Process Optimization of the Flaring Gas for Field Applications

Abstract

During petroleum industry operations, burning flammable gas components in the flaring stacks is common, normally a symbol for stable production, but flaring these components creates harmful emissions for the environment. This flaring gas has components with a high quantity of heating power, an important measurement that quantifies the energy that can potentially be obtained from this wasted resource. This paper aims to evaluate the energy usage of the flaring gas, estimating the possible energy produced with this usable resource by modeling a treatment and energy generation process employing the Aspen HYSYS® simulator. The flaring gas is characterized using different models and compositional ranges of natural gas to know what kind of gas it is and identify what type of equipment could be used for treatment and energy generation from this resource. After the gas characterization, the selection of the equipment of treatment and energy generation is necessary; this is done using a multicriteria analysis by taking into consideration the variables of gas composition, electrical efficiency, economic performance, and GHG emissions, ensuring to generate the greatest amount of energy possible to be produced with this flaring gas. By increasing the LHV, 0.95 MMSCF of flared gas of an oilfield in the VMM basin produced 5133 kW, enough energy to supply gas treatment and power generation facilities and four times the total gross consumption energy of a model oilfield in the basin, while the CO2 emissions were reduced 11.4%, and cost savings using this resource instead of diesel were obtained. In conclusion, to minimize flaring and to recover and reuse these waste components, looking for alternatives for the use of this gas-like power generation is an important option that reduces pollutants emission, gives a new source of fuel, and gives an energy usefulness to this wasted resource.

Asphaltene Precipitation/Deposition Estimation and Inhibition through Nanotechnology: A Comprehensive Review

“…A clear example of the effect of composition on asphaltene precipitation can be observed in processes that require the injection of some type of fluid into the reservoir, such as advanced recovery or well stimulation, where considerable amounts of substances are injected that can destabilize asphaltenes in petroleum. This occurs because such substances generate a change in the oil solubility parameter, and therefore, the precipitation of asphaltenes can occur when the oil is mixed with incompatible substances, with the operations of injection of CO 2 , gases, or solvents being critical [54][55][56][57][58].…”

“…Advantages and disadvantages of the most commonly used nanoparticle synthesis techniques[56][57][58].…”

Analysis of Potential Environmental Risks in the Hydraulic Fracturing Operation in the “La Luna” Formation in Colombia

“…For this reason, it is necessary to drill horizontally, applying hydraulic stimulation techniques, which allow for the optimal drainage areas to be obtained and to generate fractures that allow the hydrocarbons to flow to the canyon beds. Figure 2 shows the most important points regarding this technique [44][45][46][47][48]. Each petroleum reservoir has its specificities regarding mineralogical composition, permeability, porosity, temperature, and pressures.…”