Role of Minerals in Hydrogen Sulfide Generation during Steam-Assisted Recovery of Heavy Oil

Heavy oil is recovered from reservoirs using steam-assisted technology, which can lead to H2S generation if the oil is relatively sulfur-rich. We have used laboratory aquathermolysis to simulate the steam-assisted gravity drainage process and have compared free heavy oil to that contained within the mineral matrix. The presence of a mineral matrix was found to affect the amount of H2S produced and the chemical properties of the oil generated. Our findings show that H2S production is initiated by the presence of naturally occurring minerals at specific temperatures and pressures and production techniques that avoid these conditions will minimize H2S production.