Geo Dipa PLTP Drilling Well Explosion, One Person Dies From Inhaling H2S Gas

Explosion conditions at the Dieng gas well are under control. (photo; twitter @santridanalam)

JAKARTA - An explosion in a drilled well at the Geo Dipa Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) in Dieng, Banjarnegara, Central Java released toxic gas, Saturday, March 12. As a result of the explosion, one person died and seven people were injured.

A total of 15 employees had to be rushed to the hospital because they were suspected of having gas poisoning. "One died. Eight are being treated at the hospital. All the victims were rushed to the Wonosobo Hospital. All are still being recorded, I myself am still on my way from Banjarnegara to Wonosobo," said Banjarnegara Police Chief, AKBP Hendri Yulianto, to the media.

According to residents' reports, this incident occurred at around 16.30 WIB when hundreds of Geo Dipa's employees suddenly seemed to scatter out. Most of the employees seemed to have shortness of breath. However, at around 18.00, the conditions at the scene were resolved.

Previously, a number of employees who were poisoned were rushed to the Kejajar 1 and Kejajar 2 Health Centers to get help.

The H2S gas leak was running fast because there was a well service activity belonging to PT Geodipa. However, the leaked gas did not spread to residential areas. The gas only pollutes the drilling area. The condition of the Dieng area is reported to be quite safe, so residents are advised not to panic.

H2S is the chemical formula of Hydrogen Sulfide gas which is formed from two elements of Hydrogen and one element of Sulfur. The unit of measurement for H2S gas is ppm (parts per million). H2S gas is also called rotten egg gas, acid gas, sulfuric acid or odor vapor because of its pungent smell.

An explosion in a drilled well at the Geo Dipa Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) in Dieng, Banjarnegara, Central Java released toxic gas, Saturday, March 12. As a result of the explosion, one person died and seven people were injured.

H2S gas occurs due to natural processes as a by-product of the decomposition or decomposition of organic substances by bacteria or because it is intentionally made.

H2S gas has physical properties such as smelling like rotten eggs at a concentration of 0.13 – 30 ppm. This gas is known to have a molecular weight: 34.08, Auto ignition: 2600 C, Boiling Point: – 60.2 C

This gas can burn and explode at a concentration of LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) 4.3% (43000 ppm) to UEL (Upper Explosive Limit) 46% (460000 ppm) with a blue flame at a temperature of 500 degrees F (260 degrees Celsius)

The density of H2S gas is about 20% heavier than air with a ratio of H2S density: 1,189 and air density: 1 (150 C, 1 atm). H2S can dissolve or mix with water.

The characteristics of H2S gas are toxic, colorless, flammable or flammable gas with a blue flame, producing SO2 gas. This gas is also soluble in water or hydrocarbons

The density of H2S gas is heavier than air, so H2S gas will tend to collect in low places or areas. H2S is also corrosive so it can cause rust on metal equipment.

PT Geo Dipa Energi itself is an Indonesian state-owned enterprise engaged in geothermal exploration and exploitation. Currently, Geo Dipa Energi operates the Dieng and Patuha Geothermal Working Areas, each with a capacity of 1x55 MW.