Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) results from septic conditions present during the collection and treatment of wastewater. H2S is recognized as a major problem plaguing the municipal industry. H2S is a colorless gas, known for a smell similar to that off rotten eggs. H2S is produced by the biological reduction of sulfates and the decomposition of organic materials. It can form at any point throughout the sewer system. Beyond the foul-smelling odor, H2S can poses a serious problem to the structural integrity of the collection system. Millions of dollars are lost to corrosion caused by the sulfuric acid formed from the interaction of H2S with moisture.
WATER TREATMENT H2S DETECTORS
Toxicity Concerns
Hydrogen Sulfide is a toxic concern for wastewater operations, especially if odor-masking agents are used, since it can affect the nervous system, causing headaches, nausea, irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, and even death.
The toxicity of H2S is caused by its ability to bind to iron centers in mitochondrial cytochrome enzymes, which effectively stops cellular respiration and deprives essential organs of energy. Water company staff who work in a closed environment are particularly vulnerable to H2S exposure.
H2S is also highly flammable and can even explode upon impact. Coming into contact with oxidizing products can results in fires or explosions. Due to the fact that H2S is heavier than air, it can often be found accumulating at the bottom of the cavities.
It forms pockets in wastewater and can release lethal amounts of gas when wastewater is disturbed or pumped through pipelines. This can paralyze the olfactory nerve, making it much harder to detect, and therefore, much more dangerous
Sensing Solutions
Sensorcon offers Hydrogen Sulfide detectors that suit the need for any private or commercial application. The Sensorcon line of detectors offer an array of features that will keep the employee safe while performing their designated duties on the job.
Sensorcon offers the Inspector Industrial and the Inspector Industrial PRO models. Both models have a range of 0-400PPM and are durable and water-resistant. They feature preset alarm points that notify the user when 10 PPM and 15 PPM thresholds are reached. At this time, an 80-85 Db alarm will sound and vibrate. The Inspector works best in temperatures from -4 to 122 F, and has a humidity range of 20-90% RH.
These devices are also certified Intrinsically Safe to UL913 for Class I & II explosive hazardous environments. They also come with 24-hour TWA attributes. All of Sensorcon’s products are assembled in the USA.