Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas produced when organic matter is being broken down by bacteria in absence of oxygen. This procedure is usually referred to as anaerobic digestion and can occur in swamps and sewers. It can also occur naturally as natural gas or in volcanic gases. This gas has a characteristic smell of rotten eggs no wonder the foul smell usually produced by sewers. It is no wonder specialists are concerned with hydrogen sulfide reduction in the sewer system.
When thinking of this gas in waste water, the concern is mostly its odor and corrosion effects. More often than not, people living near sewer systems usually complain of the odors coming from the system. The corrosion problem results when the gas produced in the sewer atmosphere combines with water to form hydro sulfuric acid. This acid is the one responsible for corroding the sewer infrastructure.
For these two reasons, specialists saw the need of controlling this gas in the sewer line. There are many ways that have been devised to control this problem. One method is by adding strong alkali solution to the sewage. Examples of two strong alkalis include magnesium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide and these are the ones used in this process. Each of these hydroxides when added raises the pH of the sewage making it difficult for this gas to be produced.
The other method is chemical treatment where certain chemicals are released into the sewer. More often than not, chloride compounds are the ones usually fed into the system. Examples of these compounds include; calcium and sodium hypochlorite, ferric chloride or bleach. When any of these compounds are added to sewage, they lead to oxidation of sulfides hence the gas will not be formed.
However this addition of chemical compounds can be challenging when there is no pumping post from which the chemicals are fed into the system. Therefore a chemical feed system should be established to make this process easier. The feed system should also be monitored to ensure effective treatment system. Safety measures are usually considered when carrying out this chemical treatment.
To resolve corrosion issues, the environmental specialists have come with measures to increase ventilation in the sewage infrastructure to prevent anaerobic conditions for bacteria. Apart from this, contractors of the systems are now using sewer pipes and tanks with protective coatings on the inner sides. The coatings used include; vinyl, tar products, polythene linings, cement among other materials to protect the system against corrosion.
Crown and manhole spraying is yet the other measure used in corrosion control. When the hydro sulfuric acid is forms, it collects mostly at the crown part of the pipe. The effect on this area is intense decomposition leading to weakening of the pipe and in worst cases collapse. Therefore a Sulfa Lock Gel is sprayed on these areas so as to prevent the bad effects of hydro sulfuric acid.
There is also a monitoring instrument known as a liquid phase sulfide meter that monitors the amount of sulfides in industrial wastes. When the sulfide content is beyond the required amount, the industrial discharge undergoes pretreatment before being released to sewer system. All these control strategies used in hydrogen sulfide reduction in sewers work together to prevent corrosion and odors. Scientists are however still coming up with new chemicals and instruments to effectively manage this problem.
When thinking of this gas in waste water, the concern is mostly its odor and corrosion effects. More often than not, people living near sewer systems usually complain of the odors coming from the system. The corrosion problem results when the gas produced in the sewer atmosphere combines with water to form hydro sulfuric acid. This acid is the one responsible for corroding the sewer infrastructure.
For these two reasons, specialists saw the need of controlling this gas in the sewer line. There are many ways that have been devised to control this problem. One method is by adding strong alkali solution to the sewage. Examples of two strong alkalis include magnesium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide and these are the ones used in this process. Each of these hydroxides when added raises the pH of the sewage making it difficult for this gas to be produced.
The other method is chemical treatment where certain chemicals are released into the sewer. More often than not, chloride compounds are the ones usually fed into the system. Examples of these compounds include; calcium and sodium hypochlorite, ferric chloride or bleach. When any of these compounds are added to sewage, they lead to oxidation of sulfides hence the gas will not be formed.
However this addition of chemical compounds can be challenging when there is no pumping post from which the chemicals are fed into the system. Therefore a chemical feed system should be established to make this process easier. The feed system should also be monitored to ensure effective treatment system. Safety measures are usually considered when carrying out this chemical treatment.
To resolve corrosion issues, the environmental specialists have come with measures to increase ventilation in the sewage infrastructure to prevent anaerobic conditions for bacteria. Apart from this, contractors of the systems are now using sewer pipes and tanks with protective coatings on the inner sides. The coatings used include; vinyl, tar products, polythene linings, cement among other materials to protect the system against corrosion.
Crown and manhole spraying is yet the other measure used in corrosion control. When the hydro sulfuric acid is forms, it collects mostly at the crown part of the pipe. The effect on this area is intense decomposition leading to weakening of the pipe and in worst cases collapse. Therefore a Sulfa Lock Gel is sprayed on these areas so as to prevent the bad effects of hydro sulfuric acid.
There is also a monitoring instrument known as a liquid phase sulfide meter that monitors the amount of sulfides in industrial wastes. When the sulfide content is beyond the required amount, the industrial discharge undergoes pretreatment before being released to sewer system. All these control strategies used in hydrogen sulfide reduction in sewers work together to prevent corrosion and odors. Scientists are however still coming up with new chemicals and instruments to effectively manage this problem.
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