Technology Focus: Natural Gas Processing and Handling (April 2013)

Abstract

Technology Focus On the 201st anniversary of the founding of the first commercial gas operation, the Gas, Light and Coke Company (later British Gas), the future for natural gas has never looked better. In 2011, global natural gas reserves increased to the equivalent of approximately 80% of oil reserves. Unconventional gas sources are now a large proportion of US natural gas supply, particularly tight and shale gas (30%) and coalbed methane (CBM) (6%). Natural gas in 2011 contributed 24% of worldwide energy consumption, compared with 33% for oil and 30% for coal. CBM is also an important source of energy, particularly in eastern Australia, where three CBM liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants are under construction and a fourth and possibly a fifth are proposed. CBM and Western Australian conventional gas are set to make Australia the largest LNG exporter in the world within 5 years. Gas is likely to dominate energy supply because of improved available reserves, lower carbon intensity, lesser environmental footprint, and long-term zero-carbon goals involving CO2 capture and sequestration. In addition, removal of contaminants such as water, hydrogen sulfide, and mercury has been improved through nano and smart technologies. Safety improvement research and development is another key objective of the industry. Underground gas storage is now in greater usage for supply security, with smart wireless technology becoming increasingly involved in its management. Six floating LNG offshore production facilities are expected to come on stream within this decade, five in Australasia and the other in offshore Malaysia. The potential is for very remote deep small offshore gas reserves to be economically exploited using floating compressed natural gas (FCNG) technology. Because of the massive effect of US unconventional gas production on LNG imports, gas producers such as Trinidad are reportedly reviewing their future gas export strategies and considering FCNG. Commercial exploitation of the known massive methane hydrate reserves is still some time off. However, research in hydrate control is advancing the understanding of hydrate physical chemistry. This research also has helped conventional deepwater gas production where subsea/downhole heating now is used to prevent hydrate blockages. Early last year, the US and Japan successfully completed a field trial of methane production from hydrates on the Alaska North Slope. To find out more, attend the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, 3–6 May 2013. Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. SPE 161583 The Optimization of Natural Gas Transportation by Michael J. Economides, University of Houston, et al. SPE 162938 Gas Transmission Market: New Trends Around the World by Gina Vega Riveros, Reservoir Consultant SPE 151161 Control Loop Performance Management To Improve Business Objectives by Zhenhai Liu, ADGAS, et al.