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5
Safety
The Garrett Gas Train is designed to test drilling fluids for soluble sulfides,
including hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S). Hydrogen sulfide is highly toxic and flam
-
mable. It smells like rotten eggs, but quickly deadens the sense of smell. You
may not be aware of the danger until it is too late.
When performing sulfide testing with the Garrett Gas Train, use extreme
caution to avoid breathing any hydrogen sulfide. Use appropriate personal
protection equipment at all times.
Nitrous oxide cartridges should not be used as pressure sources when run
-
ning a standard H
2
S test. Under elevated pressures, nitrous oxide can pos
-
sibly detonate in the presence of grease, ,oil or carbonaceous materials.
Nitrous oxide cartridges are to be used only for the Garrett Gas Train carbon
-
ate analysis.
Carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide cartridges are pressurized to approximately
900 psi at 1 atmosphere (sea level). Therefore they should not be placed in
airplanes without proper packaging due to the possibility of the cabin depres-
surization. Nor should they be exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged peri
-
ods of time.
Hydrogen sulfide is extremely corrosive, so it is important to check all elas
-
tomers (o-rings, rubber hoses, etc.) prior to running a test. Special attention
should be given to the elastomers that seal each of the three chambers as
these may easily be pinched or cut during assembly. Over time the elasto
-
mers may become hard and brittle, which will require replacement.
The Garrett Gas Train test requires only a very small amount of pressuriza
-
tion to move the gas between the three chambers. When turning the T-screw
on the regulator to initiate pressurization, turn it very slowly as it is easy to
overpressurize, resulting in hoses or the rubber septum explosively separat
-
ing from their connections.
When inserting the Dräger Tube into the hole next to chamber three, be very
careful to push downward and vertically, as it will be a tight fit due to the o-
ring seal. If inserting at an angle it is possible to break the glass Dräger Tube
resulting in injury to the hand or arm.
Dräger Tubes have a shelf life so pay attention to the date stamped on the
box. Expired Dräger Tubes can give incorrect results.
