If you work with crude petroleum, natural gas, or bacterial decomposition, chances are you encounter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on a regular basis. Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, highly toxic gas that can cause a myriad of dangerous health symptoms. If proper detection systems aren’t in place, the safety of your workers and equipment could be at risk.

A hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas detector is often part of a monitoring system designed to detect high levels of hydrogen sulfide in ambient air. Hydrogen sulfide detectors can also be used in sample draw monitors to remotely measure H2S gas in confined spaces, and with the proper equipment can be used to monitor the level of H2S in streams of natural gas. Overall, the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas monitor is an efficient way to monitor the gas concentrations in your vicinity.

How Does an H2S Detector Work?

Hydrogen sulfide gas detectors primarily use electrochemical sensors to detect and measure parts-per-billion (‘ppb’) and parts-per-million (“ppm”) levels of H2S gas. These sensors depend on a highly reliable electrochemical reaction that occurs when H2S gas combines with specific materials used in the sensor. This reaction creates a tiny electrical current that is amplified and measured by the electronics in the gas detector. These industrial quality H2S detectors can help make sure the  H2S concentration level stays below the limit required by The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 

What is a Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Gas Detector, GDS Corp, Houston, TX

Depending on the environment, the Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) for H2S gas are:

  • General Industry Ceiling Limit: 20 ppm
  • General Industry Peak Limit: 50 ppm (up to 10 minutes if no other exposure during shift)
  • Construction 8-hour Limit: 10 ppm
  • Shipyard 8-hour limit: 10 ppm

Types of Hydrogen Sulfide Detectors

GDS Corp offers a number of gas detectors that can be programmed to monitor hydrogen sulfide exclusively, such as:

  • GASMAX CX Gas Monitor – Single or dual channel gas monitor certified for hazardous areas where gas readings need to be transmitted in real-time
  • GASMAX EC Gas Monitor – Loop-powered gas detector for all toxic gases; certified for Explosion Proof or Intrinsically Safe installations
  • GDS-58NXP – Single or dual channel sample draw gas monitor designed to measure gas samples pulled from remote locations up to 100 feet away
  • GDS-49 Gas Sensor  – Loop-powered stand-alone gas sensor transmitter with replaceable sensors for any toxic gas
  • GDS-68XP or GDS-68SXP Process Monitor – Process gas monitor used to measure hydrogen sulfide or mercaptans in low oxygen streams such as gas pipelines.

Pro Tip: In addition to your health, don’t neglect to protect your equipment from hydrogen sulfide’s flammable nature in very high concentrations. Install a flame detector to ward off any potential fires.

Reliable Gas Detection Systems

Does your waste facility or manufacturing process have a gas detection system installed? While hydrogen sulfide is typically characterized by its rotten egg smell, you can’t rely on your senses alone since high levels of H2S cannot be detected by smell. Don’t ignore the hazardous effects of H2S in your vicinity; install an H2S gas detector you and your team can rely on.

Not sure which gas detector to choose? Connect with our gas detection professionals to find the best solution for your facility.