Dual Fuel progress in reliability and performance for the Oil and Gas market

Abstract

Abstract A diesel engine fitted with an aftermarket add-on gas fuel system that provides a supplemental fuel source is generally called a Dual-Fuel system. Dual-Fuel usage can lower fuel costs by as much as 70 percent, as compared to a standard diesel engine. While functional, these systems can create challenges for emissions and engine longevity. In 2013, a leading engine manufacturer will be offering Dynamic Gas Blendings, a comprehensive Dual-Fuel solution for land drilling and land production gensets, as well as well fracturing application engines. With average crude oil prices almost doubling from 2009 to 2012, oil and gas producers using traditional diesel powered drilling rigs have seen rising operating costs. Additionally, further government regulations on emissions and wellhead gas flaring are putting increased pressure on oil and gas producers to prioritize sustainability initiatives. In some cases, these regulations mandate the use of associated gas produced with crude oil production, much of which is currently flared today. Oil and gas producers who use the Dynamic Gas Blending solution, as compared with standard Dual-Fuel, will benefit from: ▪ Reduced flaring. ▪ Unique safety features. ▪ Diesel and gas engine controls interconnected for automatically optimized performance. ▪ Simplified operations, with no re-adjustment necessary. ▪ Simplified operations, with no re-adjustment necessary. ▪ Improved emissions, with possibilities of certification for the genset. ▪ Extended run times from existing diesel tanks. ▪ Greater fuel flexibility, with a good tolerance of associated (flare) gases. ▪ Generator sets and gas blending systems manufactured specifically for harsh oil and gas environments. Dual-Fuel and Dynamic Gas Blending are technologies that allow oil and gas producers to manage operating costs while being environmentally responsible. Because gas is a significantly lower-cost fuel compared to diesel and is clean-burning, they allow oil and gas producers to save money and reduce their environmental impact.