Detection of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas in tunnels and fundamental strategies to deal with it

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to introduce various detection methods for Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) gas based on visible and invisible symptoms in tunnels. Venom, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and nausea are the main symptoms of HCN gas inhaled. In addition, HCN can easily dissolve in water resulting in a pale blue to milky solution. The results of studies show that the main source of this gas in tunnels is the chemical reaction between methane, resulting from the environment hydrocarbon solutions and degradation and decay of organic materials present in shale formations, with Ammonia (NH3) coming from organic materials including nitrogen and petroleum reservoirs in the under units of Ilam formation. Restraining of HCN in exit point of poison solution improving pumping and ventilation systems adherence to environmental hazard standards for tunnel operation (NIOSH standard) together with commitment to safety constitute some of the precautionary measurements for controlling HCN in this project.