H2S is a major problem in the oil and gas industry, having been found in more than 40 percent of all domestic wells. The amount of H2S appears to increase as wells grow older. It could be either naturally present in the well reservoir or arise as a result of microbial contamination.
H2S and its corrosive byproducts pose a serious risk to oilfield production, while also causing a major safety concern for employees. Treating H2S with traditional triazine scavengers is detrimental to splitters and other refining equipment due to the fouling that occurs.
Through innovative chemistries, Additive Direct Services specializes in different chemical applications for the removal of H2S.
Additive Direct Services' Pro-3 series of non-amine H2S scavengers has been introduced as the next-generation scavenger to replace MEA-triazine in liquid hydrocarbon streams. This cost-effective, proven chemistry is currently being used in oilfields, terminals and refineries.
The Pro-3 H2S scavenger is the result of a need to reduce the fouling created by amine-based scavengers in refineries, production streams and crude oil terminals. The Pro-3 series also improves H2S removal performance compared to MEA-triazine and is an irreversible chemical reaction.
Additive Direct Services' Pro-3 non-amine H2S scavenger was recently used at an Eagle Ford collection terminal to replace MEA-triazine, illustrating the Pro-3's benefits over amine-based alternatives.
Challenges
At the Eagle Ford collection terminal, two 100,000-barrel inland collection crude oil storage tanks were injected with up to 500 gallons per day of an MEA-triazine scavenger. Approximately 150 trucks were unloaded daily at the terminal, with H2S levels ranging from 30 parts per million by volume (ppmv) to 25,000 ppmv.
A high level of H2S in the storage tanks was still observed after MEA-triazine injection, which required the customer to have expensive independent H2S monitoring and additional treatment, resulting in delivery delays.
Solution and results
The Pro-3 H2S scavenger was recommended to replace the MEA-triazine scavenger, resulting in reduced chemical cost, less chemical and demurrage savings.
An injection system consisting of a single 6,000-gallon ISO tank with automated pumps replaced a system of five individual tote tanks previously used to inject MEA-triazine.
Whereas the levels of H2S in the storage tanks after treatment using MEA-triazine remained over 10 ppmv, the levels after treatment using the Pro-3 series were under 1 ppmv.
Over 2 million barrels of Eagle Ford Light, Eagle Ford Regular and West Texas Intermediate are treated monthly with the Pro-3 series.
Chemical consumption was cut by 80 percent compared to using the MEA-triazine scavenger, resulting in chemical deliveries cut by 75 percent, translating into cost savings; no additional treatments were required because, unlike MEA-triazine, the Pro-3 reaction is irreversible.
The need for H2S monitoring personnel was eliminated at this location, resulting in additional savings. Spot checks and daily electronic monitoring are now sufficient to maintain a safe environment. On-site bulk storage of the chemical resulted in reduced logistics and freight costs.
A staff with expertise
Additive Direct Services was founded in 2015 by a team of highly experienced and dedicated individuals specializing in chemical additive treatments. Based in Houston, the team has since expanded operations from the Texas Gulf Coast to the Middle East and Europe.
With over 40 years of combined experience in the refining and petroleum blending industry, leading multifunctional teams through projects around the globe, Additive Direct Services stands apart from other companies by providing unparalleled service and cutting-edge expertise.
The "can-do" culture at Additive Direct Services has provided the motivation and drive for the company to become well-known as a problem solver for challenging projects. Large or small, all projects are given the same attention to detail and accuracy.
For more information, visit www.additivedirectservices.com or call (281) 253-1602.
