Sulphur Dioxide

Sulphur Dioxide Latest News

An analysis of Central Electricity Authority data revealed that 15 of 35 power units in the 300-km radius of Delhi continue to operate without flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems, which are critical for reducing sulphur dioxide emissions.

About Sulphur Dioxide

• It is a colorless gas with a pungent odor.
• It is a liquid when under pressure, and it dissolves in water very easily.
• It has a pungent, irritating odor, familiar as the smell of a just-struck match.
• Applications: It is used to manufacture chemicals, in paper pulping, in metal and food processing.
• Impacts of Sulphur Dioxide: It is harmful for human health, environment and climate.

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Occurrence of Sulphur Dioxide

• Sulfur dioxide in the air comes mainly from activities such as the burning of coal and oil at power plants or from copper smelting.
• It is usually prepared industrially by the burning in air or oxygen of sulfur or such compounds of sulfur as iron pyrite or copper pyrite.
• In nature, sulfur dioxide can be released to the air from volcanic eruptions.
• The largest source of SO2 in the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities.

What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)?

• It is a pollution-control process that removes Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) from the flue gases produced by the combustion of fossil fuels, especially coal.
• FGD systems typically use limestone (CaCO₃), lime (CaO), or ammonia (NH₃) to react with and neutralize SO₂ in flue gases.

Source: IE