--- title: Proven methods for reducing sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions date: 2019-06-27T15:25:00-04:00 author: jessica napert canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas/proven-methods-for-reducing-sulfur-dioxide-so2-emissions" section: Publications --- More stringent regulations have been adopted to help reduce SO2 emissions measured under various parameters. In Canada, four provinces are reducing SO2 emissions (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Québec and Ontario) to comply with specific regulations and the *Canada-wide Acid Rain Strategy.* The 2019 review of Regulation 419/05 in Ontario is a clear example of the new limit reduced to more than 2.5 times compared to previous levels. Strict standards are also in effect in Québec (chapter Q-2, r. 4.1 of the *Clean Air Regulation*) and have been updated continuously since 2016. Canada has also adopted Ambient Air Quality Standards. In the United States, the *Clean Air Act* has required sustained monitoring measures and mitigation plans for over 10 years. 1. ## Risks associated with SO2 Short-term exposure to SO2 can harm the human respiratory system and make breathing difficult. SO2 and other sulfur oxides can contribute to acid rain, which can harm sensitive ecosystems. SO2 emissions that lead to high concentrations of SO2 in the air generally also lead to the formation of other sulfur oxides (SOx). SOx can react with other compounds in the atmosphere to form small particles, which contribute to particulate matter (PM) pollution. Small particles may penetrate deeply into the lungs and, in sufficient quantities, can contribute to health problems. At high concentrations, gaseous SOx can harm flora by damaging foliage and contaminating soil. The largest source of SO2 in the atmosphere is from the burning of fossil fuels by power plants as well as other industrial facilities in mining and oil and gas production and refining. For example, in Ontario alone, SO2 is released in the following sectors: 2. [ ![Blog Body Image J Nava SO2 Emission reducing EN 1](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Blog-Body-Image-JNava-SO2-Emission-reducing_EN_1.jpg) Source: www.ontario.ca, 2019 ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Blog-Body-Image-JNava-SO2-Emission-reducing_EN_1.jpg) 3. ## Solutions adapted to each situation SO2 emissions are proportional to feed sulphur content. If it is not feasible to reduce the amount of SO2 released from the combustion process by switching to a burning product (mainly fuel) that has lower sulphur content, other options can be implemented. For industrial companies, there are many solutions that take into account multiple factors: targeted emissions reduction, staggered/phased options, monetization opportunities of a sulphurous by-product, availability of utilities and processing feedstock. ### For instance: **Removal of sulphur after combustion** SO2 emissions generated during combustion/oxidation can be reduced by treating the flue gases before they are emitted into the atmosphere via a stack; this is termed flue gas desulphurisation (FGD). **Wet systems** This process is the most globally used FGD system. This system is relatively simple : crushed limestone / lime is mixed with water, or caustic soda diluted in water to form a slurry or liquid, which is then sprayed into the sulphur containing flue gases. The sorbent reacts with the SO2 to form an aqueous slurry of manageable sulphur species that could have the potential to be monetized or at least safely disposed. **Dry / Semi-Dry Systems** Within the spray dry system, a slurry of alkali sorbent, usually slaked lime, is injected into the flue gases in a fine spray. The heat from the flue gases causes the water to evaporate, cooling the gases as it does so. The present SO2 reacts with the drying sorbent to form a solid reaction product, with no waste water. Depending on the site and connected operations, other systems can be assessed: ammonia injection, oxidation type, magnesium based as lime, alkaline ash based, sodium/lime based, even biological sulphur recovery, among multiple others. **SO2 reduction due to processing of acid gas streams** Commonly found in oil and gas facilities (gas production or refineries), SO2 reduction can be accomplished by further processing the acid gas stream containing mainly hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Several methods are possible. Additional stages of reaction, in addition to fine tuning the sulphur recovery unit, can increase the conversion of H2S into elemental sulfur and subsequently reduce SO2 emissions. Possibilities cover adding stages of conversion, based on Claus or Selective oxidation reactions, or further treatment of the tail gas (tail gas treating units). Other possibilities