Related topics

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is a colorless, very poisonous, potentially flammable gas with the characteristic foul odor of rotten eggs perceptible at very low concentrations. It often results from bacterial breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen such as in sewers.

Typical applications where dangerous levels of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) might occur and benefit from a Hydrogen Sulfide gas detector are:

• Crude petroleum production
• Petroleum refineries
• Coke ovens
• Paper Mills
• Tanneries

Hydrogen Sulfide is considered a broad-spectrum poison, meaning that it can poison several different systems in the body, although the nervous system is the most affected. It forms a complex bond with iron in the mitochondrial cytochrome enzymes, thus preventing cellular respiration.

Exposure Limits (Source: OSHA)

Following are Hydrogen Sulfide exposure limits that industries should be aware of when researching Hydrogen Sulfide gas detectors and gas detection systems.

Definitions:

• TWA = Time Weighted Average exposure concentration for a normal 8-hour workday and 40-hour workweek
• STEL = Short Term Exposure Limit (Usually a 15-minute time-weighted average exposure that should not be exceeded at any time during a workday
• NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
  • REL = Recommended Exposure Limit
  • IDLH = Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentration
• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
  • PEL = Permissible Exposure Limit
• ACGIH (American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists)
  • TLV = Threshold Limit Value

Sierra Monitor has several different Hydrogen Sulfide gas detectors dependent upon the application.

• Model 5100-05-IT smart gas detector utilizes electrochemical technology to detect levels of Hydrogen Sulfide in the range 0 to 100 ppm.
• Model 4501-05 two-wire gas detector utilizes electrochemical technology to detect levels of Hydrogen Sulfide in the range 0 to 100 ppm.
• The 203/2003 Series of Gas Monitors utilize Semiconductor sensors to determine a 10-50 ppm range of Hydrogen Sulfide.