H2S Monitoring in Oil & Gas Production

H2S – Hydrogen Sulfide – is the number one hazardous substance in oil and gas production. The presence of this gas comes with numerous risks, making prevention measures and monitoring procedures of paramount importance throughout the extraction and production process. 

Hydrogen Sulfide is a flammable, colorless gas that is extremely toxic, even in low concentrations. Smelling like “rotten eggs”, it is heavier than air and as such, accumulates in low-lying areas such as oil and gas production well sites, refineries, and in pipelines used to transport crude oil and natural gas. As much as 30% of natural gas in the world may contain H2S, and in the petroleum industry, this means that monitoring for this gas is important not only for the safety of the workers on site, but also for the longevity of equipment, as H2S is highly corrosive and can degrade production and storage equipment.

Hydrogen Sulfide is formed during the microbial breakdown of organic materials in the absence of oxygen, such as the decomposition of dead plant and animal materials. Geothermal sources are also a source of H2S. During oil and gas production, H2S can accumulate in the low lying areas at the production site. When drilling rods are pulled out of boreholes too quickly, liquids containing H2S can be released to the surface, leading to hazardous exposure of H2S emissions. There are several areas that are especially high risk and necessitate active monitoring and training programs for workers.

• Drilling posts
• Drill hole valves 
• Rock vibrations 
• Drilling mud reservoirs 
• Pipelines/pump stations for H₂S-contaminated waste water 
• Raw material storage areas in refineries 
• Pipelines, tanks and valves in storage areas
• Confined spaces and vessels

Keeping hydrogen sulfide in check, H2S scavengers reduce the risk of exposure to this harmful gas. Liquid scavenging agents are used via injection into pipelines and break down and remove H2S from crude oil and production liquids. There are a variety of applications for H2S scavengers and techniques that are adapted to your specific site and are designed for crude oil, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, steam-assisted gravity drainage and water treatment. It is also possible for H2S to be released into the atmosphere in instances of damage or accidents, so in addition to monitoring devices on personnel, many production facilities must also monitor H2S levels for a radius around production and refinery sites to ensure the ongoing safety of workers and inhabitants of surrounding areas.

APPLICATIONS FOR H2S SCAVENGERS

• Wellsites
• Production platforms
• Ships
• Pipelines
• Refineries
• Tank trucks
• Storage tanks
• Railcars

Protecting both equipment and pipelines from degradation due to corrosion and bacteria, while reducing levels of toxic gasses in order to meet safety standards, the use of oilfield biocides and H₂S Scavengers provide environmentally advanced formulations addressing every phase of well-site operations and chemical storage, handling, transportation and disposal.

As an H2S Specialist, DynaChem has repeatedly demonstrated an unmatched ability to drastically reduce injection rates necessary to achieve stability. Providing fast-acting concentrations designed to accommodate your specific applications and requirements, these additives allow you to reduce the potential for damages to your equipment and personnel and maintain effective production operations. 

DynaChem operates as if your assets and employees are our own, protecting your investment and ensuring safe, uninterrupted production. Our extensive resume with respect to monitoring H2S in operations systems provides an unmatched ability to deliver operators safer working environments. DynaChem believes that no matter the years of experience, from field safety to technical chemistry, it is important to continually evaluate our clients’ site conditions, equipment usage, and our own chemical formulations to provide the highest level of service across all phases of Oil and Gas Production.