Do you come in contact with the highly toxic gas, hydrogen sulfide on a regular basis? From manufacturing and mining to sewers and manure pits, hydrogen sulfide is found in a number of different industries. Hydrogen sulfide can create hazardous conditions for workers. Learn more about the benefits of an H2S detector and which industries should consider having one installed.
What Do H2S Monitors Detect?
Often referred to as the “rotten egg” gas, hydrogen sulfide, or H2S, is extremely toxic and flammable. If the gas concentration of H2S isn’t kept under control, anyone who inhales it will experience a myriad of harmful health effects ranging from a headache to possible death. An H2S monitor not only keeps a tab on current gas levels in your absence but will signal alerts in the case of a gas leak when you can’t rely on your sense of smell.
The following industries either use or experience high levels of hydrogen sulfide in their daily operations. Discover why these industries could benefit from having an H2S monitoring system.
- Manufacturing factories
- Refineries
- Food processing
- Drainage and sewage areas
- Mining processes
1) Manufacturing Factories
One of the main uses of hydrogen sulfide is in the production of sulfuric acid and elemental sulfur. Acting as a chemical reagent to prepare those chemicals, products such as pesticides, leather, and pharmaceutical drugs are created. Having a gas detector that is specifically configured to measure the target gas of hydrogen sulfide would not only reduce accidents but help employees maintain equipment around the factory.
2) Refineries
Oil refineries that are working to process large amounts of oil use hydrogen gas to remove sulfur from petroleum. This is a mass process that requires large amounts of H2S gases and may involve different combustible gases. Oil and gas companies can use a detection system to not only target the levels of H2S in their vicinity but if necessary, multiple channels can be set up to monitor multiple gases.
3) Food Processing Facilities
Used in most pesticide applications, hydrogen sulfide has proven to be a strong ingredient in protecting perishable foods. A recent study showed that H2S helped not only delay ripening but also inhibited certain fungal growth. For food processing facilities, having an H2S gas detector is crucial for the safety of employees who may be exposed for extended periods of time.
4) Drainage and Sewage Areas
Although it can be hard to control levels of H2S in drainage or sewage areas because it is being released as a byproduct, the confined space of manholes or sewers is the greatest cause of concern. Hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air, which means that it will likely settle in areas where workers may find little room to escape. Having a detection system with an H2S gas sensor helps those inside the confined areas as well as those on the outside standing by for an emergency.
5) Mining Processes
Known as stinkdamp in the mining industry, hydrogen sulfide is often found in trace amounts in mines. Depending on the surrounding conditions, even small amounts of H2S can be lethal in mining applications. H2S is produced as a byproduct of the decomposition of iron pyrites due to the presence of water and how they interact. For miners, having a toxic gas detection system installed on your equipment is crucial for maintaining safe working conditions.
Reliable Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Detection
While you may work with a number of different chemicals on a regular basis, having a single-gas monitoring system will greatly reduce your response time. GDS Corp is proud to offer a number of different H2S gas detection systems for your benefit. Built to withstand conditions found in both industrial and commercial environments, our products are available to meet your industry’s specific requirements.
Contact our sales team for a solution that fits your day-to-day operations.