The report describes the development, construction, and testing of a prototype automatic H2SO4 vapor and aerosol monitor. The device was based on the controlled condensation (Goksoyr/Ross) approach to H2SO4 measurement. In this approach, H2SO4 is condensed out of a filtered gas stream (at 250 C) using a water-jacketed coil maintained at a temperature (62C) below the dewpoint of H2SO4. The H2SO4 collected in the coil is recovered automatically and its electrical conductivity is correlated with H2SO4 concentrations. The monitor is capable of continuous unattended operation for a 24-hour period in streams of moderate (5 g/cu m) particulate loadings. Readings of solution conductivity are recorded continuously, and new samples of the gas stream for analysis are obtained every 10 minutes. H2SO4 concentration can be determined from the instrument and associated calibration curves within 5 minutes of sample acquisition. The prototype can detect H2SO4 concentrations in the range of 0.5 to 500 ppm, at temperatures up to 300C, with 3000 ppm SO2, 8-16% H2O, and up to 9 g/cu m of particulate matter in the gas stream.

"TRW Defense and Space Systems Group." "Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory, Office of Energy, Minerals, and Industry." "July 1979." Includes bibliographical references. "Contract no. 68-02-2165, task no. 105, program element no. INE624."