Перспективы использования попутного нефтяного газа в России и за рубежом

Abstract

The article analyzes the current state and prospects of utilization of associated petroleum gas (APG), the main components of which are methane and other low molecular weight alkanes. When separated from crude oil, APG contains hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane, butane, and pentane, as well as water vapor, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2) and other components. Associated petroleum gas containing such impurities cannot be used without purification. The authors noted that the shortage of APG processing capacities both in the Russian Federation and in the world is one of the reasons for the high level of gas flaring in oil fields. In 2022, oil production decreased by 8% (from 82 million barrels per day in 2021 to 76 million barrels per day), while global gas flaring decreased by 5% (from 150 billion cubic meters in 2021 to 142 billion cubic meters). Russia, Iraq, Iran, the United States of America, Algeria, Venezuela, and Nigeria have remained the top seven countries in gas flaring for nine consecutive years since the first of two satellites to monitor gas flares from space was launched in 2012. These seven countries produce 40% of the world's oil annually, but they account for about two-thirds (65%) of the world's gas flaring. Rational methods of utilization of associated petroleum gas were determined, which depend on the conditions of oil production, such as the characteristics of the field, the oil/gas ratio (gas-oil factor), as well as market opportunities for the extracted gas. An algorithm for choosing the technology of rational use of APG in oil and gas companies is proposed. An overview of all APG utilization methods is given, which focuses on unit costs, economic benefits, and the nature of the environmental impact. The innovative experience of the effective use of APG in the USA and Canada is analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the need to solve the problem of the effective use of APG in the world, especially to reduce the volume of flaring.