Hydrogen sulfide is formed from the decay of decomposing organic matter such as in oil and gas reservoirs. It is known for having a distinctively sulfurous odor similar to that of rotten eggs. One area near San Antonio where one can smell H2S is in the oilfields just east of the city near Luling, Texas. When hydrogen sulfide is burned, it creates a gas called Sulfur Dioxide, which has its own sulfurous and obnoxious odor. Depending on the temperature and oxygen content of the gas stream during combustion, the burning of H2S into SO2 may not be complete and flares can often give off the sulfurous odors of both H2S and SO2.
FATIGUING THE OLFACTORY NERVE
Hydrogen sulfide is a potent gas when it comes to slowing down activity in the nervous system. The ACGIH has listed the lowest intermediate term minimum risk level at which hydrogen sulfide starts to create an effect on the nervous system as 0.03 PPM. Once the level of H2S reaches about +-50 parts per million, the ability of the olfactory nerve, which detects smell, starts to become fatigued from the increasing toxicity of the hydrogen sulfide gas. While at lower levels the H2S may have had a powerful odor, as the H2S concentration increases to and above this higher level, the ability to smell will wane and the actual odor will decrease. For anyone using their sense of smell to try to detect hydrogen sulfide, this is unfortunately deceptive because as the hydrogen sulfide gas nears dangerous levels it will become continuously more undetectable as hydrogen sulfide attacks the olfactory nerve. All workers must be trained to the proper way of responding to this hazard.
DETECTING H2S THE RIGHT WAY
The correct way to protect people from unhealthy and unsafe exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas is through the proper use of personal and stationary H2S gas monitors. Personal gas monitors need to be placed into the breathing zone while stationary monitors will have other strategic importance based on living and working spaces versus possible hydrogen sulfide sources. Before entering any confined space, it must also be cleared by drawing a sample and having the atmosphere tested for any dangerous gasses including hydrogen sulfide. Certified H2S gas monitors are not subject to fatigue the same way that the human olfactory nerve is.
Recommended course: H2S Monitor, Midland H2S Training
Notice: Article is provided as is and for informational use only. Eagle Ford Training San Antonio, its owners, instructors, and affiliates hereto referred as the company shall have no liability for and you shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless from and against any claim loss demand, liability, obligation, and expense based upon any injury or damage, spill or pollution, product liability, or any other loss that may occur. The liability for the use of information is solely yours notwithstanding any act of error or omission by the company.