Oil and Gas: The Importance of Testing for Increased Mercury Levels
While documented, it may not be widely known that Mercury is naturally occurring in certain oil & gas reservoirs. This presence of mercury may lead to corrosion of production equipment, as well as being a concern to worker safety and the environment.
Many corrosion resistant materials, such as stainless steel, contain a chromium oxide film or plating. An amalgam is an alloy of mercury with another metal. Nearly all metals can form amalgams with mercury, which may cause them to lose their distinct properties, such as corrosion resistance. When mercury forms an amalgam with stainless steel, it causes an interference in the chromium coating-plating of the material, which then allows for and accelerates corrosion.
Case Study: Mercury Level Testing for Offshore PlatformsÂ
°ÄÃÅ2023È«ÄêÕý°æÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ has gained unique experience by providing analytical support to a major oil company for one of the first full scale mercury projects in the offshore Gulf of Mexico region, where a production platform was abandoned, decommissioned and remediated for mercury prior to final disposition of the platform and components.
![](/-/media/images/sectors/oil-and-gas/oil-and-gas-offshore.jpg?mw=780)
Over a two year period, °ÄÃÅ2023È«ÄêÕý°æÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ analyzed more than 12,000 mercury wipe samples with 99% On Time Delivery of results and 100% in First Time Right reporting.
Oil & gas wells with high temperature, high pressure and the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) may be most likely to have a mercury concern. And, in this reducing environment, mercury has the greatest effect on the materials of contact.
Proper assessment of this mercury risk can provide critical information during the acquisition of producing oil and gas properties, as well as during normal operations and end of life cycle.
Results are just a wipe away
°ÄÃÅ2023È«ÄêÕý°æÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ can provide complete sample kits to obtain wipe samples, of a measured area of a material, and then test the wipe samples for mercury content.
Trust °ÄÃÅ2023È«ÄêÕý°æÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ to provide the testing you need to keep your business, your workers, and the environment safe from harmful mercury levels.ÂFind related Resources
Ready to make an inquiry or request a quote?
Our deliverable is certainty - high quality data, test reports and certifications that you can rely on when making decisions about your materials and components. Â Engage with an expert today.
More from °ÄÃÅ2023È«ÄêÕý°æÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ
![](/-/media/images/news-and-media-item-blocks/ie/oil-and-gas-news-icon.jpg?h=205&w=278&la=en&hash=A44847ECD4889664FD81713CE512D930)
Bioassay-Aquatic Toxicity Testing
°ÄÃÅ2023È«ÄêÕý°æÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ is a leader in the field of Bioassay Testing Services to the Oil & Gas sector. We offer a complete range of GLP compliant testing services that cover most disciplines in both salt and fresh water environmentsÂ
![](/-/media/images/sectors/oil-and-gas/og-environmental-impact-feature-640x480-small.jpeg?h=205&w=278&la=en&hash=4115806180F65EFD216549F2A465DDD4)
Environmental Compliance
Serving Indiana, Southern Michigan and Western Ohio, °ÄÃÅ2023È«ÄêÕý°æÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ's environmental labs operate extensive route and field sampling services, enabling us to quickly and efficiently route your sample to the lab best suited to meet your needs.
![Industrials Testing News](/-/media/images/sectors/industrials/industrials-testing-news.jpeg?h=205&w=278&la=en&hash=702D2A603DE85E84BA0965412F670355)
Air Emissions
°ÄÃÅ2023È«ÄêÕý°æÃâ·Ñ×ÊÁÏ offers a comprehensive suite of services to help companies comply with these air quality regulations, including accurate sampling, analyzing, and measuring organic compounds, metals, and other toxics in source emissions.
![](/-/media/images/experts/andy-barron.jpeg?h=205&w=278&la=en&hash=E9D3E9BAA8B039036C93610324F07B28)
Expertise our most valuable asset
Our people are the key to our success and our most valuable asset, working tirelessly to solve our clients' most complex challenges.
![Cta_Wide_1600x480](/-/media/images/ctas/example-wide.jpg)