Zero Condensate Flaring Utilizing Well Power and Equipment Modifications

Abstract

Remote gas wells unloading and remote field well testing becomes more challenging because of H.S.E. hazards and cost-saving. This process adds to environmental footprint concerns in the oil and gas industry. Also, government laws and restrictions become one of the main stoppers for this process that could deviate the project from safe operating status by introducing new risks and hazards. This paper introduces two cases related to oil and gas flaring. In the first case, the high-pressure gas wells uploading within the remote area requires high-pressure equipment and high-pressure pumps that suit condensate pumping; some availability issues hurdle this operation in many countries. Adding to that, the high-cost addition faces the planning operation when renting the special equipment needed. Alternative condensate flaring is considered nowadays forbidden in most countries' regulations and laws. Innovative practices and equipment modifications were built and applied to secure both environment and cost. In this method, the sound power is utilized after the unloading and testing to circulate the condensate from the tanks to the separator with a low-pressure pump then divert well flow to the division and the pipeline. The process reduces condensate pumping risk, and zero flaring were achieved. More than 3000 bbls of condensate were circulated monthly to the gas facility without affecting the operation procedures. The company applied this process to all testing equipment and considered it in the new contracts as a technical acceptance factor. Therefore, hazardous waste was reduced, emissions decreased, and safer operation is guaranteed for workers was observed. In the second case, the remote field requires a strong appraisal program, including long-term production and injection tests; meanwhile, interference between wells adds essential value before proceeding with the entire field development plan. This work presents a successful and valuable case supporting technical team decisions while considering H.S.E. as a priority. A field case study discussed in this paper presented the reduction of condensate trucking risk and achieved zero oil flaring. Sixty thousand bbls of light oil were injected safely within two months long term test to the same producer. An injectivity test for another reservoir was conducted without additional cost and without affecting the operation procedures. Besides the above-stated advantages of applying the new process in both cases, this process also can work in the high pressure and risky wills. Therefore, guaranteeing zero flaring and ensuring a lower carbon footprint while supporting the third corner of H.S.E., the environment while saving costs, can always be achieved.