Distribution and treatment of harmful gas from heavy oil production in the Liaohe Oilfield, Northeast China

Abstract

The distribution and treatment of harmful gas (H2S) in the Liaohe Oilfield, Northeast China, were investigated in this study. It was found that abundant toxic gas (H2S) is generated in thermal recovery of heavy oil. The H2S gas is mainly formed during thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) occurring in oil reservoirs or the thermal decomposition of sulfocompounds (TDS) in crude oil. H2S generation is controlled by thermal recovery time, temperature and the injected chemical compounds. The quantity of SO42− in the injected compounds is the most influencing factor for the rate of TSR reaction. Therefore, for prevention of H2S formation, periodic and effective monitoring should be undertaken and adequate H2S absorbent should also be provided during thermal recovery of heavy oil. The result suggests that great efforts should be made to reduce the SO42− source in heavy oil recovery, so as to restrain H2S generation in reservoirs. In situ burning or desulfurizer adsorption are suggested to reduce H2S levels. Prediction and prevention of H2S are important in heavy oil production. This will minimize environmental and human health risks, as well as equipment corrosion.