OPERATING MANUAL

Detection of H2S in petroleum distillates (gaseous phase)

Detection of S2- sulfide ions in solutions
Heating Oil – Fuel Oil – Gas Oil
Lead acetate paper test principle

GESERCO
9 RUE CAROLINE AIGLE – 33185 LE HAILLAN
FRANCE

TÉL : +33 (0) 5 5634 9229 – FAX : +33 (0) 5 5634 9544 – contact@GESERCO.fr
www.GESERCO.fr

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 Detection of H2S traces in petroleum distillates – gaseous phase
Detection of S2- sulfide ions in solutions
Heating Oil – Fuel Oil – Gas Oil
 Lead acetate paper test

Thank you for choosing the lead acetate paper test from GESERCO to detect traces of hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
in the gaseous phase of petroleum distillates (heating oil, fuel oils, gas oils) and/or sulfide ions (S2-) in
solutions (heating oil, fuel oils, gas oils).

The GESERCO test method to detect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the gaseous phase of petroleum distillates
(heating oil, fuel oils, gas oils) is derived from the ASTM D5705 standard, and conforms to the UFIP (l’Union
Française des Industries Pétrolières) method number 1.

The H2S test kit uses reagents and solvents which may be harmful to your health or for the environment.
Then, mind your safety and read carefully the operating manual and Safety Data Sheets before using your
GESERCO H2S test Kit.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Detecting traces of H2S in gaseous phases of petroleum distillates ................................................... 3

Detecting S2- ions in solutions ................................................................................................... 5
Safety advice ............................................................................................................................. 6

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 Detecting traces of H2S in the gaseous phase of petroleum distillates
(Modified ASTM D5705 standard – UFIP method n°1)

1. TEST PRINCIPLE

The test consists in detecting hydrogen sulfide H2S through a reaction with a lead acetate paper strip.

To avoid losing light fractions of the gaseous phase through evaporation, the sampling and testing
procedures should be undertaken very carefully.

2. EQUIPMENT

Test flask:
The sampling and testing flask is made of material which is neutral to H2S and petroleum vapours
Ensure the flask and its plug are perfectly clean before using them.
The test flask should have a volume of 1 litre.

Reagents:
Lead acetate paper.
Solution E.

Stop watch:
Stop watch.

3. SAMPLING

H2S evaporates from the petroleum distillate through degassing. To obtain a representative sample
of the maximum risk of H2S emission when the petroleum distillate is moved, the test sample should
then be collected at various levels from the middle to the bottom of the tank.
‘Running’ samples may also be collected.
Composite samples should be avoided as the lighter fractions of the distillate may be lost.

Quantity to be sampled
A 1L flask shall be used and filled up to 80%
Beware: A sample should be used for a single test only. Take as many samples as the number of tests
to be done.

Sampling process
Close the flask immediately after the sample has been taken.
In order to avoid splashes and degassing, it is recommended to tilt the flask when stored.

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4. TESTING

a) Store the sample in conditions that will allow it to stabilize quickly at laboratory temperature
(~20°C ± 3°C).

b) Cut off a ~6 cm strip of lead acetate paper.

c) Fold it at ~2 cm of one of its ends.

d) Pour a drop of Solution E on to the longer section of the strip.

ALWAYS
WEAR GLOVES WHEN TOUCHING
LEAD ACETATE PAPER

e) Unplug quickly the flask and insert the wet part of the lead acetate paper in the bottle neck.
Immediately plug the flask, locking the lead acetate paper strip in the thread of the plug.

f) Let the wet lead acetate paper strip in the vapor phase above the sample for 10 minutes.

g) Read the reaction of the lead acetate paper.

5. READING TEST RESULTS

Any trace of H2S in the vapor phase will color the lead acetate paper from brown/grey to dark
brown/black on all or part of the paper surface. The color intensity and the size of the covered area
depend upon the quantity of H2S.

When no color has developed, it can be concluded that no H2S was detected; the test result is
“Negative”.

When color has developed, the test result is “Positive”.

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 Detecting S2- sulfide ions S2- in solutions

1. TEST PRINCIPLE

The test consists in detecting sulfide ions S2- through a reaction with lead acetate paper.

2. EQUIPMENT

Petroleum solution storage flask:

The flask should be made of material which is neutral to S2- and petroleum products
Ensure the flask and its plug are perfectly clean and dry before using them.

Reagents:
Lead acetate paper.

Stop watch:
Stop watch.

Sampling:
Clean and dry Pasteur pipette.

3. TESTING

a) Cut off a ~6 cm strip of lead acetate paper.

ALWAYS
WEAR GLOVES WHEN TOUCHING
LEAD ACETATE PAPER

b) Take a sample of solution to be tested using a clean and dry Pasteur pipette.

c) Put a drop of the sample on the lead acetate paper strip.

d) Read the reaction of the lead acetate paper.

4. EXPRESSION DES RESULTATS

When in contact with S²- the lead acetate test paper will turn from white to brown/grey to dark
brown / black. The color intensity depends upon the quantity of S2-.

When no color has developed, it can be concluded that no S2- was detected; the test result is
“Negative”.
When color has developed, the test result is “Positive”.
The sensitivity limit of the lead acetate paper is 5 mg/litre of S2- sulfide (5 ppm).
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 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Lead acetate paper contains lead(II) acetate (0.47% ‒ 3.9%) CAS 6080-54-4. DANGER. May damage
the unborn child. Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood. IF
exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention. Store locked up. For further information,
please ask for safety data sheet (support@geserco.fr).

DISPOSAL
Please observe local regulations for collection and disposal of hazardous waste and contact waste
disposal company, where you will obtain information on laboratory waste disposal.
Use well hermetic containers.
Dispose of contents/container to regulated waste treatment.

STORAGE
Avoid exposing test paper to sunlight and moisture.
Keep cool and dry (storage temperature not above 30 °C).

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 RAPID TEST KITS FOR LUBRICANTS & FUELS

Motor Oils
Metal Machining Fluids
Industrial Oils & Turbine Oils

GESERCO offers a comprehensive range of rapid test kits for the condition monitoring of mineral,
synthetic and bio lubricants, as well as fuels, bio fuels and solvants

Water Content
BN Alkalinity Reserve
TAN Acidity
Viscosity
Particle Pollution
Combustion Residues
Carbon Matters
Residual Detergent Capacity
Residual Dispersent Capacity
Detection of Bacteria & Fungis
Sea Water Detection
Residual Corrosion Resistance Capacity
PH
Nitrite Contents
Nitrate Contents
Temperature
Density
….

The GESERCO tests are simple and rapid, and allow for immediate decision for safequarding the
lubricated equipment.

9 RUE CAROLINE AIGLE

33185 LE HAILLAN
FRANCE

TEL : +33 (0) 5 5634 9229 – FAX : +33 (0) 5 5634 9544
contact@geserco.fr
www.geserco.fr

Mo.H2STest 201901 GB
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