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H2S Detection method I.OPS.GEO.

0038
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Real Time monitoring H2S detection is performed using H2S sensors; Geoservices has selected two
types of these sensors, based on two different technologies.

HSE Information:

Corporate Procedures availability/

 IGENGEO 0121 D02 100A IDENTIFY & REPORT


 IGENGEO 0167 D01 100S H2S OR NOT H2S

REMEMBER: WORKING REGULATION LIMITS

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a good example of an acutely toxic substance, which is immediately lethal at relatively low
concentrations. Exposure to a concentration of only 300 PPM (parts per million) for a period of 30 minutes is enough
to render a worker unconscious. Exposure to a 1,000-PPM concentration of H2S in air produces rapid paralysis of the
respiratory system, cardiac arrest, and death within minutes.
Hydrogen sulfide is readily produced by the action of anaerobic sulfur fixing bacteria on materials, which contain
sulfur. At low concentrations hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs. At high concentrations, it desensitizes the
sense of smell, and is no longer nose detectable. H2S is colourless, heavier than air, corrosive, flammable
(LEL is 4.3 %), soluble in water, and extremely toxic!

Toxic effects of hydrogen sulfide exposure:

Concentration Effect
1 PPM Smell
10 PPM 8 hr. Time Weighted Average
15 PPM 15 min. Short Term Exposure Limit
100 PPM Loss of Smell
300 PPM Loss of consciousness with time (~ 30 min.)
Immediate respiratory arrest, loss of
1000 PPM
consciousness, followed by death

.
1. Analox 3000 SI H2S Sensor specifications based on “Electrochemical” technology:

700.BB.681 Range : 0-100ppm Signal : 4-20mA DC


Power supply: 13-36V DC Operating life in air: 1 to 1.5 year
Operating pressure: Ambient +/- 10% Accuracy: +/- 2%
Operating Temp: -20 / +50°C Response time to 90%: < 30s

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1.1 Cross sensitivity to other gases.

The sensor cells may exhibit a response to certain gases other than the specific target gas. The
cross-interfering gases and the typical results are shown in the below table.

Sensor replacement.

To replace the sensor cell it is simply a matter of removing the knurled white plastic retainer and
extracting the cell together with its circular contact assembly as shown.

700. BB.685

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2. GM H2S sensor specifications based on “Semi Conductor” technology:

Range: 0-20ppm Signal: 0-10V DC


Power supply: 10 / 24 V DC Operating life in air: 3.5 to 4 years
Operating pressure: Accuracy: +/- 5%
Operating Temp: -40 / +90°C Response time to 90%: < 30s

432.CC.020

2.1 Cross sensitivity to other gases.

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3 Calibration check of the H2S sensor with the 15 and 60 ppm calibration cylinders

Analox adapter

H2S Kit:
15 ppm Bottle: 700.BY.578 60 ppm Bottle: 700.BY.579
Blue Case: 700.AQ.430 H2S regulator kit: 700.AQ.111
Analox adapter: 612.AP.068

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4 VALIDATION CHECK USING DRAEGER EQUIPMENT.

412. CD.010

Dräger-Tube Geo code Part Standard Measurement


Number Measurement Time
Range (circa)
(20° C, 1013 hPa)
Hydrogen Sulphide 700. AA.508 6728041 0.5-15 ppm 6 minutes
0.5/a
Hydrogen Sulphide 700. AC.344 6719001 10-200 ppm 20 seconds
1/c 1-20 ppm 3.5 minutes
Hydrogen Sulphide 700. AS.933 8101831 10-200 ppm 1 minute
1/d 1-20 ppm 10" minute
Hydrogen Sulphide 700. AK.114 6728821 20-200 ppm 20 seconds
2/a 2-20 ppm 3.5 minutes
Hydrogen Sulphide 002. CA.010 CH29801 5-60 ppm 4 minutes
5/b
Hydrogen Sulphide 700. AC.342 CH29101 100-2000 ppm 30 seconds
100/a

PROCEDURES TO BE IMPLEMENTED ON FIELD

 Discussion with personnel on site about the cross sensitivity issue to ensure that everyone is aware of
the potential for false readings.

 Placement of H2S reactive papers (lead Acetate) within the GS gas line, close to the H2S gas line
sensor to immediately provide an initial confirmation of H2S.

 Any observed peak on the sensor unit will immediately be confirmed with a H2S Draeger tube test.

 H2 Draeger tube tests will be performed on any positive or negative H2S readings.

Issued by Verified by Approved by

OSL-Field Support Technical department C.O.O. seg


OSL-Business
Revision 1 24/01/2007
IOPSGEO0038 L14 220 T

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