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Safe work with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the oil fields
Safe work with hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the oil fieldsHydrogen sulfide is a highly flammable hazardous gas that occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas. It also is present in sewage, created through the breakdown of organic matter, and can cause negative health effects when inhaled. Hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air so it tends to be more highly concentrated in low-lying areas that are poorly ventilated, such as basements, manholes, sewer lines, and underground telephone or electrical vaults.
The reason it cognizance or disregarded by worker or boss, the risk of exposure to hydrogen sulfide is associated with individual and collective catastrophic incidents.
Dermal, respiratory, and eye chronic exposure to low concentration (non-lethal) to hydrogen sulfide causes symptoms and risks can be summarized as follows:
  1. Permanent eye allergy associated with the pin, blurring of vision, and chronic allergy for nose and throat affect the sense of smell and taste.
  2. Shortness of breath associated with cough, anorexia and nausea bouts and dizziness, headache with neurological and psychological crises and unconsciousness crises.
These chronic symptoms afflicting the oil facilities workers may be individually or jointly according to the duration of exposure (work time or residence, the human body’s immune, quality of food, … etc.).
In general emergence of some or all these symptoms on worker be reflected in work product quality and its economy so all workers and bosses who work in oil and gas field must know the concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas in the field and the risk of exposure and know required safety procedure to ensure the work and worker.

Define of hydrogen sulfide

hydrogen sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, flammable, extremely hazardous gas with a "rotten egg” smell, heavier than air so it exists in lowland when it leaking.  It occurs naturally in crude petroleum, natural gas, and hot springs. Industrial activities that can produce the gas include petroleum/natural gas drilling and refining, wastewater treatment, coke ovens, tanneries, and Kraft paper mills. Hydrogen sulfide can also exist as a liquid compressed gas.
This following table shows its physical characteristics:
H2S physical characteristics

Disclosed hydrogen sulfide

They may not rely on the sense of smell to detect hydrogen sulfide because of its gravity. There are several ways to detect it (Methylene blue, Gas and liquid chromatography, Color of flame and Gas detector).


Level of risk and preventive action

H2S Level of risk

Avoiding exposure

Before entering areas where hydrogen sulfide may be present, have a qualified person test the air. This will indicate whether fire or explosion precautions are necessary.
If the gas is present, the area should be ventilated. If the gas cannot be removed, workers should be equipped with proper personal protective, rescue and communication equipment. A self-contained breathing apparatus is required in spaces with a concentration higher than 100 parts per million.

Health effects of hydrogen sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide a mucous membrane and respiratory tract irritant; pulmonary edema, which may be immediate or delayed, can occur after exposure to high concentrations.
  1. Low concentrations irritate the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system (e.g., burning/tearing of eyes, cough, shortness of breath). Asthmatics may experience breathing difficulties. The effects can be delayed for several hours, or sometimes several days when working in low-¬‐level concentrations. Repeated or prolonged exposures may cause eye inflammation, headache, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, digestive disturbances, and weight loss.
  2. Moderate concentrations can cause more severe eye and respiratory irritation (including coughing, difficulty breathing, accumulation of fluid in the lungs), headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, staggering and excitability.
  3. High concentrations can cause shock, convulsions, inability to breathe, extremely rapid unconsciousness, coma, and death. Effects can occur within a few breaths, and possibly a single breath.


Category: Article | Views: 727 | Added by: karwanpro | Tags: Disclosed hydrogen sulfide, physical characteristics of H2S, Oil Fields, oil field, hydrogen sulfide, H2S | Rating: 0.0/0
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