Sour Gas

Sour gas is natural gas that contains significant amounts of hydrogen sulfide (\(H_2 S\)), a toxic and corrosive compound.  When hydrogen sulfide is present, the gas is called "sour" because of its unpleasant smell, often described as similar to that of rotten eggs.

Sour gas is hazardous because hydrogen sulfide is highly poisonous and can corrode pipelines, storage tanks, and other equipment, posing serious safety and environmental risks.  Processing sour gas requires specialized treatment, typically involving sulfur removal, which is done in facilities like gas sweetening plants.  Once hydrogen sulfide is removed, the gas is referred to as "sweet gas," which is safer to handle and transport.