ASTM D4810-20

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Designation: D4810 − 06 (Reapproved 2015) D4810 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Hydrogen Sulfide in Natural Gas Using Length-of-Stain
Detector Tubes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4810; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for a rapid and simple field determination of hydrogen sulfide in natural gas pipelines.
Available detector tubes provide a total measuring range of 0.5 ppm by volume up to 40 % by volume, although the majority of
applications will be on the lower end of this range (that is, under 120 ppm).
1.2 Typically, sulfur dioxide and mercaptans may cause positive interferences. In some cases, nitrogen dioxide can cause a
negative interference. Most detector tubes will have a “precleanse” layer designed to remove certain interferences up to some
maximum interferent level. Consult manufacturers’ instructions for specific interference information.
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4150 Terminology Relating to Gaseous Fuels
2.2 Gas Processors Association GPA Standard:
No. 2377-86 Test for Hydrogen Sulfide and Carbon Dioxide in Natural Gas Using Length of Stain Tubes
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms used in D03 Gaseous Fuels standards, refer to Terminology D4150.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D03 on Gaseous Fuels and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D03.07 on Analysis of Chemical
Composition of Gaseous Fuels.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2015Dec. 15, 2020. Published December 2015January 2021. Originally approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 20112015
as D4810 - 06 (2011).D4810 – 06(2015). DOI: 10.1520/D4810-06R15.10.1520/D4810-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from Gas Processors Association, 1812 First National Bank Bldg., Tulsa, OK 74103.Association (GPA), 6060 American Plaza, Suite 700, Tulsa, OK 74135,
http://www.gpaglobal.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4810 − 20
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The sample is drawn through a detector tube filled with a specially prepared chemical. Any hydrogen sulfide present in the
sampling reacts with the chemical to produce a color change or stain. The length of the stain produced in the detector tube, when
exposed to a measured volume of sample, is directly proportional to the amount of hydrogen sulfide present in the sample. A
hand-operated piston or bellows-type pump is used to draw a measured volume of sample through the tube at a controlled rate of
flow. The length of stain produced is converted to ppm (by volume) hydrogen sulfide (H S), by comparison to a calibration scale
supplied by the manufacturer for each box of detection tubes (higher range tubes have units of percent by volume). The system
is direct reading, easily portable, and completely suited to making rapid spot checks for hydrogen sulfide under field conditions.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The measurement of hydrogen sulfide in natural gas is important because of the gas quality specifications, the corrosive nature
of H S on pipeline materials, and the effects of H S on utilization equipment.
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5.2 This test method provides inexpensive field screening of hydrogen sulfide. The system design is such that it may be used by
nontechnical personnel with a minimum of proper training.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Length-of-Stain Detector Tube and Calibration Scale—A sealed glass tube with breakoff tips sized to fit the tube holder of the
pump. The reagent layer inside the tube, typically a silica gel substrate coated with the active chemicals, must be specific for
hydrogen sulfide and must produce a distinct color change when exposed to a sample of gas containing hydrogen sulfide. Any
substances known to interfere must be listed in the instructions accompanying the tubes. A calibration scale should be marked
directly on the tube or other markings which provide for easy interpretation of hydrogen sulfide content from a separate calibration
scale supplied with the tubes. The calibration scale shall correlate hydrogen sulfide concentration to the length of the color stain.
Shelf life of the detector tubes must be a minimum of two years from date of manufacture when stored according to manufacturers’
recommendations.
6.2 Detector Tube Pump—A hand-operated pump of a piston or bellows type. It must be capable of drawing 100 cm per stroke
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of sample through the detector tube with a volume tolerance of 65 cm . It must be specifically designed for use with detector
tubes.
NOTE 1—A detector tube and pump together form a unit and must be used as such. Each manufacturer calibrates detector tubes to match the flow
characteristics of their specific pump. Crossing brands of pumps and tubes is not permitted, as considerable loss of system accuracy is likely to occur.
(Note that at least one manufacturer allows extended samples up to 100 pumpstrokes to obtain lower detection levels. This may be automated for screening
purposes by drawing the sample from an inert collapsable container by vacuum displacement. The sample flow rate should be maintained within 65 %
of the manufacturer’s specified flow rate. Accuracy losses are apt to occur in such special applications, and such a system is recommended only for
screening purposes. Consult manufacturers regarding limitations.)
6.3 Gas Sampling Chamber—Any container that provides for access of the detector tube into a uniform flow of sample gas at
atmospheric pressure and isolates the sample from the surrounding atmosphere. A stainless steel needle valve (or pressure
regulator) is placed between the source valve and the sampling chamber for the purpose of throttling the sample flow. Flow rate
should approximate one to two volume changes per minute or, at minimum, provide positive exit gas flow throughout the detector
tube sampling period.
NOTE 2—A suitable sampling chamber may be devised from a polyethylene wash bottle of nominal 500-mL (16-oz) or 1-L (32-oz)500 mL (16 oz) or 1 L
(32 oz) size. The wash bottle’s internal delivery tube provides for delivery of the sample gas to the bottom of the bottle. A 12.5-mm12.5 mm ( ⁄2-in.) in.)
hole cut in the bottle’s cap provides access for the detector tube and vent for the purge gas (Fig. 1). (An alternate flow-through sampler may be fashioned
using a 1-gal1 gal Ziploc-type food storage bag. The flexible line enters one corner of the bag’s open end and extends to the bottom of the bag. The
opposite corner of the open end is used for tube access and sample vent. The remainder of the bag’s top is sealed shut. The basic procedure for the sampler
in Fig. 1 applies.)
NOTE 3—An alternate sampling container is a col
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