specialists in lifecycle operations management

Sour Gas (Hydrogen Sulphide) Operations

1 Introduction to the course

1.1 Summary of hazards
1.2 Purpose of the training course

2 Sources of hydrogen sulphide

2.1 Occurrences within the oil, gas and water industries
2.2 Microbiological generation, water treatment for Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) using biocides

3 Physical properties of hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans

3.1 Units of measurement
3.2 Gas clouds formation, momentum-jet dilution effects
3.3 Gas dispersion and density considerations
3.4 Pyrophoric iron sulphide - generation and safe removal
3.5 Corrosion effects
3.6 Flammability limits
3.7 Solubility in water and hydrocarbons

4 Toxic properties of hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans

4.1 Toxic effects on individuals, effect on the sense of smell
4.2 Workplace Exposure Limits, EH40, 8 Hour and 15 Minute Limits, (American IDLH)
4.3 Comparison with other toxic gases
4.4 The COSHH Regulations- EH40
4.5 "Take Note - and Remember!"
4.6 Video about working with H2S

5 Safe operating practices

5.1 General safety policies and limits
5.2 Area classification
5.3 Medical standards (and myths!)
5.4 Use of the "Buddy" system
5.5 Sampling and other tasks
5.6 Site emergency procedures
5.7 Personnel training

6 Detection of hydrogen sulphide

6.1 Chemical methods, including historic techniques
6.2 Electrical methods, including the electrochemical cell and semi-conductor sensors
6.3 Limitation and failure modes of hydrogen sulphide gas sensors
6.4 Instrument categories and specification
6.5 Use of personal, portable and fixed gas detection equipment

7 Using portable / personal gas detectors

The portable/personal gas detector, how to use it, toxic gas and oxygen measurements, pre-issue testing, sources of error and malfunction and how to both recognise and reduce instrument failures. Effect of other gases on gas sensors.

8 Draeger, Kitagawa or Gastec chemical stain tubes

8.1 Introduction
8.2 Using the chemical stain tube gas detector for H2S detection
8.3 Using the gas detector
8.4 Most frequent problems with chemical detector tubes

9 Certification for hazardous areas

9.1 The certification label and its location
9.2 Thermite sparking and static hazards
9.3 Gas detectors, repair and maintenance rules

10 Written multiple-choice question assessment test

Results of the MCQ assessment test and discussion

11 Workshop practical session

11.1 Preparing the gas detector for use
11.2 Understanding the role of personal and portable H2S detectors
11.3 Practical experience in using the site gas detectors
11.4 Use of escape sets

12 Case studies

Analysing a number of recorded accounts involving exposure to toxic levels of hydrogen sulphide to determine:

  • the effect of the gas on the persons involved
  • correct and incorrect plant procedures
  • correct and incorrect use of the 'Buddy' system
  • correct and incorrect use of breathing apparatus and escape sets

 


About the courses

OPITO/COGENT APPROVED [PDF 12KB] training courses provide the underpinning knowledge and competence assessment for Authorised Gas Testers who are involved in one or more of the following duties:

NOTE

When organising a practical purging course I need to contact a site 'guru' - an engineer who probably will be attending the purging course and who will assist me in the presentation, studying the pipework to be purged - probably using a combination pressure and displacement purge of your vessel or pipework. During this discussion I would request photographs of plant and fittings to assist in the presentation of the course, possibly recorded on a CD and sent to me to study prior to the Course, discuss sources of nitrogen, quantities, regulators and tubing to undertake the purge. You may wish to include screen-shots of the plant to broaden the scope of the course to cover, in theory, a full purge of the plant during a shut-down.