Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Measurement of Outgassing Rates of Steels
Published on: December 13, 2016
Effect of sewer headspace air-flow on hydrogen sulfide removal by corroding concrete surfaces
Asbjørn Haaning Nielsen1, Thorkild Hvitved-Jacobsen, Jes Vollertsen
1Section of Water and Soil, Department of Civil Engineering, Aalborg University, Sohngaardsholmsvej 57, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark.
Abstract:
Hydrogen sulfide adsorption and oxidation by corroding concrete surfaces at different air-flows were quantified using a pilot-scale sewer reactor. The setup was installed in an underground sewer research station with direct access to wastewater. Hydrogen sulfide gas was injected into the headspace of the sewer reactor once per hour in peak concentrations of approximately 500 ppmv. The investigated range of sewer air-flows was representative for natural ventilated sewer systems, and covered both laminar and turbulent conditions. The experiments demonstrated a significant effect of sewer air-flow on the kinetics of hydrogen sulfide removal from the sewer headspace. From the lowest to the highest air-flow investigated, the rate of adsorption and oxidation increased more than threefold. At all air-flows, the reaction kinetics followed a simple n-th order rate equation with a reaction order of 0.8. The effect of air-flow on hydrogen sulfide adsorption and oxidation kinetics was quantified by a simple empirical equation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Acid Attack on Concrete
The rate at which hydrogen...
Corrosion of Reinforcement
However, over time and under certain conditions like carbonation, chloride ingress, and cracking this protective state can be compromised. Steel has areas with...
Sulfate Attack on Concrete
Sulfates from sources like soil, groundwater, or industrial effluents...
Effect of Sea Water on Concrete
Concrete in areas between tide marks, which undergo...
Microbial Corrosion
Carbonation Shrinkage
The concrete's permeability is slightly reduced as calcium carbonate produced during the reaction fills its pores. Furthermore, its strength is slightly enhanced as the water released during the reaction facilitates the...

