Continuous H2S Monitoring Solution Protects People and the Environment in Reykjavik

Meeting the Challenge

High concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can cause significant risks to health, including irritation to the lungs, eyes, nose and mouth. H2S monitoring is crucial within geothermal power plants to ensure the safety of workers and nearby communities, alongside protecting the air, water, soil and vegetation in the surrounding environment.

Geothermal energy is generated by tapping into the heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface and is most prolific in areas of high volcanic activity or where there are high levels of underground sulfur deposits.  Although it is a relatively clean and renewable energy source, high amounts of H2S can be released throughout the process, which causes concern due to the potential toxicity and strong, unpleasant odor often likened to that of rotten eggs.

According to The Environment Agency of Iceland, geothermal energy production in the Reykjavik area of Iceland continues to increase and, as the smell of H2S is commonly noticed around the Reykjavik area. The Department of Environment for Reykjavik City has been measuring H2S since 2006, with levels expected to remain below 50 micro grams per cubic meter.

The Solution

To ensure regulatory compliance, managers at a leading Icelandic geothermal power plant turned to Badger Meter for a bespoke BlueEdge™ solution to monitor and control the levels of H2S released during energy and hot water production.

Developed on one of Iceland’s largest high temperature geothermal fields, this extensive site is one of the world’s foremost geothermal power plants, producing and supplying both electricity and hot water for the district heating networks to the city of Reykjavik. District heating is a system using a single heat source, in this case the geothermal fields, to distribute hot water via a network of insulated pipes to multiple homes and commercial settings.

Falling within the measurement and control element of the BlueEdge portfolio, Q46S/81 Dissolved Sulfide Autochem monitor employs a unique gas-phase method to continuously measure sulfide without contact between the sensor and the water sample, providing reliable, accurate and precise monitoring to reduce risk and enhance sustainability. Compatible with a range of communications protocols such as Modbus-RTU, Profibus-DP and Ethernet-IP, this system can be combined with parts of the connectivity and communication portfolio to create a custom solution which provides robust, actionable data in real time, enabling a powerful overview of the system to enhance operations.

Conclusion

This leading-edge system continually measures the amounts of H2S within the district heating water, offering peace of mind and ensuring health, safety and wellbeing for both plant personnel and the people of Reykjavik, while protecting and maintaining the natural beauty of the surrounding area for future generations.