KOMYO RIKAGAKU North川-Type High-Concentration Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Detection Tube 120UT
| Brand | KOMYO RIKAGAKU |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | 120UT |
| Measuring Range | 2.5–40% H₂S (v/v) |
| Pump Required | AP-20 Hand Pump |
| Detection Principle | Colorimetric Reaction with Pre-impregnated Reagent |
| Compliance | JIS K 0321, ISO 8573-5 (gas purity reference methodology), ASTM D6227 (for field H₂S screening) |
Overview
The KOMYO RIKAGAKU North川-Type High-Concentration Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Detection Tube 120UT is a field-deployable, single-use colorimetric sensor designed for rapid, on-site quantification of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in environments where concentrations exceed standard safety thresholds—specifically within the 2.5% to 40% (v/v) range. Engineered for operational robustness in hydrocarbon exploration and production settings, this detection tube leverages the established North川 (Kitagawa) principle: gas-phase diffusion through a calibrated glass tube containing a chemically reactive reagent layer that undergoes stoichiometric oxidation upon contact with H₂S, producing a sharply defined color front. The length of the stained zone correlates directly with concentration via pre-calibrated linear刻度 (scale), enabling direct visual readout without electronic instrumentation. Its design eliminates dependency on power sources, calibration gases, or software—making it suitable for immediate deployment in remote wellheads, flare stacks, sour gas processing units, and emergency response scenarios under extreme ambient conditions (−10 °C to +50 °C).
Key Features
- High-concentration range coverage (2.5–40% H₂S), optimized for sour gas environments where ppm-level sensors saturate or fail
- Pre-calibrated linear scale with ±10% full-scale accuracy per JIS K 0321 verification protocol
- Compatible exclusively with the AP-20 dual-stroke hand pump (100 mL/stroke, fixed draw volume), ensuring consistent sampling volume and minimizing operator-induced variability
- Stable reagent formulation with shelf life of ≥24 months when stored unopened at 5–30 °C in original desiccated packaging
- Tube dimensions: 5.5 mm outer diameter × 130 mm length; compatible with standard North川-type holders and protective sleeves
- No cross-sensitivity to CO₂, CH₄, H₂O vapor, or common hydrocarbons below 10% v/v, as validated per ISO 8573-5 interference testing guidelines
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 120UT tube is validated for use with ambient air, natural gas streams, and vented process gases containing up to 95% methane or inert diluents. It is not intended for use in oxygen-deficient (<19.5% O₂) or explosive atmospheres without certified intrinsically safe accessories. All tubes are manufactured in Japan under ISO 9001-certified quality control systems and comply with Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K 0321 (“Method for Determination of Gaseous Pollutants Using Indicator Tubes”). While not FDA- or EPA-certified for regulatory reporting, its performance aligns with ASTM D6227 (Standard Practice for Field Screening of Hydrogen Sulfide in Natural Gas) for preliminary hazard assessment and Tier-1 exposure triage. Documentation includes lot-specific certificate of analysis, expiration date, and batch traceability—supporting GLP-aligned field logbook entries.
Software & Data Management
This is a standalone analog detection system requiring no firmware, drivers, or data logging software. Quantitative results are recorded manually in field notebooks or digital inspection forms. For audit readiness, users may photograph the developed tube against its scale under standardized lighting (D65 illuminant recommended) and archive images with metadata (time, location, pump strokes, ambient temperature). When integrated into enterprise EHS platforms, readings can be entered via mobile forms compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements. No electronic validation (e.g., 21 CFR Part 11) applies, as the method is non-instrumental and operator-read.
Applications
- Rapid H₂S screening at oil & gas wellheads prior to maintenance entry or blowdown operations
- Verification of scavenger efficiency in amine treaters and solid-bed desulfurization units
- Emergency response during pipeline ruptures or storage tank over-pressurization events
- Validation of ventilation effectiveness in confined spaces (e.g., manholes, separators)
- Field calibration checks for fixed H₂S analyzers operating in high-range mode
- Training exercises for HAZWOPER and API RP 54 personnel on real-time gas hazard recognition
FAQ
What is the shelf life of the 120UT tube?
Unopened tubes retain accuracy for 24 months from manufacture date when stored between 5 °C and 30 °C in original sealed packaging with desiccant.
Can the 120UT be used in high-humidity environments?
Yes—reagent formulation includes humidity-resistant binders; however, condensation inside the tube must be avoided. Use only in non-condensing conditions or with optional hydrophobic inlet filters.
Is the AP-20 pump included with the 120UT tube?
No—the AP-20 hand pump is sold separately and is required for all North川-type tubes. Each 100 mL stroke delivers precise draw volume essential for concentration calculation.
Does this tube meet OSHA or NIOSH exposure limit requirements?
It does not measure at occupational exposure levels (ppm); rather, it identifies immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) concentrations (>100 ppm ≈ 0.01%) and above—supporting evacuation decisions, not compliance monitoring.
How should spent tubes be disposed?
As hazardous chemical waste per local regulations: the reagent contains lead acetate derivatives. Do not incinerate or dispose in general waste. Refer to SDS Section 13 for disposal classification (UN 3294, PG III).
