Sour Crude Oil / Sour Gas
Oil or gas with a high sulfur content. The typical standard for sour gas is 5.7 milligrams of hydrogen sulfide (or more) per cubic meter of gas.
How it’s important to us
It is important to know the terminology and recognize the difference between “sour” and “sweet” oil and gas. Sour, indicating a high concentration of sulfur compounds, requires more refining to transform it into its “sweeter” form. The H2S must be removed due to its toxicity. Additionally, this prevents foul odors and the damage that hydrogen sulfide does to piping and other equipment. In general sweeter gas or oil commands a higher price on the market than does its sour counterpart since less refining is required before the product is fit for commercial usage.
