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Renewable energy or green energy is high on the agenda, and it is the government’s ambition that Denmark should be independent of fossil fuels by 2050. Bioenergy is the form of renewable energy we use most in Denmark, and the production of biogas is growing rapidly. Biogas is a renewable CO2-neutral energy form, as fossil-bound carbon is not released by burning biogas, as it does by burning oil, natural gas and coal. By using biogas, we take better care of the environment, but it is not completely harmless!
In connection with the production of biogas which consists of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) can also be formed. Emissions of these three gases can be fatal to humans as they can cause poisoning, suffocation as well as explosions. Every year, accidents occur in connection with the emission of hydrogen sulphide, which is fatal even at very low concentrations (300-500 ppm).
Hydrogen sulphide is a toxic gas whose odor in small doses is associated with the stench of rotten eggs. At concentrations around 100 ppm, the gas paralyzes the sense of smell, which means that we rarely detect the discharge before it is too late. Hydrogen sulfide is the silent killer, and the typical cause of death in hydrogen sulfide accidents is respiratory arrest.
CO2 is far less dangerous and significantly high concentrations (40,000 ppm) are required before it becomes life-threatening. Detection of CO2 will in most cases only be relevant if it is a plant where methane is processed, as CO2 will be present in high concentrations, such as a biogas plant.
Therefore, gas detection for biogas plants is often necessary. The gas detectors continuously monitor any gas emissions, and give an alarm at reached limit values, and in this way you take care not only of the planet but also of people.
At Geopal, we have the necessary expertise in gas detectors for detecting carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen sulphide at biogas plants, and we take pride in taking care of those who care about the environment. If you have questions about gas detection for biogas plants, do not hesitate to contact us.
