Flare Gas Utilization at Combined Oil-Gas Well Sites

Many natural gas well sites produce significant quantities of oil as a byproduct of gas production. Producers use standard gas separation techniques to recover gas dissolved in the oil, but additional light hydrocarbons are released during final depressurization and storage of the oil at atmospheric pressure. Gas produced in oil storage is often contaminated with air, cannot be introduced into midstream pipelines, and is flared at the well site. The flare gas represents a significant energy resource that could be utilized to improve overall site efficiency. This work documents a comprehensive energy analysis performed on a non-electrified site in Colorado. Data collection and simulations demonstrated that energy available in flare gas is sufficient to support the major energy loads at the well site. However, due to low flare gas pressures, high and variable air contamination, and temporal misalignment between the gas availability and energy needs, on-site utilization requires modified engine technology and application of energy buffering. Simulation results are presented, along with conceptual designs for well site modifications.