Natural Gas Research Articles

Indicadores de rendimiento energético y ambiental en instalaciones petroleras de producción en Ecuador

The study evaluates the energy and environmental performance of Ecuador's upstream oil facilities between 2015 and 2020, focusing on major extraction blocks. By analyzing data on oil, gas, and water production, fossil fuel consumption, and electricity usage, key performance indicators were developed to assess efficiency and environmental impact. The findings revealed disparities in energy efficiency, with Block 43-ITT being the most efficient at 7.82 kWh per barrel, while Block 57-LB was the least efficient at 31.41 kWh per barrel. The study emphasizes that maturing oil fields require more energy and emit more greenhouse gases, underlining the necessity for sustainable energy practices. EP Petroecuador’s initiatives, such as substituting fuel and integrating renewable electricity, led to a reduction of approximately 540 kTons of CO2 emissions by replacing 163.32 million gallons of diesel with low-carbon fuels and renewable electricity. These findings serve as a baseline for optimizing energy use and reducing emissions, offering valuable insights for policymakers and industry leaders to adopt data-driven strategies that enhance energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact in Ecuador's oil sector.

Techno-economic analysis of green hydrogen integration into existing pipeline infrastructure: A case study of Wyoming

While green hydrogen production technologies like electrolysis have reached commercial scale, the primary challenge centers on efficient, and economically viable transportation of hydrogen. This study proposes an integrated geospatial techno-economic modeling approach to optimize hydrogen transportation through blending in existing pipelines. The simulations strategically locate green hydrogen production and blending points. The paper evaluates blending ratios, flow dynamics, and operating parameters to optimize hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines. A techno-economic analysis quantifies costs and revenues across the supply chain, identifying the most economically viable hydrogen blending locations. The approach is validated through a case study in Wyoming, providing insights for industry stakeholders considering hydrogen-natural gas blending as a transition strategy. This integrated method offers a robust decision support tool for leveraging existing infrastructure to realize hydrogen's potential as a sustainable energy vector contributing to the broader goal of cleaner energy alternatives.

Experimental Determination of a Mixture Composed of Camisea Natural Gas and CO2 Laminar Burning Velocity

The aim of this work is to provide new experimental data on laminar burning velocities for a new synthetic mixture composed of Camisea natural gas and CO2. It was found that the relevant published experimental background data are l imited to mixtures composed of methane and CO2; considering the fact that Camisea natural gas is widely used in Peru, this experimental research will serve as a supportive resource for further experimental and industrial implementations in this country, such as the design and modeling of new engines or industrial burners that are designed to be fueled by this mixture. An experimental setup for analyzing three types of flame geometry, which is feasible to implement for a wide range of conditions, was built in PUCP PI0735 laboratory and all the measurements were obtained for a range of mixtures (0%, 21.2%, 28.5%, 38.9%, 50% CO2) and ratios from around 0.55 to 0.95 at atmospheric conditions. The laminar burning velocities results obtained were analyzed in groups based on %CO2. In addition, the experimental margin error was determined by considering all the sources. The following conclusions were reached: (1) The laminar burning velocity decreases with the increase in CO2 percentage in the mixture due to the CO2 decreasing the flame temperature effect. (2) The flat flame type provided the highest value of burning velocity for each group of CO2 percentage in which it appears. (3) The highest obtained laminar burning velocity value was 22.64 ± 0.15 cm/s, for a flat flame with a ratio of 0.72 and 29.98% of CO2, while the lowest obtained value was 6.78 ± 0.15 cm/s for a conical trunk flame with a ratio of 0.59 and 49.83% of CO2. (4) The highest evaluated CO2 percentage was 50.97% for a conical trunk flame with a ratio of 0.69 and a burning velocity value of 11.04.

Gas Pathing: Improved Greenhouse Gas Emission Estimates of Liquefied Natural Gas Exports through Enhanced Supply Chain Resolution

Gas Pathing: Improved Greenhouse Gas Emission Estimates of Liquefied Natural Gas Exports through Enhanced Supply Chain Resolution

Delineation of the reservoir petrophysical parameters from well logs validated by the core samples case study Sitra field, Western Desert, Egypt.

