Hydrogen Sulphide Risk Analysis
Deadly gas well blowout in China
Pipe corrosion caused by hydrogen sulfide
Sealing gold tubes for pyrolysis experiments using an arc welder
The Paradox of TSR

• Thermochemical reduction of sulphate has been known for over 40 years
• Geologic observations and thermodynamic calculations indicate that the reaction is favored under reservoir conditions
• However, TSR has never been simulated in the laboratory under geologically realistic conditions
• Either some kinetic inhibitors exist or high activation energies are required to reach a transition state

Methods

• Extensive hydrous pyrolysis experimentation under simulated reservoir conditions
• Quantification of generated gases using a custom GC containing 6 columns and 3 detectors (1 FID and 2 TCD) for simultaneous analysis of Ar, CO, CO2, H2, H2S, He, N2, and hydrocarbons
• GC/MS, XPS, and XRD analysis of pyrolysis residues
• Stable sulfur isotopic analysis of H2S, sulphate, and S°
• Molecular modeling of proposed reaction mechanisms
• Kinetic modeling for extrapolation of experimental reaction rates to geologic heating rates
Vacuum line for collection of gas products from pyrolysis experiments
Research Objectives
• Understand the physicochemical controls on TSR reactions
• Develop a reaction network scheme for TSR
• Extrapolate laboratory results to geologic conditions using kinetic models
• Build a quantitative model of H2S generation potential to apply in basin models
• Identify diagnostic criteria for recognizing TSR reactions and constraining model predictions
Catalysis of TSR Reactions by Inorganic Cations
Hydrocarbon and Reservoir Chemistry Affect TSR Onset Temperature and Rate
TSR Affects Hydrocarbon Cracking
Industrial Partners
• British Petroleum
• ChevronTexaco
• ENI
• ExxonMobil
• SaudiAramco
• Shell Oil
• Total