1.

INTRODUCTION
Hydrogen Sulphide is a chemical compound with the formula H2S, this colourless, toxic and
flammable gas is responsible for the foul odour of rotten eggs. H2S is a poison that can paralyze
the breathing. It often results from the bacterial break down of the organic matter in the
absence of oxygen, such as in swamps and sewers. It also occurs in volcanic gases, natural gas
and some wells water.

1.1 Principle:

1.1.1.The lead acetate tape method for the detection of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in water
and gaseous streams are based on the established principle that H2S reacts specifically
with Lead Acetate to form a brown lead sulphide stain. The concentration of H2S is
directly proportional to the rate of change of staining on the lead acetate tape.

1.1.2. The Photometry method for detection of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in gaseous streams
is based on the established principle that the measurement is based on the UV
absorption spectrum of the hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in the UV range.

2. OPERATION
2.1. Lead acetate tape technology is a technique using a paper or cloth tape (white in colour)
that is saturated with a lead acetate solution, dried, then spooled similar to a tape recorder.
The gas sample is moistened as it flows through a humidifier, then passes over or through
the tape in a small, confined area, typically 1/8" in diameter (vendor to confirm). The
portion of the tape exposed to the sample gas stream will darken proportionally to the
amount of H2S present, due to the formation of lead sulphide.

Change of colour = Constant x [H2S]

Since the lead sulphide is coloured, and the lead acetate and paper tape are not, the rate of
formation of lead sulphide may be determined by measuring the rate of darkening of the
tape. The degree of stain (or) the colour of the stain is not important; only the rate at which
the stain occurs.

2.1.1 Vendor 1: ASI - Model:205

a) The ability to analytically quantify H2S in Water is enhanced with the Sample
Transfer Stripper™ STS (Exclusive Membrane Technology) and the radiometric
colorimetric or solid state sensor technologies offered by Analytical Systems
International (ASI).
b) The principle of operation requires a continuous free flowing liquid sample into
a heater where the Sample Transfer Stripper (STS) unit separates the liquids
(water) from the H2S gas sample.
c) An H2S free air or nitrogen carrier then sweeps the H2S gas sample to the H2S
analyser for quantitative analysis in ppb w, ppm w, and up to saturation levels. A
liquid validation by PermTubeTM is optional.
d) The detection technology is based on chemically specific density
Changes.
 e) The lead acetate sensing tape utilized in our analysers is the only detection
method that is absolutely specific to H2S.
f) Optical illumination & detection are integrated for maximum resolution
accuracy. Economic pay-out is increased because of this automated continuous
Process (or) laboratory analyser.

2.1.2 Vendor 2: GAS - Model:902

a) The model 902 H2S / Total Sulphur analyser from Galvanic Applied Sciences Inc.
is designed to measure H2S in gaseous streams.
b) The 902 detection system is based on the lead acetate tape method. With the
optional total sulphur furnace, the unit can measure alternate readings between
H2S and total sulphur.
c) The 902 is capable of measuring up to eight streams. The 902 is designed for
simplicity of operation, with advanced features. Dual 4‐20 milliamp outputs
are standard. An optional Modbus communications card is available.
d) The 902 analysers use a common tape chassis unit. It is designed to handle up to
350 feet of lead acetate tape. The stepper motor advances the tape on
microprocessor command.
e) The sample chamber has a removable aperture that can be changed for various
gas concentrations. Typically, the higher the gas concentration to be measured,
the smaller the aperture. This aperture restricts the amount of H2S reacting on
the tape.
f) The photo detector is a silicon photo diode that converts the darkness to an
electric signal amplified at the sensor board to a 0 to 250 millivolt signal. This
signal is scaled at the microprocessor. The system uses a single light emitting
diode (red) as a light source to illuminate the tape.
g) The system is self-zeroing at every tape advance, therefore calibration is only
required every 3‐4 months. The units can be calibrated manually or
automatically with an optional “autocal” solenoid. Four types of calibration
procedures are available:
(i) Analyser zero: potentiometer adjusting of the sensor balance (self-adjusting
On 902 series) note: the analyser reading is zeroed every cycle (3‐4 min)
Since the measurement is based on rate of change.
(ii) Manual span calibration: applying a known gas reference to the analyser and
manually adjusting the gain factor.
(iii) Manual calibration with auto gain adjustments: applying a known reference
to the analyser. The analyser then calculates the gain factor internally
(iv) Auto calibration: a known gas sample is continuously connected to the
calibration inlet port and measured on a user programmed time period. The
analyser automatically calibrates to the known sample.
h) The package provides easy configuration via laptop and downloading capability,
as well as real time monitoring. The system can be accessed via an RS232
modem and RS432.
i) A permeation dilution device (PDD) consists of two chambers formed within a
cylindrical housing by a permeable membrane. The membrane blocks
particulates and mist droplets, while allowing only gas or volatile components to
transfer into a clean dry carrier gas or liquid sweeping the opposite side of the
membrane. Compounds such as H2S permeate the membrane at a known rate,
proportional to concentration over a given area.
 j) The injection valve dilution uses employs a chromatograph valve to inject a small
amount of sample at preset intervals into a clean dry carrier gas.
k) Flow meter dilution uses the combined flow from two flow meters for sample
and carrier to the analyser.

