Modelling the Behaviour of Spillages of Sulphur Trioxide and Oleum: Further Work

The behaviour of accidental releases of sulphur trioxide and oleum was investigated from a theoretical point of view.

When accidentally spilled these substances create liquid pools that can either boil or evaporate or even solidify.

Sulphur trioxide vapour and, in some conditions, sulphuric acid vapour (though always in smaller amounts than the sulphur trioxide vapour) will evolve from the pool.

Both these vapours will start reacting with the atmospheric moisture in a very complicated way.

The final product of these reactions is sulphuric acid mist, which presents a major hazard to humans and to the environment.

Any humans or animals in contact with the mist suffer effects ranging from irritation of the airways to death, depending on the exposure.