zinc carbonate

2ZnCO3 + 3Zn(OH)2 + 5H2S = 5ZnS + 2CO2 + 8H20

zinc oxide (contains more zinc than zinc carbonate)
H2S + ZnO ZnS + H2O.
It should be noted that there may be environmental restrictions preventing the use of zinc based
H2S scavengers. If this is the case alternative iron based treatments should be used.

pre-treatment

To ensure a high level of protection against H2S influxes, zinc oxide should be added to the active
mud system before drilling out the last casing shoe above a potentially H2S bearing zone. Add slowly
and evenly through the hopper to achieve good distribution and any new volume mixed or added
should be similarly treated.
Note that pre-treatment might mask small influxes as they react with the zinc oxide in the system and
detection may not occur until all the zinc has reacted.
Hydrogen sulphide treatment of drilling fluids, along with proper pH control, should be used to reduce
the amount of hydrogen sulphide that is recirculated. Caution is needed when handling drilling fluid
that has been exposed to hydrogen sulphide because hydrogen sulphide can move from the liquid into
the vapour space of the storage tank and will be released when the tank is opened.

non aqueous fluids

Invert emulsion muds (Non Aqueous Fluids) are generally a brine water phase emulsified in a hydrocarbon
base fluid along with other chemicals to provide a stable drilling fluid with the required drilling
properties.
The components and properties of these fluids are detailed in section 8, NAF Fundamentals.
From an HSE perspective these fluids present significantly more challenges in their use as the impacts
of personnel exposure and environmental discharge are greater than with the majority of water base
systems.

potential hazards and risks

Personnel may come into direct or indirect contact these fluids in the following areas on the rig:
The drill floor.
The mud pit area and the mud pump room.
The sack room and mixing area.
The shale shaker and solids process area.
The laundry.
It is imperative that any exposure is dealt with immediately and personnel do not continue to
work with wet clothing as this can lead to long term health issues.
The following exposure effects may occur.

eye / skin contact

Due to the higher salinity and oil content of invert systems, irritation to both the skin and eyes can
occur if they come into contact with the fluids.
Calcium chloride accentuates the tendency to irritate by removing the natural oils in the skin and
weakening the skins tolerance to other components in the NAF such as the base fluids. Untreated
exposure may lead to dermatitis and or eczema.