H2S detection by tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy

Abstract

Hydrogen Sulfide is a highly toxic and flammable gas. It is generated as a common by-product of many industrial processes. Early detection of H <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> S at concentrations of 10 ppm in air is essential to prevent its toxic influence at higher concentrations. Tunable diode Laser based gas detectors are now being used in a wide variety of applications for safety and environmental interest. Their characteristics like non-intrusive, high selectivity, high sensitivity, and fast response time make them more appealing than conventional point sensors for a reliable H <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> S detection. A long open-path H <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> S sensor based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy has been developed, using telecommunication near infrared distributed feed-back(DFB) tunable diode laser combining with wavelength modulation spectroscopy technology, a detection limit of 20 ppmldrm has been demonstrated, an on-board reference cell provides on-line sensor calibration. The sensor is very suitable for large area field H <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> S monitoring application.