Operating in H2S Environments

MAC:
- Maximum Allowable Concentration = 10 ppm for an 8 hour exposure.
- Occupational Exposure Limit for Shell OUs

pH of drilling fluid
- pH control of the drilling fluids is absolutely necessary while drilling H2S bearing formations.
- Proper pH of the fluid allows the conversion of H2S gas into the less harmful HS-, permits the
solubilising of organic thinners, enhances the scavenging ability of zinc carbonate and allows for
the efficient removal of any resulting carbonate buildup from zinc carbonate additions.
- Optimum pH while drilling H2S formations is 9.5 - 11.0.

Zinc Carbonate
- Zinc carbonate is the most popular and preferred H2S scavenger currently utilised by Shell.
- Chemically it is a manufactured, non-stoichiometric compound with a formula approximating
3Zn(OH)2.2ZnC03.
- Commercial grades contain 55 to 58% zinc by weight.