In the northern section of the Western Desert, there are many extremely profitable petroleum and natural gas deposits in the Abu EL-Gharadig Basin. This study aims to highlight the hydrocarbon potential of Abu Roash F Formation, which stands for high organic content unconventional tight reservoirs, and Abu Roash G Formation which stands for conventional sand reservoirs, in Sitra field located in the central-western part of the Abu EL-Gharadig Basin. The research employed well-log data from four wells to ascertain petrophysical properties combined with core samples of two wells for a comprehensive examination and description of lithology. Initially, we commenced the execution of petrophysical analysis, encompassing log quality control procedures. Subsequently, we identified and revealed zones of interest and hydrocarbon indicators in both formations. Additionally, we ascertained the three most influential parameters, shale Volume, effective Porosity, and water saturation, which serve as defining factors for reservoir quality. Subsequently, an examination of the core samples, which encompassed lithologic description, lithofacies analysis, paleoenvironmental interpretation, petrographic analysis, and porosity assessment is conducted. For the sake of a more accurate interpretation, we conclude our research with cartographic maps created to evaluate the geographical distribution of hydrocarbon potential based on petrophysical characteristics, Distribution of the net-to-gross ratio among wells by correlating the litho-saturation models (rock models) for the four wells. The foregoing results declare that The Abu Roash F carbonate-rich rocks are a contender for unconventional tight oil reservoir potential with thin secondary porosity and high organic content, which normally requires a kind of hydraulic fracturing for prospective oil extraction, Furthermore, the upper section of Abu Roash G formation, particularly in well sitra8-03, has highly favorable conventional reservoir characteristics.

The green footprint of anammox processes under simulated actual operating conditions: Focusing on the nitrous oxide and methane production

The anammox process has attracted increasing attention due to its advantages of low-carbon and energy-saving, nevertheless, greenhouse gas was still generated during its engineering applications process. Hence, it is vital to comprehensively understand the production characteristics and mechanisms of N2O and CH4 in anammox processes by responding to practical conditions including dissolved oxygen, temperature, and salinity. Results showed that N2O production increased by 192 %–358 %, while nitrogen removal efficiency (NRE) increased by 64.2 %–86.8 % with increasing temperature. The increased salinity inhibits 40.60 %–65.33 % N2O production with a decrease NRE of 7.85 %–18.2 %. CH4 production was the highest at 18–27 °C, reaching 3.07 ± 0.11–4.06 ± 0.16 mg·L−1, which were 1.59–2 and 1.29–1.38 times higher than that at 8–17 °C and 28–37 °C, respectively. Denitratisoma, Thauera, and Nitrosomonas were the main functional microbes for greenhouse gas production in anammox consortia. Notably, H2O2-induced intracellular Fenton reaction may be critical for the CH4 production in anammox consortia. This work provides valuable insights into achieving efficient nitrogen removal and minimizing carbon footprint in anammox systems and provides a theoretical basis for implementing the net-zero emission idea in wastewater treatment plants.

Conversion of CO2 into Synthetic Motor Fuels

The process of CO2 conversion into synthetic hydrocarbons including the stages of synthesis gas production on the catalyst NIAP 06-06 and hydrocarbon synthesis by the Fischer-Tropsch method on a bifunctional zeolite-containing catalyst has been investigated. Experimental studies of the process of catalytic conversion of CO2 into synthesis gas were carried out in order to obtain gas with the ratio of H2/CO close to the required ratio for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The possibility of obtaining gasoline and diesel fractions of hydrocarbons with a high content of isomeric structures that increase the performance characteristics of motor fuels has been shown. The yield of hydrocarbons C5+ with 1 m3 of initial CO2 and H2 at the synthesis temperature of 220 °C is found to be 44.5 g.

Interval Analysis of Volatile Solid (VS) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in Batch Anaerobic Fermentation of Selected Agrowaste

