Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S)
Highly toxic and explosive gas with considerable hazard potential
Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) is an invisible, highly toxic gas that can cause serious damage to health even at low concentrations – and can even be fatal at higher levels. It is often produced by biological decomposition, in wastewater treatment plants, biogas plants, oil and gas production and in the paper and pulp industry.
In addition to its high toxicity, H₂S is also a flammable and explosive gas, making it one of the most dangerous industrial gases in the world.
Explosion hazard and health risk due to hydrogen sulphide
Although hydrogen sulphide has the typical smell of rotten eggs at low concentrations, the human sense of smell quickly fails at higher concentrations – which makes the gas particularly treacherous and dangerous.
Safety-relevant properties of H₂S:
- Explosion limit range: approx. 4.3 – 46 % by volume in air
- Ignition temperature: approx. 270 °C
- Flash point: approx. -60 °C
- Gas density: significantly heavier than air – collects near the ground
Concentrations as low as 100 ppm can lead to dizziness, shortness of breath and unconsciousness – from 300 ppm there is an acute danger to life. H₂S is toxic even well below the explosion limit.
Why H₂S gas detectors are indispensable
Hydrogen sulphide is invisible, often odorless and extremely dangerous. Fast, precise and continuous gas detection is therefore essential – both for explosion protection and for the health and safety of employees.
Advantages of our H₂S gas warning systems:
- Early detection from a few ppm – even before acute danger
- 24/7 measurement in potentially explosive zones (ATEX-compliant)
- Immediate alerting via acoustic, visual and digital interfaces
- Certified sensors for toxic gases in accordance with EN 60079 and ATEX
Typical areas of application for hydrogen sulphide monitoring
Our H₂S gas warning systems are used wherever hydrogen sulphide is produced or can escape:
- Sewage technology, sewage treatment plants and sewer construction
- Biogas plants and fermentation processes
- Oil and gas industry (onshore/offshore)
- Paper and pulp production
- Chemical plants, refineries and industrial parks
- Tanks, silos, shafts and storage rooms
Reliable H₂S gas monitoring is essential in all of these areas – to protect human life, systems and the environment.
Conclusion: Detect hydrogen sulphide in good time – with reliable gas detection
H₂S is deadly, explosive and imperceptible above a critical concentration. Only certified gas detectors for hydrogen sulphide can effectively prevent serious accidents, health hazards and environmental disasters.
Our gas detection systems for H₂S offer maximum safety through precise, standard-compliant and customizable solutions – for industry, plant operation and environmental protection.
The following gas sensors and systems from Bieler+Lang can detect hydrogen sulphide
We will be happy to advise you on the selection of suitable detectors and the corresponding evaluation devices for your individual application.
