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Title: Drilling fluids with scavengers help control H[sub 2]S

Journal Article · · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)
OSTI ID:7281794
 [1]
  1. M-I Drilling Fluids Co., Houston, TX (United States)

Maintaining a high pH and using chemical sulfide scavengers in oil-based and water-based drilling muds can neutralize hydrogen sulfide (H[sub 2]S). Safe, successful drilling of H[sub 2]S-bearing formations requires good drilling practices, extra attention to casing design, and proper drilling fluid formulation. The drilling fluid must be capable of controlling formation pressures, protecting workers, inhibiting corrosion, limiting drilling fluid contamination, maintaining well bore stability, and removing sulfide contamination rapidly. High-alkalinity drilling fluids with excess lime are recommended to provide buffering capacity for pH neutralization. Following the detection of soluble sulfides, the fluid should be immediately treated with the applicable scavenger. Sulfide scavengers must react with soluble sulfides to form an insoluble metal sulfide precipitate. Effective scavengers must have rapid and complete reactions with H[sup 2]S, HS[sup [minus]], and S[sup =] in the chemical and physical environment of the circulating system with minimal side effects. Currently, three zinc-based additives and one iron oxide compound are the most widely used scavengers.

OSTI ID:
7281794
Journal Information:
Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Vol. 92:21; ISSN 0030-1388
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English