to be considered are sulphur degassing at the sulphur pit or oxygen enrichment. These may increase processing capacity and gain some additional SO2 removal for a relatively low ratio of extra investment. ## Count on our experts to help you There are various methods for reducing atmospheric SO2 emissions that must be considered in light of tightened regulations and necessary environmental protection. Each method has both advantages and limitations related to cost, removal efficiency, operational experience and produced waste products. Therefore, the choice of the control technology should be based on the specific criteria required. The challenge for facility owners is to develop monitoring and mitigation plans, suited for the specific facilities and reduction targets in the most cost-effective way. Our experts can help you perform a thorough analysis, from emissions to SO2 removal facilities, while considering associated CAPEX and OPEX. Give us a call! This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA 1. ![Ec employee men joe nava retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/204317/ec_employee_men_joe-nava_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp) Joe Nava, Ing. Director global, combustibles y productos químicos avanzados Leer bio [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-nava-4931a35/) **Joe Nava lleva más de 35 años dedicándose al diseño y la optimización de procesos complejos en las industrias del petróleo,** el gas y los combustibles y productos químicos avanzados, ofreciendo soluciones confiables que cumplen con los estándares de desempeño y los objetivos de las partes interesadas. **Áreas de especialización y certificaciones** - Ingeniería y entrega integral: conceptual, FEL-2/3/FEED, diseño detallado y EPC/EPCM - Integración tecnológica y optimización de procesos en refinería, petroquímica y gasificación - Definición y simulación de procesos, tecnoeconomía y gestión de riesgos - Liderazgo técnico en programas internacionales multidisciplinarios **Principales logros:** Ha liderado más de 100 proyectos en petróleo, gas y combustibles avanzados, incluyendo hidrógeno, combustibles bajos en carbono y soluciones en carbono, entregados en entornos internacionales. **Enfoque y valor añadido:** Joe transforma la complejidad técnica en palancas estratégicas, reduciendo el riesgo de las inversiones y apoyando la transición energética mediante el avance de proyectos energéticos rentables y sostenibles. - [ 17 ago 2026 Structural engineering early phase: unlocking value through early decisions - ![Nicolas Samson](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/197852/Nicolas-Samson.webp) Nicolas Samson, P.Eng. 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Director, Operational Strategy Implementation ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas/four-mistakes-that-can-harm-the-future-performance-of-industrial-assets "Four mistakes that can harm the future performance of industrial assets") - [ 27 jul 2026 Minería y metalurgia Por qué las decisiones tempranas sobre relaves definen el desempeño de la mina a largo plazo - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp) - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas/las-decisiones-sobre-relaves-definen-desempeno-mina-a-largo-plazo "Por qué las decisiones tempranas sobre relaves definen el desempeño de la mina a largo plazo") - [ 02 jul 2026 Minería y metalurgia Python: Una herramienta clave para el análisis de datos en el procesamiento de minerales - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp) - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas/python-una-herramienta-clave-para-analisis-datos-en-procesamiento-minerales "Python: Una herramienta clave para el análisis de datos en el procesamiento de minerales") [ Ver todo ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/perspectivas "Ir a la página del listado de Publications") Pensemos más [ Póngase en contacto con nosotros ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/es-cl/p%C3%B3ngase-en-contacto-con-nosotros) More stringent regulations have been adopted to help reduce SO2 emissions measured under various parameters. In Canada, four provinces are reducing SO2 emissions (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Québec and Ontario) to comply with specific regulations and the *Canada-wide Acid Rain Strategy.* The 2019 review of Regulation 419/05 in Ontario is a clear example of the new limit reduced to more than 2.5 times compared to previous levels. Strict standards are also in effect in Québec (chapter Q-2, r. 4.1 of the *Clean Air Regulation*) and have been updated continuously since 2016. Canada has also adopted Ambient Air Quality Standards. In the United States, the *Clean Air Act* has required sustained monitoring measures and mitigation plans for over 10 years. 