Flowing super sour gas wells with DMDS

Elemental sulfur can be recovered from high H/sub 2/S-containing natural gas through the Claus Process. With the depletion of the Canadian sulfur stockpiles, a sulfur supply deficit is seen in the near future and the recovery of sulfur from high sour gas wells has become increasingly attractive. Often associated with the development of super sour gas wells is sulfur plugging along the well pipe. A new technology using sulfur-dissolving agents has been developed to unplug the wells efficiently and keep sour gas freely flowing. The sulfur-dissolving agent of choice, dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), can be used periodically or continuously. Optionally, this agent can be regenerated and reused downhole. Economics of the once-through and regeneration processes are also discussed in this paper.