Explorations into sulphur absorbing compounds for applications in the oil & gas and related sectors

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The production of sulphur-containing by-products from oil and gas wells and "sour" water supplies is a concern both environmentally and economically. This research project investigates novel materials which are environmentally benign but are able to absorb and trap these dangerous and malodorous sulphur compounds. The goal of the work is to improve current sulphur-absorbing materials that are frequently used in Canada and abroad. This proposal details a collaborative effort between Qwatro RoyalPak, Inc. of Etobicoke, ON (hereafter referred to as QRP) and the Dept. of Chemistry & Biology (Ryerson University). The PI is applying for funding to initiate a project to explore and help evaluate new applications for QRP's unreleased product "H2Sorber". This material is targeted towards the Oil & Gas sector. The research can lead to novel applications of H2Sorber in reducing sulphur impurities in petroleum-derived products. The potential for a greatly increased sales portfolio, linked to an increase in employee acquisition at QRP, are further benefits of this research. The product H2Sorber has several unknown characteristics that QRP requires knowledge of before it can be explored, tested and/or commercialised for general use. These aspects concern the nature of its active ingredient and a profile of reactivity. Despite being a known industrial material, the chemical nature of the active ingredient remains unknown. The rates of the reaction between H2Sorber and sulphur-based nucleophiles is likewise unknown. The concentration range in which H2Sorber is effective under laboratory and field conditions, needs to be determined. These key questions must be answered before QRP can approach clients and potential buyers with the applicability of H2Sorber. Hence, the R&D project will entail a trained chemical scientist working under the close supervision of the PI to answer these questions and provide QRP with the required scientific data. The personnel employed here could be an M.Sc. level graduate student or a post-graduate M.Sc./Ph.D. level chemist or chemical engineer with experience in kinetics and/or oil & gas testing; working under direct supervision of the PI, a recognized expert in this field of chemistry.