Gases - Hydrogen Sulphide

Question 1

What is the Chemical symbol of Hydrogen Sulphide?

Answer 1

H2S

Question 2

What is the specific gravity of Hydrogen Sulphide?

Answer 2

1.18

Question 3

What is the characteristics of Hydrogen Sulphide?

Answer 3

Colourless,
powerful rotten egg odour and
a sweetish taste

Question 4

What is the legal limit for Hydrogen Sulphide?

Answer 4

LTEL - 10ppm, MEL - 15ppm

Question 5

What effect does Hydrogen Sulphide have on a person?

Answer 5

H2S is an irritant to the mucous membranes of the eyes, upper respiratory tract & central nervous system - olfactory fatigue , (desensitising the sense of smell) & interfering with the uptake of O2 in the muscles. Can react with the sweat on skin.
Hydrogen sulphide poisoning can be delayed & may result in bronchitis & conjunctivitis sometime after exposure

Question 6

Effects of Hydrogen Sulphide

10-20ppm

Answer 6

Irritation to eyes & headache

Question 7

Effects of Hydrogen Sulphide

50-200ppm

Answer 7

Irritation to eyes & throat, loss of smell

Question 8

Effects of Hydrogen Sulphide

250 - 600ppm

Answer 8

Dizziness, excitement, nausea, dryness & pain in the nose, throat & chest, coughing. Irritation of mucous membranes

Question 9

Effects of Hydrogen Sulphide

900ppm

Answer 9

Death

Question 10

Is Hydrogen Sulphide combustible?

Answer 10

Yes

Burns with a blue flame in air forming SO2 and water vapour

Question 11

What are the flammable limits of Hydrogen Sulphide?

Answer 11

Explosive range 4.3% - 45%

Question 12

How is Hydrogen Sulphide detected?

Answer 12

Electrochemical sensor, stain tubes and

human sense of smell (though unreliable due to olfactory fatigue & exposure).

Question 13

Where is Hydrogen Sulphide found in a mine?

Answer 13

Seam gas, (especially where sulphides are
present in the coal) produced by acid water on
sulphides & stagnant water