H 2 S – A Growing Challenge In The Oil & Gas Industry

 Keeping Operations Safe At Sour Gas Fields.

It’s no secret that the global oil and gas industry continues to grow with the passing of each year. And with this growth, mature oil and gas fields that contain high concentrations of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), are now becoming developed quickly in an effort to meet the continued demand of the global supply chain. With these new developments, refineries and oil and gas corporations are taking added precautions to mitigate the risk in dealing with these H2S so-called, “sour fields.”

East wind is one of the leading safety companies passionately working to provide protective equipment, gas detection equipment, escape and rescue services, and training programs specifically designed to keep workers protected when on the oil field. With the ability to deliver customized safety solutions backed by the expertise of industry professionals, East wind endlessly works to keep operations safe at sour gas fields.

It Begins With Gas Detection

One thing that makes H2S gas so hazardous is the fact it is entirely colorless and invisible. The only real way to detect it is through advanced technological measuring and monitoring equipment, or with a keen sense of smell – and that’s only if it’s found in extremely low concentrations. Once this gas reaches about 100ppm, it numbs our olfactory nerves, rendering our sense of smell virtually useless.

In high levels, H2S can be life threatening. Due to its corrosive and flammable properties, any lapse in safety precautions at an oil and gas field could spell danger for workers and for those living in the surrounding area. For that very reason, Eastwind is constantly focused on beginning our approach with gas detection.

Why Is Gas Detection So Important?

Detecting gas prior to the start of work and during the scope of work is absolutely critical to the general safety of those involved. Most global oil and gas fields are located in harsh and remote areas, which makes it difficult for emergency service personnel to reach these sites in the event of an explosion or a leak of H2S.

Knowing this, East wind has implemented strict detection and monitoring practices to ensure that normal levels in sour gas facilities are maintained. Through the use of cutting-edge detection technology, colorimetric detector tubes, and personal monitoring instrumentation that uses electrochemical sensors to detect H2S and ensure that levels are aligned with the new, lowered ACGIH H2S guidelines.

Although our electrochemical sensors are personal monitoring instruments, we firmly believe that they are the most practical instruments to use in this case, solely because it responds within seconds to gas detection. For example, the Draeger Model PAC 6500 Gas Detector has a response rate of 15 seconds or less, ultimately helping to prevent workplace hazards and dangerous situations from developing.