Hydrogen sulfide is a substance that has the most dangerous and deadly effect in crude oil and natural gas production. It can be referred to by different names such as H2S, sour gas and sulphurous hydrogen. Due to the lethal nature of this substance, it is carefully observed by the oil and gas sector workers. This gas is formed during the decomposition of organic matter containing sulfur in the geological layers drilled to extract oil.
Hydrogen sulfide is a very toxic, colorless and flammable gas, but it is heavier than air. It also has a smell similar to the rotten egg smell that can be noticed by everyone. But smell is not a reliable determinant. The ability to smell when the air in which this gas is mixed is inhaled rapidly loses this ability. For this reason, the presence of gas can easily be detected due to the smell of a very unreliable security feeling causes.
High exposure to this gas may cause unconsciousness in as few seconds as possible. The most effective method for determining the amount of this gas is the detection method using approved detectors. If the release of gas is suspected, the concentration of the gas must be determined before employees are allowed to enter this area. If this gas is found to be released, the following operations should be performed:
- The location of the drilling rig should be improved with fixed electronic H2S monitors and associated audible and visual alarms.
- Daily calibration checks should be carried out according to the monitor manufacturer's instructions for use.
- Wind direction indicators, at least two, must be located in areas visible from the ground part of the drilling rig, from the screen and mud tanks.
- At least one blower must be located on the floor of the drilling rig. It is recommended that these blower fans be located at the bottom of the sieve, sludge tanks and at the bottom.
- H2S warning signs must be located further than 1 / 4 miles from the borehole.
- Each borehole shall contain at least two pre-determined safe collection areas and at least two self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
- Artificial breathing units should be placed on the ground of the drilling rig to provide escape safety in case of emergencies in the vicinity of the arm assemblies, sieve and sludge tanks.
- All officials in the drilling field must have completed an approved H2S program.
- Since the H2S is more airborne, the ground floor will accumulate in troughs such as trenches, so if there are no blower fans, the personnel in these areas need to be particularly careful.
- In high-density areas, two-person teams should be employed and artificial respirators should be available at all times.
- It should be strongly avoided to enter a closed area such as a tank or boiler without taking any training and application of the entrance to the enclosed area, without permission to enter if deemed necessary, and to determine that it is safe for access after the measurements at the determined place.
Hydrogen sulfide is a foul smelling, colorless, heavier than air and flammable gas. More importantly, this chemical compound is a toxic gas. Because it is heavier than air, it pushes oxygen upwards in its environment. Therefore, it causes poisoning of the people in the environment and corrosion of the materials. The most prominent features in terms of human health are dizziness, headache, nausea and dizziness and loss of strength, low blood pressure and loss of direction. The presence of high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide suppresses the person's sense of smell and causes sudden death if inhaled. In case of prolonged exposure to low concentrations, people lose their sense of smell.
Hydrogen sulfide is a very dangerous and lethal chemical compound especially in the production of natural gas and crude oil plants. Hydrogen sulfide is also referred to as sour gas or sulfur hydrogen. Due to the lethal properties of this substance, the life and health of the workers in the oil and gas sector are constantly monitored and measured. Hydrogen sulfide is formed during the decomposition of sulfur-containing organic materials between the deep geological layers during oil extraction. Hydrogen sulfide is also a combustible gas. It is heavier than air. Sometimes the smell is similar to the smell of rotten eggs. However, the odor is not effective in determining this gas. Because this gas in a very short time eliminates the ability of people to smell.
If exposed to high levels of hydrogen sulfide gas, loss of consciousness may occur within a few seconds. The most effective method of measuring this gas is the use of approved detectors. As soon as gas is released, workers should be kept away from the area and the concentration of the gas determined. In this respect, measurements to be carried out by authorized laboratories are of utmost importance. Our organization performs hydrogen sulfide (H2S) measurements within the scope of gas measurements. In these studies, the relevant legal regulations, standards and test methods published by domestic and foreign organizations are being followed. Meanwhile, our organization has been accredited in accordance with TS EN ISO / IEC 17025 standards from Turkish Accreditation Institution (TÜRCERT) and the test, measurement, analysis, control and inspection procedures and reports issued are considered valid in private and official audits.
