function and asthmatics are at increased risk to SO2. Prolonged exposure to moderate concentrations may cause inflammation of the respiratory tract, wheezing and lung damage. It has also proved to be harmful to the reproductive systems of experimental animals and caused developmental changes in their newborn. Sulfur Dioxide Detection Instrument and plant engineers responsible for industrial processes where employees may accidentally be exposed to toxic gases, such as SO2, will find the TS4000 Toxic Gas Monitoring System delivers highly reliable protection with superior intelligence, flexibility and low cost of ownership. It combines a highly intelligent microprocessor-based design with exceptionally reliable and rugged electrochemical sensors in an explosion-proof housing. The intrinsically-safe design of the TS4000’s interface module supports sensor field replacement without the need for special tools or hot work permits. The TS4000 monitors SO2 in the parts per million (ppm) range (available ranges are 0-20 ppm or 0-100 ppm). It can also monitor other toxic gases including ammonia, carbon monoxide, chlorine, nitric oxide, oxygen deficiency and ozone. It offers many sophisticated features, such as long distance remote mounting up to 2,000 feet, dual redundant MODBUS communications, 8 amp relays, three-digit display, 4-20mA output, and indication of remaining sensor life. The TS4000 features one person calibration and can virtually self-calibrate by activating a magnetic switch and applying gas. The TS4000 displays gas concentrations up to 500 ppm, fault codes for troubleshooting, and provides complete status to the Control Room. Up to 128 units can be linked via the dual-redundant Modbus output (247 with repeaters). Additionally, the TS4000 simplifies operation and maintenance and reduces downtime by providing remaining sensor life indication. When the TS4000 toxic gas detector is integrated with the MC600 Multi-channel Controller it offers exceptional versatility as a total toxic gas monitoring solution. Up to 127 controllers can be linked to monitor up to 762 points of toxic or combustible gas with the MC600. The MC600 includes dual RS-485 serial communications and MODBUS compatibility. The MC600 Multi-Channel Controller features six user configurable relays and up to three zones with selectable zoning and independent voting. Its modular design featuring plug-in signal cards along with removable terminal blocks simplifies installation wiring and testing. Individual large LCD channel displays, LED indicators and a keypad allows local status checks and system updates. Learn more about the TS4000 Toxic Gas Detector and the MC600 Multi-Channel Controller. Copyright © 2006 General Monitors, Inc. All logos, brand and product names are registered trademarks of their perspective owners. All rights reserved. Questions or comments to ToxicGas@generalmonitors.com |
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