SOURCE, RESOURCES AND APPLICATION OF ASSOCIATED PETROLEUM GAS

Abstract

Within the framework of the concept of deep abiogenic origin of oil and gas systems, a source of associated petroleum gas has been determined. The composition of the gas, its genetic relationship with the liquid components of oil,as well as dependence between amount of associated petroleum gas and viscosity, heaviness, sulfur content of oils and their location in depths have been revealed. The data on the composition of deep abiogenic fluids and the presence of methane as the main component in them allow ,one to conclude that methane, undergoing polymerization-polycondensation transformations under the influence of components-catalysts of deep fluidsin the process of their ascent, is the initial (starting) compound for the formation of liquid oil components, and methane of associated petroleum gas is the remainder of the original deep-seated methane, which is not involvedin the formation of liquid oil components. The data on the resources of associated petroleum gas in the Russian Federation are presented, and the directions of its application are outlined. Among the major application fieldsare the production of synthesis gas and the use of ethane, propane and butane contained in associated petroleum gas to produce ethylene as a feedstock for the production of petrochemical products. Data on gas flaring, measures for its prevention and rational use of associated petroleum gas are given.