Hydrogen sulfide is a poisonous gas found especially in underground organic mines, natural gas resources, drilling sites, hot springs, and sewers. This colorless and flammable gas smells like rotten eggs. However, with prolonged exposure, the nerves start to become numb and the sense of smell weakens. Therefore, detection by odor is not the correct way.

Hydrogen sulfide gas is 20% heavier than air. Therefore, it accumulates in besieged areas and ground pits where there is not enough ventilation and therefore sinks to the bottom. Besides its deadly toxic effects, its flammability poses a separate danger. When the concentration of hydrogen sulfide, whose ignition temperature is 260C, reaches 4.3% - 46%, it creates an explosion hazard and when it burns, it releases SO2, another toxic gas.

The concentration of Hydrogen Sulfide, which occurs naturally between 0.0001 - 0.0002 ppm in the fresh air, should not exceed 0.05 ppm and an hourly average of 0.125 ppm according to the standards. Hydrogen Sulfide is a toxic gas and can cause fatal consequences when exposed to high concentrations for a long time. Due to the chemical effects, it creates in the human body, it stops the cell respiration mechanism and blocks oxygen. At high concentrations, after a few breaths, the victim cannot breathe and experiences a loss of consciousness. Here is a possible list of effects on human:

• Usually detected by a nose when it reaches 0.0047 ppm.
• Between 0.002 - 0.3 ppm range; rotten egg smell is felt.
• Between 2-3 ppm range; creates a serious odor in the environment.
• At the 5 - 10 PPM range, it is imperative to use protective equipment above this limit.
• At 10-50 PPM range causes severe lacrimation, headache, and nausea.
• At 50-100 PPM range causes eye damage.
• At 100 PPM the sense of smell disappears in 2 to 15 minutes. Sore throat headache and nausea begin. 100 ppm and above; It causes serious breathing problems.
• At 200 PPM the sense of smell disappears quickly. Sore and eye burns.
• At 500 PPM balance control and reasoning is lost. Damage to the eyes occurs. Sudden unconsciousness occurs.
• Between 500-1000 ppm; it affects the central nervous system seriously, resulting in death in a short time.
• At 1000 PPM Sudden respiratory arrest occurs. If recovery is not rapid, death or permanent brain damage will result. 1000 ppm and above; It causes sudden death.

Considering these harmful and fatal effects, it is essential to establish the necessary systems for detecting the gas in the environment in order to take the necessary precautions to prevent the workers working in oil drilling, mines, and sewers from being exposed to the gas.

Prosense manufactures detectors with various measuring ranges and different features for detecting hydrogen sulfide in harsh conditions. Prosense provides different models and measurement ranges to suit site requirements.  Prosense H2S detector features include:

• Detector base
• Integrated 4-20mA analog output
• Integrated RS485 digital output
• Adjustable alarm levels
• Optional integrated relays for alarm level monitoring
• Electrochemical sensor head with calibration certificate
• Wall mounting kit
• Integrated display (Optional)

Life should not be cheap enough to be risked for simple dangers that can be easily avoided.

Please contact Prosense for more details, models, and configuration options.

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