Hydrogen (H) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Exposure Hazards and Safety Equipment

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Hydrogen (H) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Exposure Hazards and Safety Equipment

Posted On : Mar-30-2011 | seen (417) times | Article Word Count : 657 |

Hydrogen gas (H2) was first artificially produced in the early 16th century, via the mixing of metals with strong acids.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen gas (H2) was first artificially produced in the early 16th century, via the mixing of metals with strong acids. At standard temperature and pressure, hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, nonmetallic, highly combustiblediatomicgas.

H2 is formed by various industrial processes, including the steam reforming of natural gas, and less often from more energy-intensive hydrogen production methods such as the electrolysis of water. Most hydrogen is used near its production site, with the two largest uses being fossil fuel production processes (such as,hydrocracking) and ammonia production, mostly for the fertilizer market.

Hydrogen is a concern in metallurgy as it can make many metals brittle and complicate the design of pipelines and storage tanks.When hydrogen is released as a gas, it will change into sulfur dioxide and sulfuric acid.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colorless, very poisonous, flammable gas with a foul odor similar to the odor of rotten eggs. In anaerobic digestion, H2S results from the bacterial breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen, as in swamps and sewers. It also occurs in volcanic gases, natural gas, and some well waters.

Hydrogen sulfide is about 20% heavier than air, with a specific gravity of 1.19. Its odor can be recognized in concentrations of <1 mg/kg (air). The odor increases as the gas becomes more concentrated. However, in concentrations of ≥150 mg/kg (air), it is not detectable by odor. This is why relying on the sense of smell to detect hydrogen sulfide gas can be extremely dangerous. To detect such levels of H2S, a reliable, hydrogen sulfide detection and monitoring system is recommended in order to protect employees from the health hazards of hydrogen sulfur gas exposure.H2S is classified as a toxic chemical and in high concentrations will lead to complete respiratory arrest and almost instantaneous poisoning and death. A person overcome by this gas should be removed immediately from the contaminated area and given artificial respiration.

Exposure to lesser concentrations may result in nausea, stomach distress, belching, and coughing. Moderate concentrations may result in eye irritation. Just a few breaths of air containing high levels of hydrogen sulfide gas can cause death. Lower, longer-term exposure can cause eye irritation, headache, and fatigue. Hydrogen sulfide has been found in at least 35 of the 1,689 National Priorities List sites identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) occurs naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, volcanic gases, and hot springs. It can also result from bacterial breakdown of organic matter. It is also produced by human and animal wastes. Hydrogen sulfide can also result from industrial activities, such as food processing, coke ovens, kraft paper mills, tanneries, and petroleum refineries.
Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable, colorless gas with a characteristic odor of rotten eggs. Commonly known as hydrosulphuric acid, sewer gas, and stink damp, it can be smelledit can be smelled it at low levels.

In some instances, it may be released as a liquid waste from an industrial facility. Workers at rayon textile mills, petroleum and natural gas drilling and refining facilities, or wastewater treatment plants, as well as those who work on farms with manure storage pits or landfills can be exposed to high levels of hydrogen sulfide.

Exposure to low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, or throat. It may also cause difficulty in breathing for some asthmatics. Brief exposures to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (>500 ppm) can cause a loss of consciousness and possibly death. In most cases, consciousness returns without any other effects. However, in many individuals, there may be permanent or long-term effects such as headaches, poor attention span, poor memory, and poor motor function.

For hydrogen sulfide gas monitoring or hydrogen monitoring, we recommend a simple “smart” gas detector with an industry-standard 4-20 mA analog output signal, which can be connected to any existing PLC, DCS, or EMS system.

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<h1>Hydrogen (H) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Exposure Hazards and Safety Equipment</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Conspec Controls.aspx'>Conspec Controls</a> Hydrogen

Hydrogen gas (H2) was first artificially produced in the early 16th century, via the mixing of metals with strong acids. At standard temperature and pressure, hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, nonmetallic, highly combustiblediatomicgas.