This study investigated the degradation of volatile solids (VS) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) during the anaerobic digestion of selected agro-waste, specifically cassava peels, maize husks, pig slurry, and the composite. The objective was to evaluate the biodegradability of these feedstocks, in line with their potential for biogas production. The Research was conducted at the National Centre for Energy Research and Development (NCERD) laboratory, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). Batch reactors were used to conduct experiments over a period of 45 days. The digesters were operated under controlled conditions, and samples were analyzed at three (3) different points: 24 hours, peak of gas production (day 30), and at the end of the digestion (day 45). The results demonstrated that all the substrates exhibited a reduction in VS and BOD in the course of digestion. However, the most significant reduction in VS and BOD occurred around the peak of gas production. This entails that this period is critical for microbial activity and biogas yield. Corn husks had high initial VS and BOD values of 4.73±0.22 % and 92.80±3.26 mg/L respectively. However, that did not translate to higher biogas production compared with the composite that had initial values of 4.34±0.19 % and 88.00±5.50 mg/L respectively. By the end of the digestion, an average VS reduction of 65% and a BOD reduction of 70% were observed across all substrates, indicating a substantial degradation of organic material. Biogas production was better in the composite (72.580±4.53 %), an indication that higher VS and BOD do not automatically translate to higher gas yield. Thus, factors like multiple substrate interaction affect gas yield and process efficiency.

MINERALOGICAL, PETROGRAPHIC, AND LITHOCHEMICAL FEATURES OF THE UPPER JURASSIC–LOWER CRETACEOUS SECTION OF THE NORDVIK PENINSULA (NORTH OF EASTERN SIBERIA)

Some intervals of the Jurassic–Cretaceous strata of the Anabar-Lena sedimentary basin have a certain oil and gas production potential, which can be realized in the synchronous offshore horizons of the adjacent territories of the Arctic shelf. Among the most representative objects in this regard are the outcrops of Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous formations of the Nordvik Peninsula. The main data on the composition and structure of this section were obtained mainly at the beginning of the second half of last century. The results of complex mineralogical, petrographic, and lithochemical studies of the Urdyuk-Khaya and Paksa formations of Cape Urdyuk-Khaya of the Nordvik Peninsula presented in here enabled us to identify 10 boundaries for changing of sedimentation regimes of the paleobasin. It was found that the Urdyuk-Khaya Formation was formed mainly in the conditions of the shelf transition zone (moderate deep water) with low rates of terrigenous material intake, some depletion of oxygen in bottom waters, and a trend towards an increase in the depths of the basin. The basal stratum of the Paksa Formation was formed in offshore conditions with periodically occurring dioxic conditions in bottom waters and extremely low rates of terrigenous material intake. The overlying part of the formation was formed in various parts of offshore transition conditions with a gradual decrease in the depths of the basin, an increase in the oxygen content in the bottom layer of water, and the rate of terrigenous material intake. The main provenance area was igneous rocks of mafic, possibly intermediate composition. There was some influence of felsic igneous rocks, or ancient sedimentary rocks rich in quartz. The parent strata were subjected to moderate and severe chemical weathering, in a warm humid climate. The revealed features of the studied strata are similar to the characteristics of the same-age sediments of the lower reaches of the Anabar River, which determines their high correlation potential and allows us to judge the evolution of the western part of the Anabar-Lena basin.

High-resolution isochronous stratigraphic framework through well-seismic integration in tight sandstone: a case study of Luodai gas field, Sichuan, China

Tight gas sandstone represents a significant unconventional resource extensively discovered across numerous sedimentary basins around the world. Tight sandstone reservoirs are characterized by low porosity, low permeability, variable source material, rapid spatial and temporal changes, poor reservoir properties, and strong heterogeneity. Traditional geophysical methods struggle to meet the demands of exploration and development of these types of reservoirs. This study applies a high-precision comparative approach using well-seismic integration to establish a relative isochronous stratigraphic framework. Based on this framework, extracting seismic properties can effectively predict tight sandstone reservoirs. This paper, focusing on the Penglaizhen Formation in the Luodai Gas Field of the Western Sichuan Jurassic system. This entire process accomplished in three steps: starting with regional marker layers as the initial framework; followed by the establishment of a relative isochronous framework through precise well-seismic integration; and finally stratigraphic slicing techniques to delineate isochronous stratigraphic framework with shorter time intervals. Thereby enhancing the reliability of subsurface stratigraphic information and data accuracy. The study posits that current technological means cannot create a truly isochronous stratigraphic framework; thus, “isochronous” is considered a relative concept in this context. The framework aims to ensure temporal consistency by minimizing discrepancies through mutual constraints between well and seismic data, serving to exploration and development requirements. Furthermore, analyses such as sensitive attribute extraction, impedance inversion, and assessment of hydrocarbon potential in tight sandstone reservoirs demonstrate strong correlation with drilling results. This validation underscores the framework’s efficacy in interpreting industrial gas production flows, thereby providing robust support for future oil and gas exploration.

