Degassing refers to the removal of unwanted or potentially harmful gases or vapors. In petroleum processing and production, volatile hydrocarbon gases (LELs, Benzene), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and mercaptans are produced. These gases or vapors are present in process piping, storage tanks, and vessels. During shutdown & turnaround operations, gas concentrations must be reduced to safe levels to protect personnel and maintain operational integrity. Degassing is also commonly referred to as Chemical Degassing, LEL Scavenging or Vapor Phase Cleaning.Â
Why is Degassing Important?
Degassing is often used during shutdown and turnaround operations to remove hazardous gases and ensure safer environments for workers.
Degassing processes are critical during shutdown and turnaround operations where personnel may be required to enter process vessels for maintenance and inspection.Â
High concentrations of toxic and flammable substances, and high LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) levels pose a substantial risk. The process of chemical degassing efficiently reduces or eliminates these hazardous elements, ensuring a safer environment for workers. Chemical degassing reduces the possibility of accidental ignition or explosion and enables personnel to carry out inspection or maintenance work in a safer environment.Â
Where is Chemical Degassing Required?
Degassing is required prior to performing vessel entry for final cleaning and inspection. These components often require degassing during shutdown and turnaround operations:Â
- Storage tanksÂ
- Process vesselsÂ
- ReactorsÂ
- PipingÂ
- Heat exchangersÂ
- CompressorsÂ
- ColumnsÂ
- Knock out drumsÂ
- Ammonia strippersÂ
- Amine towers and contactorsÂ
- Treaters and separatorsÂ
- Vacuum towersÂ
- Other equipment used for storing and processing hydrocarbonsÂ
What is Removed During Chemical Degassing Operations?
Chemical degassing operations remove unwanted and harmful gases and vapours including:Â
- Hydrocarbon Gases (LELs, Benzene)Â
- Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)Â
- Ammonia (NH3)Â
- MercaptansÂ
Many chemical degassing agents have a cleaning effect and remove liquid and solid hydrocarbon contaminants as well. It’s also common during chemical degassing operations to apply H2S scavengers (Sourguard) and iron sulfide (FeS) dissolvers (Ferrosol). H2S scavengers remove H2S while iron sulfide dissolvers remove any pyrophoric iron present.Â
How are Chemical Degassing Agents Applied?
There are several application methods for chemical degassing agents. Your choice will vary based on the equipment, system, or process being degassed and equipment available for application. Most applications involve circulation, spray, or injection. Common application methods include:Â
- Liquid circulationÂ
- Vapour phase steam or steam purgeÂ
- System injectionÂ
- Nitrogen injectionÂ
- Gamma jettingÂ
- 3D nozzle jettingÂ
- High or low pressure wand sprayÂ
- High pressure man door cannonÂ
- ScrubberÂ
Is a Steam Purge the Same as Chemical Degassing?
While steam can assist in the process of degassing, a steam purge is not the same as chemical degassing.Â
A steam purge removes harmful gases and contaminants by flowing high-pressure steam through the system. The heat from the steam helps volatilize some lighter hydrocarbons, aiding in removal. However, a steam purge may not be effective in dealing with certain types of gases or residues.Â
Steam purges are enhanced by the addition of chemical degassing agents such as Purge C or Purge HF to the process. These chemical degassing agents emulsify harmful gases making them easier to remove. This process is effective with volatile hydrocarbon gases, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), mercaptans, and other hazardous gases that are commonly found in oil and gas operations.Â
Purge C and Purge HF Chemical Degassing Agents
Increasingly challenging industrial applications led to the development of our degassing chemicals—Purge C, and Purge HF. These specialized products meet the unique needs of degassing operations, ensuring maximum safety and efficiency.Â
Purge C leads the line with a unique low-foaming formula that chemically encapsulates hydrocarbons in both liquid and vapor forms. This reduces the explosive potential, removing harmful gases and liquids. And, it ensures a safer working conditions for personnel.Â
Purge HF introduces more powerful cleaning capabilities to enhance the efficiency of shutdown and turnaround operations. Purge HF can remove low levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) without the addition of a dedicated H2S scavenger making it a single component solution for degassing operations.Â
Conclusion
Chemical degassing is not just a process but a strategic commitment to safety, efficiency, and operational integrity. Our continuous research and development efforts aim to make this process simpler, safer, and more effective. With the right approach and the right tools, chemical degassing can reduce operational hazards, ensure the safety of your workforce and the efficiency of your operations.Â
Making the Right Choice for Your Degassing Needs
Choosing the right degassing product is a decision that directly influences the success and safety of your operations. Every operation has unique needs, challenges, and risks. The chemical degassing process must be tailored to your operation. Our chemical degassing product line – Purge C, Purge HF, and H2S Scavengers – Sourguard, Sourguard SG, and Sourguard DSS are designed to suit a wide range of industrial applications.Â
Our commitment to safety and efficiency is not limited to product development; it extends to helping our clients make the right choice. We’re dedicated to understanding the specific needs of your operations and recommending the most suitable products from our range.
When you’re ready, contact our chemical degassing experts and see how you Create a Better Future with Chemistry Done Better. Â