1. ## Risks associated with SO2 Short-term exposure to SO2 can harm the human respiratory system and make breathing difficult. SO2 and other sulfur oxides can contribute to acid rain, which can harm sensitive ecosystems. SO2 emissions that lead to high concentrations of SO2 in the air generally also lead to the formation of other sulfur oxides (SOx). SOx can react with other compounds in the atmosphere to form small particles, which contribute to particulate matter (PM) pollution. Small particles may penetrate deeply into the lungs and, in sufficient quantities, can contribute to health problems. At high concentrations, gaseous SOx can harm flora by damaging foliage and contaminating soil. The largest source of SO2 in the atmosphere is from the burning of fossil fuels by power plants as well as other industrial facilities in mining and oil and gas production and refining. For example, in Ontario alone, SO2 is released in the following sectors: 2. [ ![Blog Body Image J Nava SO2 Emission reducing EN 1](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Blog-Body-Image-JNava-SO2-Emission-reducing_EN_1.jpg) Source: www.ontario.ca, 2019 ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Blog-Body-Image-JNava-SO2-Emission-reducing_EN_1.jpg) 3. ## Solutions adapted to each situation SO2 emissions are proportional to feed sulphur content. If it is not feasible to reduce the amount of SO2 released from the combustion process by switching to a burning product (mainly fuel) that has lower sulphur content, other options can be implemented. For industrial companies, there are many solutions that take into account multiple factors: targeted emissions reduction, staggered/phased options, monetization opportunities of a sulphurous by-product, availability of utilities and processing feedstock. ### For instance: **Removal of sulphur after combustion** SO2 emissions generated during combustion/oxidation can be reduced by treating the flue gases before they are emitted into the atmosphere via a stack; this is termed flue gas desulphurisation (FGD). **Wet systems** This process is the most globally used FGD system. This system is relatively simple : crushed limestone / lime is mixed with water, or caustic soda diluted in water to form a slurry or liquid, which is then sprayed into the sulphur containing flue gases. The sorbent reacts with the SO2 to form an aqueous slurry of manageable sulphur species that could have the potential to be monetized or at least safely disposed. **Dry / Semi-Dry Systems** Within the spray dry system, a slurry of alkali sorbent, usually slaked lime, is injected into the flue gases in a fine spray. The heat from the flue gases causes the water to evaporate, cooling the gases as it does so. The present SO2 reacts with the drying sorbent to form a solid reaction product, with no waste water. Depending on the site and connected operations, other systems can be assessed: ammonia injection, oxidation type, magnesium based as lime, alkaline ash based, sodium/lime based, even biological sulphur recovery, among multiple others. **SO2 reduction due to processing of acid gas streams** Commonly found in oil and gas facilities (gas production or refineries), SO2 reduction can be accomplished by further processing the acid gas stream containing mainly hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Several methods are possible. Additional stages of reaction, in addition to fine tuning the sulphur recovery unit, can increase the conversion of H2S into elemental sulfur and subsequently reduce SO2 emissions. Possibilities cover adding stages of conversion, based on Claus or Selective oxidation reactions, or further treatment of the tail gas (tail gas treating units). Other possibilities to be considered are sulphur degassing at the sulphur pit or oxygen enrichment. These may increase processing capacity and gain some additional SO2 removal for a relatively low ratio of extra investment. ## Count on our experts to help you There are various methods for reducing atmospheric SO2 emissions that must be considered in light of tightened regulations and necessary environmental protection. Each method has both advantages and limitations related to cost, removal efficiency, operational experience and produced waste products. Therefore, the choice of the control technology should be based on the specific criteria required. The challenge for facility owners is to develop monitoring and mitigation plans, suited for the specific facilities and reduction targets in the most cost-effective way. Our experts can help you perform a thorough analysis, from emissions to SO2 removal facilities, while considering associated CAPEX and OPEX. Give us a call! This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA