Hydrogen sulfide | H2S gas

Sepehr Gas Kavian: +982146835980, +982146837072 and +989022734708

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas with a strong odor of rotten eggs. It is flammable, poisonous, and corrosive.

 Properties of hydrogen sulfide

• Chemical formula: H2S
• Molar mass: 34.082 g/mol
• Boiling point: -60 °C
• Solubility in water: Soluble

H2S is found naturally in crude oil, natural gas, and hot springs. It is also produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. This can happen in sewers, swamps, and manure pits.

Hydrogen sulfide can be harmful to human health. Exposure to low levels of hydrogen sulfide can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Exposure to higher levels can cause difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. H2S is also a fire hazard. It is flammable and can explode if mixed with air in the right proportions.

Because of its dangers, it is important to be aware of the potential for H2S exposure. If you work in an industry where hydrogen sulfide is present, it is important to wear appropriate safety gear and to follow safety procedures.

H2S sources

Hydrogen sulfide can be found in both natural and man-made environments. Here are some of the common sources of hydrogen sulfide:

– Natural Sources

• Microbial breakdown of organic matter: In the absence of oxygen, microbes break down organic matter and produce hydrogen sulfide as a byproduct. This process is commonly known as anaerobic digestion and occurs in places like swamps, sewers, and even in your gut.
  
• Volcanic gases: Volcanoes release a variety of gases, including hydrogen sulfide. This gas is formed when sulfur reacts with hydrogen at high temperatures.
• Natural gas deposits: Hydrogen sulfide is often found along with natural gas deposits. It can be removed during processing before the natural gas is delivered to homes and businesses.
• Hot springs: Some hot springs contain high levels of hydrogen sulfide, which gives them a rotten egg odor.

– Man-made Sources

• Industrial processes: Several industrial processes produce hydrogen sulfide as a byproduct, including petroleum refining, wastewater treatment, and kraft paper production.
• Sewage: Sewage contains organic matter that decomposes and releases hydrogen sulfide gas.
• Landfills: Landfills also produce hydrogen sulfide as organic waste decomposes.

H2S uses

H2S has a variety of industrial applications, but it’s important to remember that it’s a toxic gas and needs to be handled with care. Here are some of its important uses:

• Production of sulfuric acid and sulfur: This is the primary use for hydrogen sulfide. Sulfuric acid is one of the most important industrial chemicals, used in a wide variety of processes like fertilizer production, metal processing, and oil refining.
• Creating Inorganic Sulfides: H2S is a building block for many inorganic sulfides, which find uses in various applications. These sulfides are used in:
  • Pigments: Inorganic sulfides like cadmium sulfide and zinc sulfide are used to create yellow, orange, and red pigments.
  • Cosmetics: Certain sulfides, like zinc sulfide, are used as opacifiers and UV protectants in cosmetics.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Some medications, such as the anti-malarial drug dapsone, contain sulfur atoms derived from H2S.
• Heavy water production: Hydrogen sulfide is used in a specific type of nuclear reactor (CANDU reactors) to produce heavy water, which is used as a moderator in nuclear power plants.
• Pulp and paper processing: Hydrogen sulfide is used in the Kraft process, which is a common method for making wood pulp for paper production.
• Textile industry: Hydrogen sulfide is used in the tanning industry to remove hair from hides and skins.
• Food processing: Small amounts of hydrogen sulfide are used as a fumigant to control insects and rodents in stored grain.

Other uses

In addition, hydrogen sulfide is also used in several special functions, such as:

• Disinfectants in agriculture: H2S can be used to control some pests and diseases in agricultural settings.
• Chemical analysis: Hydrogen sulfide is used in some analytical chemistry techniques.
• Passivation in petrochemical operations: Small amounts of H2S can be used to passivate the inner walls of reactors in some petrochemical processes. This helps to prevent unwanted side reactions.

Hazards and sefety of H2S

H2S is a highly toxic and flammable gas that can cause serious health problems or death if not handled properly.

Hazards of H2S

• Health Hazards:
  • Inhalation of H2S can irritate the eyes, respiratory system, and skin.
  • At higher concentrations, H2S can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, confusion, and unconsciousness.
  • Very high concentrations of H2S can lead to respiratory failure and death.
  • Long-term exposure to H2S can cause chronic health problems, such as eye damage and respiratory problems.
• Fire and Explosion Hazards:
  • H2S is flammable and can explode if ignited.
  • H2S can form explosive mixtures with air at concentrations between 4.3% and 46%.

Safety Precautions for H2S

• If you work in an environment where H2S is present, you should:
  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a respirator, gloves, and safety glasses.
  • Be aware of the signs and symptoms of H2S exposure.
  • Have a plan for responding to an H2S emergency.
• In general, if you smell H2S:
  • Evacuate the area immediately.
  • Go upwind to avoid breathing in the gas.
  • Call emergency services.

additional safety tips for handling H2S: 

• Never enter a confined space that may contain H2S without proper training and authorization.
• Store H2S in properly labeled containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
• Dispose of H2S waste according to local regulations.

By following these safety precautions, you can help to protect yourself and others from the hazards of H2S .

supply

At Sepehr Gas Kavian Company – with ISO17025 certificate and standard department’s reference laboratory – hydrogen sulfide gas with a purity of 99.9% is sold in carbon steel cylinders with the following volumes:

• in a 5-liter cylinder at the rate of 1 kg
• in a 10-liter cylinder at the rate of 2 kg
• 30 kg in a 50-liter cylinder

To buy H2S gas, H2S calibration gas and other gases such as argon, helium, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and etc., from Sepehr Gas Kavian please contact our experts via: +982146835980, +982146837072 and +989022734708