High Resolution X-ray Diffraction Studies of the Natural Minerals of Gas Hydrates and Occurrence of Mixed Phases

The types and concentrations of gas hydrates collected from four different geological sites were analyzed using high-resolution angular dispersive X-ray powder diffraction, with synchrotron radiation as the source. Measurements were taken across a temperature range of 80 to 300 K and a pressure range of 0.1 to 80 MPa. All four gas hydrate samples showed the presence of three mixed crystal structures: structures I, II, and H. Additionally, the ice Ih structure was inherently present in all the natural gas hydrate minerals. The variation in the types and concentrations of gas hydrates can be attributed to the diversity of natural gases at different geographic locations.

A novel maximum likelihood based probabilistic behavioral data fusion algorithm for modeling residential energy consumption.

The current research effort is focused on improving the effective use of the multiple disparate sources of data available by proposing a novel maximum likelihood based probabilistic data fusion approach for modeling residential energy consumption. To demonstrate our data fusion algorithm, we consider energy usage by fuel type variables (for electricity and natural gas) in residential dwellings as our dependent variable of interest, drawn from residential energy consumption survey (RECS) data. The national household travel survey (NHTS) dataset was considered to incorporate additional variables that are not available in the RECS data. With a focus on improving the model for the residential energy use by fuel type, our proposed research provides a probabilistic mechanism for appropriately fusing records from the NHTS data with the RECS data. Specifically, instead of strictly matching records with only common attributes, we propose a flexible differential weighting method (probabilistic) based on attribute similarity (or dissimilarity) across the common attributes for the two datasets. The fused dataset is employed to develop an updated model of residential energy use with additional independent variables contributed from the NHTS dataset. The newly estimated energy use model is compared with models estimated RECS data exclusively to see if there is any improvement offered by the newly fused variables. In our analysis, the model fit measures provide strong evidence for model improvement via fusion as well as weighted contribution estimation, thus highlighting the applicability of our proposed fusion algorithm. The analysis is further augmented through a validation exercise that provides evidence that the proposed algorithm offers enhanced explanatory power and predictive capability for the modeling energy use. Our proposed data fusion approach can be widely applied in various sectors including the use of location-based smartphone data to analyze mobility and ridehailing patterns that are likely to influence energy consumption with increasing electric vehicle (EV) adoption.

Upgrading co-pyrolysis products from ternary biomass: An investigative study of commercial and locally-made catalysts

Catalysts play a pivotal role in influencing product yields and compositions in pyrolysis processes, offering significant advantages for biomass conversion. This study investigates the impact of natural and commercial catalysts on the co-pyrolysis of ternary biomass at two different temperatures (550 °C and 750 °C). At higher temperatures, secondary decompositions become prominent, leading to increased gas yields and decreased char and liquid oil yields. The introduction of catalysts generally enhances char yields across both temperature regimes. Notably, CaCO3 exhibits the highest bio-oil yield, while Ca(OH)2 shows the lowest, with reversed trends observed for gas yields. The influence of catalysts extends to gas composition, with Ca(OH)2 and zeolite notably increasing CH4 and CO2 concentrations at 750 °C. Each catalyst type exerts specific effects on gas production and composition, underscoring the intricate interplay between catalysts and reaction pathways. Additionally, catalysts significantly alter the composition of bio-oil, with calcium-based catalysts reducing acid content and increasing aromatics, while zeolites exhibit contrasting trends at different temperatures. Noteworthy compounds identified in the resulting bio-oil include bisphenol A, levoglucosan, phenols, and p-cresol, offering potential applications in plastics, biofuels, resins, and more. Overall, catalysts offer the potential to enhance specific compound yields, reduce corrosiveness, and optimize bio-oil and char composition for diverse industrial applications, highlighting the need for further research into synergistic effects when combining different catalysts.

