Sulphur vs insulation

[powerplay]

I've heard that sulphur burners are used in agriculture for various reasons, but that when in contact with moisture it becomes corrosive. Does this not eat away at anything metal...like receptacles?

In PVC conduit, T90 conductors should be fine pulled in? Thanks again!

 

[rbalex]

I've heard that sulphur burners are used in agriculture for various reasons, but that when in contact with moisture it becomes corrosive. Does this not eat away at anything metal...like receptacles?

In PVC conduit, T90 conductors should be fine pulled in? Thanks again!

Burning sulfur can ultimately generate H₂S (highly toxic) and, with water from the atmosphere, H₂SO₄, (a highly corrosive acid.) It corrodes most metals. In small amounts, it does dilute fairly quickly - but "small amounts" is a relative term.

 

[Besoeker]

I've heard that sulphur burners are used in agriculture for various reasons, but that when in contact with moisture it becomes corrosive. Does this not eat away at anything metal...like receptacles?

I think sulphur* burns (combines with oxygen) to become SO₂.
Combine that with water (H₂O) and you have H₂SO₄
That's sulphuric acid. Which is corrosive for most metals.

But that's dragged of of memory of chemistry lessons from school about five decades ago.

*British English spelling.

 

[rbalex]

I think sulphur* burns (combines with oxygen) to become SO₂.
Combine that with water (H₂O) and you have H₂SO₄
That's sulphuric acid. Which is corrosive for most metals.

But that's dragged of of memory of chemistry lessons from school about five decades ago.

*British English spelling.

You're right as to the fundamental H₂SO₄ process. The H₂S is generated as a different process; they are often concurrent but do not necessarily have to be - thanks for the gentle correction.