Product Bulletin

SAFE-SCAVE HS SAFE-SCAV HS hydrogen sulfide scavenger is brine soluble and

remains soluble after reacting with H2S. Based on an organic
chemical in place of the typical zinc- or iron-base compound,
it provides a solids-free solution to H2S intrusion.

Physical appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . Liquid

TYPICAL PHYSICAL Specific gravity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.08 @ 60°F (16°C)
PROPERTIES pH (5% solution in
75/25 isopropanol/water) . . . . . . . 9.4 – 11.4
Solubility in water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soluble
Flash point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126°F (52°C) (PMCC)
Pour point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -20°F (-29°C)

SAFE-SCAV HS is designed specifically H2S + Zn2+ → 2H+ + ZnS ↓

APPLICATIONS for brine-base fluid systems to (solid precipitate)
remove H2S.
In many completion fluid appli-
Recommended treatment levels are
cations, the resulting solid zinc sul-
0.1 lb/bbl (1 gal/100 bbl) (.29 kg/m3).
fide is undesirable.
Use higher concentrations where
Another popular treatment for
higher levels of H2S exist in the
H2S is to rely on high pH to neutral-
mud to be treated. Under optimal
ize the acidic hydrogen sulfide (also
conditions, each pound per barrel
known as hydrosulfuric acid) and
(2.85 kg/m3) of SAFE-SCAV HS can
render it non-volatile.
consume about 0.1 lb (0.045 kg)
of H2S. H2S + OH– → H2O + HS–
SAFE-SCAV HS has been used suc-
This can be done in a completely
cessfully to treat water-base fluids
solids-free way, and any base can
where zinc cannot be used for envi-
do it.
ronmental reasons.
However, treatment with base
Many hydrogen sulfide scavengers
raises the pH of the fluid. Getting
use inorganic chemicals to tie up
enough sodium hydroxide in solu-
H2S. For example, M-I’s SULF-XT is a
tion to provide a large capacity for
partially soluble product which liber-
scrubbing requires a very high pH,
ates zinc ion as a scavenger. Similarly,
approximately 12 to 13. Lime is
SV-120,E which is essentially com-
somewhat better in this regard
pletely soluble, yields an active zinc
because it has limited solubility at
component for sulfide removal. Both
high pH. This allows additional
products irreversibly tie up the zinc
capacity to scrub H2S to be built up
as solid zinc sulfide:
 in the system in the form of undis-
APPLICATIONS solved lime. Organic amines, such
(CONTINUED)
as ethanolamine, can also provide a
high pH-sink for H2S, while buffer-
ing the pH around 10.
All these pH methods have a signif-
icant drawback in that the H2S which
is “scrubbed” will be immediately
released if the pH is lowered. Carbon
dioxide influx can lower the pH
enough to release H2S. Furthermore,
while hydrogen sulfide is no longer
being released, the corrosive effects
are unabated, and in fact may even
be enhanced at higher pH.
SAFE-SCAV HS offers a solution to
many of these scavenging problems
in non-zinc brines. While nitrogen-
based, the unique chemistry of
SAFE-SCAV HS results in an irre-
versible reaction with H2S:
H2S + SAFE-SCAV HS → SAFE-SCAV HS–SH
Unlike the zinc or iron scrubbers,
the final product is still brine- and
water-soluble delivering solids-free
sulfide scrubbing.

• Chemically “ties up” the H2S in • Is not zinc-based.

ADVANTAGES an irreversible reaction preventing
release if pH is dropped.

Bioassay information is available described on the Material Safety

TOXICITY upon request. Data Sheet (MSDS).
AND HANDLING Handle as an industrial chemical, Avoid contact with eyes and
wearing protective equipment and avoid prolonged or repeated
observing the precautions as contact with skin.

SAFE-SCAV HS is packaged in 5-gal

PACKAGING (18.9-L) cans.
AND STORAGE

This information is supplied solely for informational purposes and M-I L.L.C. makes no guar-
antees or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the accuracy and use of
this data. All product warranties and guarantees shall be governed by the Standard Terms
of Sale.

No claim of personal safety is intended nor implied by the use of the name SAFE in this
product. Personnel handling this material should read and follow all safety and handling
procedures set forth on the Material Safety Data Sheet.
P.O. Box 721110
Houston, Texas 77272-1110
Tel: 281·561·1300
©1999 M-I L.L.C. All rights reserved. Fax: 281·561·7240
™ SAFE-SCAV and SV-120 are trademarks of M-I L.L.C.
®SULF-X is a registered trademark of M-I L.L.C. http://www.midf.com
MIC-11941 1M 4/99 Litho in U.S.A. E-mail: mimud@midf.com