Within this article we will tell you more about H2S ánd how to detect this gas. What is it? Where can you encounter it? What kind of H2S detection is available?
What is H2S (Hydrogen Sulphide)?
H2S is also known as Hydrogen Sulphide or sewage gas. It is produced in an oxygen-poor environment where organic substances decompose (decay process). For example in a sewerage, or slurry pit. H2S is a highly toxic gas and is known for its smell, as it smells like rotting eggs at lower concentrations. At higher concentrations, you won’t be able to smell it anymore since the gas will tear down your nerve system eventually. This is exactly the reason why H2S is considered as a true assassin. It is invisible and heavier than air, so you will mainly detect the gas on the surface. Hydrogen sulphide can also cause a fire or explosion, but only at very high concentrations. As a human are only able to walk around in a room with very high H2S concentrations when you carry independent breathing protection. The values of this gas are indicated in PPM (Parts Per Million).
The thresholds for H2S are different in almost every country. 7Solutions is able to advise you on H2S detection everywhere you might need it, as we have offices and clients all over the world. In Need help with the right institutions or advice per country? We gladly help you out. Learn more about H2S detection below this picture...
Where can H2S be found?
H2S can be found in nature due to underground decay processes where there is little or no Oxygen. Examples are swamps, small ditches or petroleum. H2S detection is therefore also used by companies in soil remediation and refineries. Some other environments where H2S detection is present or may be necessary:
- Water treatment plants
- Fertilizers (potting soil, feeding soil for e.g. mushroom cultivation)
- (Livestock) Farms
- Breweries
- Tankers
- Slurry tanks / Manure basements
- Disposal of ships
- Waste and sewage treatment plants
H2S detection is also applied in environments you wouldn't immediately think of. Examples are:
- Animal feed manufacturers
- Sour crude oil processors
- Tanneries
- Category 3 waste processors (e.g. slaughterhouse waste)
Are you working in an H2S environment which is not mentioned above? Please let us know, so we can add these. We would also be happy to visit you to discuss the possibilities of H2S detection.
Which types of H2S detection are available?
Within H2S detection, there are many possibilities. From gas measuring tubes to fixed gas detection. When selecting the H2S sensor, pay attention to the presence of other gases that can influence the measurement result. We are happy to advise you on this. Below is a list of the most common types of H2S detection:
H2S Gas measuring tubes
Should H2S occur sporadically, you could use a gas measuring tube to detect the H2S. The disadvantage of a gas measuring tube is that it is a snapshot and indicative.
Portable single gas H2S detection
A personal H2S detector is used in environments where Hydrogen Sulphide may be present or is generated during operations. Often used when working in a confined space, which has already been released.
Portable pumped H2S detection
Often these are portable pumped multi gas detectors are used to release confined spaces. In addition to H2S detection, they often have CO, O2 and LEL sensors. You often see this in combination with a ball float and/or probe because these gases are lighter or heavier than air. Before you enter a room, you want to be sure that you can enter it safely. Most of the time, you can also use these gas detectors diffuse when you actually start working in that room.
Fixed H2S gas detection
When H2S is always present, fixed gas detection can be an effective solution. This fixed installation will go into alarm when the H2S values are too high. It makes sure that the people working in the room can be warned in time so they can leave the room safely.
Which solution fits best, depends on your application, purpose, sector ánd company.7Solutions will be happy to help you make the right choice.
All brands available at 7Solutions
7Solutions is market leader in the field of brand-independent gas detection within the Benelux. With our offices worldwide, we help our customers daily with the right choice for their gas detection. Since we are brand-independent, we are able to provide specific application advice. For the previously mentioned possibilities for H2S detection we can supply, among others, the following brands:
- Gas measuring tubes:
Carrier, Kwik-Draw, Uniphos and Kitagawa - Single gas detection
WatchGas PDM, BW clip, ToxiRAE 3, WatchGas UNI, ISC Tango TX1 and more - Pumped multi gas detection
GMI PS200 or PS500, WatchGas Poli, QRAE3, MultiRAE, ISC Ventis PRO and more - Fixed gas detection
Honeywell, Watchgas, MSA and more
Is the brand you are looking for regarding H2S detection NOT listed? Call us, we can offer almost all brands. Since 7Solutions is brand-independent in providing gas detection, we also have purchasing advantages with several other brands. Challenge us!
More information and prices for H2S detection? Need advice about H2S detection within your organisation? Please contact us: +31 10 27 99 991 or use the chat function. You can also fill out our contact form, and we will call you back within 24 hours.