Origins of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in gas reservoirs by isotopic analyses: the mitigation of operation risks

Autor: Chalmers, Gareth R. L., Bustin, Amanda A., Sanlorenzo, Andrea, Bustin, R. Marc
Zdroj: APPEA Journal - Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association; 2022, Vol. 62 Issue: 2 pS400-S405, 6p
Abstrakt: The distribution and origin of hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) within gas reservoirs is an important issue due to its toxicity and ability to corrode metal infrastructure, even at low concentrations (i.e. 50 ppm). H2 S gas is regarded as a high priority for health and safety at drilling sites. The distribution of H2 S, in some basins, can be inexplicable with a mix of sweet (no H2 S) and sour (contains H2 S) wells within one multi-well pad. Sour gas is a concern in some gas and coal fields in Australia which include Gippsland, Bowen and Cooper-Eromanga basins as well as in the North West Shelf with typical concentrations below 10 000 ppm. For example, the German Creek Formation (Bowen Basin) contains up to 77 ppm of H2 S gas and coal seam gas producers will need to perform a risk assessment while exploring and developing this resource. There are multiple sources of H2 S gas sulfur and this includes sulfate minerals, pyrite, organic sulfur or from frack water. This research utilises the isotopic variation in the sulfur and oxygen of potential sources, coupled with petrological analyses to determine H2 S gas generation. Data is used to predict the gas distribution within the reservoirs to reduce exploration risks. One initial study on the Triassic Montney Formation in western Canada produces H2 S gas at concentrations up to 220 000 ppm. Isotopic analyses suggest that the H2 S is generated from either Triassic sulfates or a mixture of Triassic and Devonian sources and not solely from Devonian rocks as first expected.
Databáze: Supplemental Index