2.2 In this type of analyser there is a source side UV lamp of Cadmium make which emits light of
ultraviolet range of 200 nm to 400nm and detector is usually photo diode with optical filter of
228 nm in between. Sample gas is passed through sample cell with Glass window. In which
one side is UV lamp and other side is optical filter and detector. H2s is absorbs 228 nm of light
of UV and absorption depends on the concentration of gas. If concentration is high then it will
absorbs more light. Remaining light which is not absorbed will pass through optical filter
which will allow to pass 228 nm light and it will be converted in to voltage by photo detector.
This way you can measure concentration in terms of voltage signal. This signal is processed in
electronics board and you will get reading on the display.

3 APPLICATION
3.1.1 Lead Acetate Paper Tape:
1) Microprocessor ensures ease of use and reliable operation.
2) High Selectivity to Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S).
3) Digital display with H2S concentration reported in PPM, PPB or mg/m3.
4) Wide dynamic range (ppb, ppm to % measurements with dilution system).
5) Stable photocell that is zeroed before each analysis cycle.
6) Long tape life; tape is not advanced until spot is saturated.
7) Self-diagnostics aid in troubleshooting operations.
8) Applicable for Refinery, Gas processing facilities, Fertilizer plants etc.
9) Produced water monitoring.

3.1.2 Photometry:
1) Simplified sampling process.
2) High temperature performance
3) Wide range of processes analysed.
4) The analyser will provide individual analog outputs of the measured H2S and H2
Concentrations detected.
5) Applicable for Refinery, Gas processing facilities, Fertilizer plants etc.
6) Multi-Wavelength design allows for multicomponent analysis of other critical UV
absorbers in natural gas applications (H2S, COS, MeSH)

4 ADVANTAGE
4.1.1 Lead Acetate Paper Tape:
1) High reliability.
2) Low maintenance operation.
3) Low cost.
4) Inferential measurement of H2S concentration by reaction of H2S on
impregnated lead acetate tape.
5) Rated accuracy, H2S – better than .25 ppm.
6) Simple operation.
 4.1.2 Photometry:
1) Multi wavelength non-dispersive dual-beam UV photometer designed
specifically for continuous operation in critical on-line process control and
Monitoring applications.
2) The response time for H2S – less than 30 seconds.
3) No mechanical parts to the sample system of the analyser.
4) Rated accuracy, H2S – 0.25ppm (for standard range).
5) Sample system automatically switches columns when primary column saturates
(no carrier gas required, columns are flushed using natural gas).

5 DIS-ADVANTAGE
5.1.1 Lead Acetate Paper Tape:
1) Very selective to H2S, but not available as multicomponent analyser.
2) The response time of Lead Acetate tape analysers require substantially longer to
respond due to the reaction time for lead acetate paper and H2S colour/rate
change, typically around 60 sec.
3) Mechanical parts require frequent maintenance.
4) Chemical solution requires refilling (typically when tape is changed).
5)