Smart Integration of Natural Gas Valorization Systems and Flexible Plant Installation in Existing and Low Capacity Gas Production Sites

Abstract

The increasing demand of energy efficiency, the evolution of emission regulatory and the limited investments allocation, increases the attractiveness for flexible gas valorization systems [GGFR]. Gas valorization system can be considered all the technical solution i.e process or new equipment installation that allow to use wasted gas sources to produce electricity of mechanical power for different application. The recovery of associated or stranded gases presents various complexities especially if applied to remote locations. For this reason, to maximize synergies with the existing premises, a flexible design and pre-assembled solutions might be recommended. This paper presents, the integration of flexible installation solutions with natural gas valorization systems. This approach is finalized to maximize the production capability of a hydrocarbon production site with a low impact on existing infrastructures and relocation possibility. On this regard, the main emphasis is placed to the following actions: The integration of flexible systems in the gas recovery processes,The upgrade of existing equipment to resolve production bottleneck,The use of mobile technology to accommodate plant flexibility. During the plant life cycle, operating conditions of some critical links of the production chain need to to be adjusted. In this case the upgrades of processes and equipment flexibility helps to prevent inefficiencies that may result in gas flow underutilization or associated gas flaring. Moderate natural gas flows, either from oil production associated products or stranded gas reserves, limits the economic viability of a gas valorization system. For this reason, solutions integrating the standard design balance of plant and the mobile truck architecture are technical choice that provide beneficial impact on the site effectiveness and economics. Moreover, mobile plants provide the further advantage to be reused in different sites through a simple relocation and minor adjustment. Offshore oil plants may not include gas boosting/offload or spare power generation solutions while small space and limited load capability generate additional complexities. In these cases, a dedicated approach like the construction of floating modular systems to be connected to the existing structure represent a viable solution.