Sulphur is found naturally occurring in various forms and concentrations in crude oils. Of all the sulphur containing compounds found, the volatile components such as sulphides, thiols (mercaptans) and thiophenes are of most interest. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is the predominant volatile species most commonly found in crude oil while typically, thiols, are the next most prevalent species.
Sampling pressurised oils and gases for subsequent determination of these sulphur species can be problematic since reduced sulphur species tend to have an affinity for the surfaces of steel sampling vessels. An untreated steel sample vessel may absorb sulphur species (in particular H2S) from the sample during transit and storage. When the sample is then analysed in the laboratory, erroneously low values for the volatile sulphur compounds may be obtained.
For this reason, the ADS team use conditioned or coated vessels to prevent absorption of sulphur species during transportation and storage.
Sulphur Species in the Oil and Gas Industry
Sulphur is found naturally occurring in various forms and concentrations in crude oils. Of all the sulphur containing compounds found, the volatile components such as sulphides, thiols (mercaptans) and thiophenes are of most interest. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is the predominant volatile species most commonly found in crude oil while typically, thiols, are the next most prevalent species.
Sampling pressurised oils and gases for subsequent determination of these sulphur species can be problematic since reduced sulphur species tend to have an affinity for the surfaces of steel sampling vessels. An untreated steel sample vessel may absorb sulphur species (in particular H2S) from the sample during transit and storage. When the sample is then analysed in the laboratory, erroneously low values for the volatile sulphur compounds may be obtained.
For this reason, the ADS team use conditioned or coated vessels to prevent absorption of sulphur species during transportation and storage.