In the Middle East, there is a gas field that is one of the most challenging gas extraction development projects in the world. The field has a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentration in excess of 20%. The field was discovered over 40 years ago, but due to the absence of appropriate technologies to safely extract the reservoirs, field development had been sidelined for several decades. With the advances in oilfield technologies and processes, the field operator commenced field development a few years back. The operator protects its facilities from H2S risk by a comprehensive air management process that uses leading industry gas monitoring and protection systems. During the project design phase, the emphasis focused on fixed facilities and protection at these facilities. However, the possibility of an unexpected gas release and exposure in areas away from the fixed facilities and while in transit within the field soon became apparent. The challenge was to provide for the safety of personnel from the time they entered the field to the time they exited it. An oilfield services company identified the potential risk that possible H2S exposure represented to the safety of personnel while in transit through this field. To address the challenge, the company sought the help of an innovative safety solutions provider. After a series of discussions between the safety solutions provider and the oilfield services company, it became apparent that there was a need to develop a solution that would provide early-warning gas detection while on the move, ensure immediate availability of breathing air protection, and allow communication and documentation of hazards and air status within a crew transportation vehicle. The resulting solution was a vehicle gas protection system (VGPS) with an integrated gas detection system and a proprietary breathing air management system that enables users to transit safely through such terrain.

The shift towards more challenging gas extraction development projects requires a deep understanding of the risks and challenges of operating in sour gas fields. While facilities are equipped with gas detection monitors, the risk of unexpected toxic gas release, pipe ruptures or leaks will always be greater among plant personnel.Oil and gas facility personnel are trained to respond to emergencies. They know the layout of the facility and associated emergency procedures to include -escape routes, muster points, communication methods, and appropriate response to alarms. However, small group escape techniques using typical escape equipment may no longer be sufficient. It is imperative that the industry develop additional protection and evacuation methods. A potential solution is to use a highly mobile, self-contained breathing air system with 1000 cubic feet of air. This solution is designed to provide personnel with emergency protection and mobility at the same time. It comes equipped with emergency survival tools such as first aid kit, radio, flashlight, and Emergency Egress Breathing Apparatus (EEBA) to ensure that a team of nine personnel can gather at the muster point and proceed safely to the safe zone during an emergency.This paper looks at the process, specifications, implementation and usability this solution to safely evacuate plant personnel in the event of a toxic gas release. By having multiple layers of protection and evacuation methods, facilities operators can prevent the loss of human life and update their Emergency Response Plan before a disaster occurs.This paper also demonstrates that by taking a proactive role, operators and safety providers can pioneer innovative solutions to address safety gaps in sour gas field operation.