Oil and natural gas production and development causes methane emission that can affect the local air quality and contribute to climate change, if the emission is not controlled. Addressing the concern are a number of regulations on the disposal of wastewater from field exploration, drilling, production, and well treatment and completion activities. With technological advancements, the oil and gas industry has been able to implement several tried and tested methane control technologies. This post lists four such technologies that are changing the landscape of oil and gas industry.
1. Desiccant Dehydrators
Traditionally, Glycol dehydrators are used to vent methane and other pollutants produced during oil and gas production. Desiccant dehydrators employ a cleaner disposal process, wherein wet gas passes through a drying bed of desiccant tablets that pull moisture from the gas. The gas gradually dissolves and a negligible amount of it is released into the atmosphere. The process is not only environment-friendly as it reduces emissions by almost 99 percent, but also reduces operating and maintenance costs.
2. Dry Seal Systems
Natural gas production and transmission involves the use of many centrifugal compressors. Traditionally, the compressors had wet seals on the casing, which prevent high-pressure natural gas from escaping. The use of dry seals, which uses high-pressure to seal the compressor, has resulted in reduced operating costs and methane commissions. Dry seals are known to improve compressor and pipeline operating efficiency, and emit a lesser amount of methane than wet alternatives.
3. Zero Bleed Pneumatic Controllers
Pneumatic controllers are used to maintain the liquid level, pressure, pressure differential, and temperature in the production of natural gas. The controllers use the available high-pressure natural gas to control the valve. In addition to continuous bleed controllers and intermittent controllers, there is a third kind; “zero bleed pneumatic controllers”. Unlike the first two, zero bleed pneumatic are self-contained devices that release gas to a downstream pipeline, instead of releasing it into the atmosphere.
4. Plunger Lift Systems
Old gas wells accumulate liquid over the time, which makes extracting gas from them a challenge. Plunger lift systems remove blockages caused by liquids accumulating in older wells in a way that captures methane. The systems are commonly used in natural gas production to remove and separate liquids from well bore. Besides a low environmental impact, a plunger lift is known to have low energy and maintenance costs.
Opportune Time to Invest in Oil and Gas
Though a number of regulations are in place to reduce the footprints of oil and gas production on the ecosystem, drilling companies are increasing the use of the methane control technologies we have discussed in this blog. Such technologies are proving to be feasible and commercially profitable. As a result, more companies are drilling for energy resources and increasing their oil and natural gas production, opening up a variety of opportunities for oil and gas investors. If you too are interested in oil and gas investments, FigTree Capital Ventures can be your investment partner. To get the ball rolling, fill out a contact form or simply call 866-304-9194.
