Successful Accelerated Reduction of CO2 Emissions through a Statistical Approach

Abstract

AbstractPower consumption is one of the leading producers of Greenhouse Gases and improving it will support Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) to meet its target of net-zero emissions. In 2020, PDO operations emitted tons of CO2 with the highest quantity coming from X field where High Voltage pumps, which consume about 15MW resulting in 75,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year, are used. This paper will discuss the approach used to investigate and solve the given problem.The six-Sigma methodology was used to investigate the high-power consumption in water injection and deep-water disposal processes. Pareto analysis, which was used to scope the project, showed that 35% of power consumption is related to High Voltage injection pumps. The historical data of the response (power consumption) and potential causes of the problem were gathered from the field database. Minitab, a statistical data analysis software, was used in this problem investigation in addition to other Six-Sigma methods including process capability, hypothesis testing, and control charts. Graphical and statistical tools were also used to examine the relationship between the response and variables.Process mapping identified 27 potential causes of higher power consumption in five High Voltage pumps. The historical data of the variables were statistically correlated to measure the strength of the relationship with the response. The analysis concluded that suction pressure for pumps 1510 and 1520 is the statistically significant cause of higher power consumption. The power consumption of these two pumps was directly linked to the suction pressure using the Pearson coefficient factor and p-value. The suction pressure was too low which caused the pumps to consume more energy to pressurize water. Hypothesis testing resulted in a p-value of 0.00, confirming a strong relationship between power consumption and suction pressure. Appropriate countermeasures were developed, and a new pump operation philosophy was implemented, whereby one pump is always kept on standby. This resulted in a 4MW reduction in power consumption and, ultimately, prevented the emission of 18,000 tons of CO2 annually. Other benefits to date include a saving of around $2.6 million per year, with the potential to save more through replication. Additional yet unquantified benefits include curbing the impacts of climate change on the environment.The Six Sigma statistical approach is used to understand the hidden causes of the increase in power consumption that result in higher CO2 emissions. The reduction of power consumption in PDO's X field has paved the way for 10 other projects in the Company to reduce their CO2 emissions. We can partner with other operators in the Sultanate of Oman to follow Petroleum Development Oman's example of using the Six Sigma approach in Energy Transition.