Determination of H₂S Exposure by Dynamic Sampling with Metallic Silver Filters

Abstract

A new method for the determination of hydrogen sulfide exposure has been developed. As air is drawn through a silver metal membrane filter, hydrogen sulfide present reacts to form silver sulfide. This results in a decrease in the reflectance of the silver surface. Darkening due to impingement of particles is eliminated by protecting the silver membrane with a cellulose membrane prefilter. Air is metered with a limiting orifice. The reflectance of the silver membrane is measured before and after exposure and the decrease in reflectance is proportional to the hydrogen sulfide dose or exposure.