The global exploration for oil and gas includes a growing number of Sour Fields. H₂S is a colourless gas that is highly corrosive and flammable, one breath can be lethal at concentrations as low as 100ppm.

Challenge / Summary:

Reduced Risk – The challenge was to reduce the risk to personnel from both potentially harmful gas exposure and utilising breathing apparatus in ambient temperatures above 40°c

Dynamic Data – Data was to be available real-time to the client onsite-offshore and onshore to allow dynamic decision making.

Solution:

SMS mobilised and installed their Real-time Inline H₂S Monitoring System, via existing sampling points, with the system setup as a closed loop, minimising potentially lethal gas emissions. Up to 30% H₂S concentration can be measured without the need for personnel to be tasked with taking samples.

Results:

SMS successfully conducted the first-ever topside H₂S real-time monitoring during a multiple DST programme in harsh conditions in UAE, monitoring H₂S levels of up to 6%, without the need for personnel to take manual samples onsite. Throughout all phases of the operation, continuous H₂S readings of gas stream were taken and the results made available onsite, remotely and via the well test acquisition system.

Value to Client:

Reduced Risk to Personnel:

• Reduced risk from potential exposure to harmful gases
• Reduced risk to personnel using breathing apparatus in ambient temperatures above 40°c

Reduced Manpower Costs:

• Reduced requirement for personnel to be tasked with taking samples

Real-time data:

• Increased speed at which data is available, allowing dynamic decision making