Development and Testing of a Hydrogen Sulfide
Detection System for Use in Swine Housing

Project Leaders:
Dr. Robert Burns, Dr. Hongwei Xin, Dr. Steve Hoff, Ross Muhlbauer, Randy Swestka, Brian Zelle, Hong Li, and Lara Moody

Project Background:

Transient hazardous conditions occur in swine barns due to sudden burst of H₂S gas release at high concentrations when manure slurry is agitated during removal. Generally, it is the burst characteristic of H₂S gas releases that elevate concentrations to unsafe levels. Studies have shown that H₂S levels can go from harmless to dangerous in a matter of minutes during agitation of manure in sub-floor pits (Patni and Clarke, 2003). A study by Robert et al. (2001) showed that added ventilation can effectively clear H₂S from a swine house and that detection systems adapted for use in swine housing should be developed.

Randy assembles the wireless H₂S sensor

Project Objectives:

For use during manure agitation and removal from under-floor sulrry storage pits in swine houses:

• Develop and test a wireless (H₂S) detection system
• Develop management options to increase human safety and maintain animal health
• Collect, analyze, and publish data on H₂S concentrations throughout a manure agitation and pumping event.

The long term goal of this project is to reduce the risk of human and animal fatalities from hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) poisoning during manure agitation and pumping events.

Related Papers and Presentations:

Presentation on H₂S Detection System for Swine Housing