Monitoring Sulfur Dioxide with Lead Peroxide Cylinders

Thomas, Fred; Davidson, Charles

SUMMARY: ...field experience in the use of lead peroxide cylinders for evaluating sulfur dioxide reactivity in the vicinity of large coal-burning steam plants has been described. The cylinders are considered to provide a useful and economical means of estimating integrated SO2 exposure. In an area of moderate or average concentration, a high degree of correlation was noted between SO2 exposure and lead peroxide sulfation. No deterioration in the rate of reactivity of lead peroxide with SO2 was noted in periods as long as four months. This technique might be even more useful in certain urban and industrial areas or in remote areas where power operated instruments cannot be used. Data from lead peroxide cylinders are useful in providing an estimate of corrosion potential3 as well as a measure of air pollution control. The higher average SO2 concentrations in urban or industrial areas should enhance effectiveness and largely eliminate analytical problems associated with low sulfation rates. Increased sensitivity may now be obtained by advanced analytical techniques, one being the colorimetric procedure described by S. Kanno.