H2 is formed by various industrial processes, including the steam reforming of natural gas, and less often from more energy-intensive hydrogen production methods such as the electrolysis of water. Most hydrogen is used near its production site, with the two largest uses being fossil fuel production processes (such as,hydrocracking) and ammonia production, mostly for the fertilizer market.

Hydrogen is a concern in metallurgy as it can make many metals brittle and complicate the design of pipelines and storage tanks.When hydrogen is released as a gas, it will change into sulfur dioxide and sulfuric acid.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colorless, very poisonous, flammable gas with a foul odor similar to the odor of rotten eggs. In anaerobic digestion, H2S results from the bacterial breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen, as in swamps and sewers. It also occurs in volcanic gases, natural gas, and some well waters.

Hydrogen sulfide is about 20% heavier than air, with a specific gravity of 1.19. Its odor can be recognized in concentrations of <1 mg/kg (air). The odor increases as the gas becomes more concentrated. However, in concentrations of ≥150 mg/kg (air), it is not detectable by odor. This is why relying on the sense of smell to detect hydrogen sulfide gas can be extremely dangerous. To detect such levels of H2S, a reliable, hydrogen sulfide detection and monitoring system is recommended in order to protect employees from the health hazards of hydrogen sulfur gas exposure.H2S is classified as a toxic chemical and in high concentrations will lead to complete respiratory arrest and almost instantaneous poisoning and death. A person overcome by this gas should be removed immediately from the contaminated area and given artificial respiration.

Exposure to lesser concentrations may result in nausea, stomach distress, belching, and coughing. Moderate concentrations may result in eye irritation. Just a few breaths of air containing high levels of hydrogen sulfide gas can cause death. Lower, longer-term exposure can cause eye irritation, headache, and fatigue. Hydrogen sulfide has been found in at least 35 of the 1,689 National Priorities List sites identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) occurs naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, volcanic gases, and hot springs. It can also result from bacterial breakdown of organic matter. It is also produced by human and animal wastes. Hydrogen sulfide can also result from industrial activities, such as food processing, coke ovens, kraft paper mills, tanneries, and petroleum refineries.
Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable, colorless gas with a characteristic odor of rotten eggs. Commonly known as hydrosulphuric acid, sewer gas, and stink damp, it can be smelledit can be smelled it at low levels.

In some instances, it may be released as a liquid waste from an industrial facility. Workers at rayon textile mills, petroleum and natural gas drilling and refining facilities, or wastewater treatment plants, as well as those who work on farms with manure storage pits or landfills can be exposed to high levels of hydrogen sulfide.

Exposure to low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, or throat. It may also cause difficulty in breathing for some asthmatics. Brief exposures to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (>500 ppm) can cause a loss of consciousness and possibly death. In most cases, consciousness returns without any other effects. However, in many individuals, there may be permanent or long-term effects such as headaches, poor attention span, poor memory, and poor motor function.

For hydrogen sulfide gas monitoring or hydrogen monitoring, we recommend a simple “smart” gas detector with an industry-standard 4-20 mA analog output signal, which can be connected to any existing PLC, DCS, or EMS system. About the Author: This article is provided by <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.conspec-controls.com/">Conspec-Controls.com</a> – A industrial gas detection company that specializes in <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.conspec-controls.com/products/hydrogen-sulfide-gas-detector.asp">H2S Gas Detector</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.conspec-controls.com/products/hydrogen-gas-detector.asp">Hydrogen Gas Detection</a>. Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Hydrogen-(H)-and-Hydrogen-Sulfide-(H2S)-Exposure-Hazards-and-Safety-Equipment_57614.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Hydrogen (H) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Exposure Hazards and Safety Equipment_57614.aspx</a>

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Hydrogen (H) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Exposure Hazards and Safety Equipment_57614.aspx

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This article is provided by Conspec-Controls.com – A industrial gas detection company that specializes in H2S Gas Detector and Hydrogen Gas Detection.

Keywords : Detecting Hydrogen Gases, Hydrogen Sulfide Monitors, Hydrogen Gas Sensors, H2S Gas Detector, Hydrogen Gas Detectors, Hydrogen,

Category : Business : Business

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