What are the toxic gases in the sewer?

What are the toxic gases in the sewer? The toxic gas produced in the sewer is not single. From methane (CH4), oxygen (O2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia (NH3), carbon monoxide (CO) and other toxic gases are mixed. They can irritate people's eyes and respiratory system. The harm to the human body is very great. Toxic gas sensor is very important for the detection of toxic gas in sewers

Methane (CH4)

The harm of sewage methane and its compounds. The main component of biogas is methane (CH4), which is produced at garbage dumps and is formed by the biochemical degradation of organic matter in a humid anaerobic environment. After encountering air or oxygen, it forms a highly explosive mixed gas under certain conditions. . Under a standard atmospheric pressure (1013 hPa), the lower limit of the detonation volume concentration is 4.4%. High-concentration biogas will squeeze out the oxygen in the air, and when the volume of oxygen in the air is less than 16%, it will make people's physical and mental abilities continue to decline, heartbeat and breathing will speed up, leading to fatigue. When the oxygen concentration drops further, it will be life-threatening.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Carbon dioxide is 1.5 times heavier than air. The volume content of carbon dioxide in the natural air is 0.03%. The frequent occurrence of carbon dioxide poisoning accidents in sewers is mainly due to the absence of carbon dioxide sensors in the gas alarms. When the carbon dioxide content in the inhaled air is slightly higher than the content in the exhaled breath (4-6%). It will affect health, and symptoms such as headache, tinnitus, and heart palpitations will appear. When the carbon dioxide content in the air is higher. Will quickly cause breathing difficulties, coma and even death.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas with a smell similar to rotten eggs. The high concentration of hydrogen sulfide can make people lose their sense of smell in a short time, so that they can't detect the danger. Hydrogen sulfide is produced when humans, animals and plants decay. It will accumulate in large quantities in wells, manure pits and sewers and will be released with fluctuations in air pressure and temperature. When the concentration reaches 150 parts per million (150 ppm), people lose their sense of smell. Pulmonary edema appears at 250 parts per million (250 ppm). When it exceeds 500 parts per million (500 ppm), symptoms of collapse and respiratory failure will occur. The maximum concentration in the workplace is 10 parts per million (10 ppm). Hydrogen sulfide is the most common cause of sewer poisoning accidents.

Ammonia (NH3)

Ammonia (NH3) is produced when nitrogen-containing animals and plants decay. When the refrigeration equipment fails, ammonia will also flow into the sewer. Ammonia is an irritating, colorless, toxic gas. After mixing with oxygen, it forms an explosive gas mixture. Ammonia can irritate the eyes and damage the upper respiratory tract. Prolonged inhalation of ammonia can be fatal. The maximum concentration in the workplace is 50 parts per million (50 ppm).

Carbon monoxide (CO)

In places where thermal generators are running, carbon monoxide (CO) in manholes and sewers must be monitored. Because in the absence of oxygen, incomplete combustion will occur. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood 300 times faster than oxygen and squeezes the oxygen out. The normal binding of oxygen to hemoglobin in the lungs is therefore blocked. The body has symptoms similar to suffocation due to the lack of necessary oxygen metabolism process. This shows that carbon monoxide is very dangerous.

Choosing the right toxic gas detector is very important

There is probably no universal method for cleaning the sewer pipes. Most of them are manually dredged after blockage. However, the sewer pipes contain a lot of harmful gases. It is also very harmful to construction personnel. It is extremely easy to cause suffocation and even death.

Therefore, before cleaning the sewer, in order to promptly and reliably report to the on-site staff. It is necessary to continuously monitor the concentration of a variety of harmful and toxic gas. Choosing the right toxic gas sensor is very important. JXCT toxic gas sensor is a good choice.