A life cycle assessment of cover crop ensiling and co-digestion with cattle manure

AbstractCover crops offer a potential biogas feedstock, and to enable continuous operation of the biogas plant, ensiling can be used for biomass preservation. The aim of the present study was to assess the environmental impacts of biogas production at an organic dairy farm for two modelled scenarios: (1) harvesting and ensiling of cover crops and cereal straw and co-digestion with cattle manure, or (2) mono-digestion of cattle manure and direct cover crop soil incorporation. The biogas scenarios were modelled in a consequential LCA in relation to a common baseline without anaerobic digestion, with cover crop soil incorporation and field application of raw cattle manure. Biogas scenarios resulted in decreased global warming impacts of (1) 250 and (2) 120 Mg CO2eq for a 1000-hectare example dairy farm due to substitution of natural gas. However, emissions from ensiling, biogas plant operation, and agronomic effects increased other environmental impacts. Agronomic modelling with the Daisy model showed a crop yield increase of 0.11 Mg DM ha−1 year−1 on a sandy loam soil with cover crop digestion, but also an increase in N leaching of 38% and a decrease in soil C stocks of 8.1 Mg C ha−1 over 100 years relative to the reference. Emissions of VOCs and NOx during ensiling increased ozone formation and negative impacts on human health and ecosystems, although further research is needed to better understand these emissions. In conclusion, this modelling study shows that greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by using ensiled cover crops for co-digestion with manure when biogas is used to substitute fossil gas, although trade-offs with other environmental categories must be considered.

The costs of hydrogen and conventional energy carriers: temporal evolutions and mutual price correlations – global insights with a focus on Belgium

ABSTRACT Energy systems design is challenged by uncertainties in energy carrier costs. This study explores hydrogen and conventional energy carrier costs, providing global insights with a focus on Belgium. Over two years, European natural gas prices surged 55-fold, while solid biomass prices varied only 1.8-fold over 13 years. Regression analysis (adjusted R 2 >0.9) reveals mutual correlations among energy carriers, allowing for cost ranking relative to the natural gas price. The relationship between electricity and natural gas prices underscores financial challenges for heat pumps in Belgium. Hydrogen cost estimations for 2024 are 43.7, 48.8, 16.4, and 17.5 €/GJH2,LHV for green, yellow (grid), grey and blue hydrogen, respectively. Achieving cost parity between blue and grey hydrogen requires a carbon tax of 67.5–123 €/tonCO2. Present approach incorporates uncertainties in energy carrier costs by varying natural gas price scenarios, facilitating prompt identification of cases for in-depth evaluation in future energy systems.

Low Methane Emissions from the Natural Gas Distribution System Indicated by Mobile Measurements in a Chinese Megacity Hangzhou

Low Methane Emissions from the Natural Gas Distribution System Indicated by Mobile Measurements in a Chinese Megacity Hangzhou

The Importance of Energy Management in Public University Campuses

Energy consumption has gained great attention in recent years, particularly due to the changes in the geopolitics situation and the difficulty in ensuring security in energy sources supply. Several national and international governments set new and more stringent targets to reduce fossil fuel consumption, also proposing specific short-term and mid-term actions. For instance, the Italian Government emanates the Italian National Plan to Reduce Natural Gas consumption in 2022, particularly focused on residential, commercial and public buildings. University of L’Aquila takes inspiration from this planning, to revise its energy management and promote technical actions and a communication campaign aimed at reducing energy consumption. The short-term actions are related to the HVAC plants management of its building: a) shortening the heating days and reducing the daily hours HVAC switching on; b) slight reduction of the indoor comfort temperature; c) reduction of lighting time and intensity. Moreover, virtuous behavior has been encouraged with a communication campaign addressed to employees and students. Results obtained in only one year are very exciting: the natural gas consumption has been reduced more than 20% in academic year 2022/2023, with respect to average values of previous years, with an estimated GHG emissions avoided close to 140 tCO2 for the specific faculty considered. These results are very positive in the GreenMetric perspective, and they boost the importance also of a quite simple but effective energy management strategy and diffusion of awareness on energy and environmental issues.

Process Simulation and Technical Evaluation Using Water-Energy-Product (WEP) Analysis of an Extractive-Based Biorefinery of Creole-Antillean Avocado Produced in the Montes De María

The annual increase in the world’s population significantly contributes to recent climate change and variability. Therefore, researchers, engineers, and professionals in all fields must integrate sustainability criteria into their decision-making. These criteria aim to minimize the environmental, social, economic, and energy impacts of human activities and industrial processes, helping mitigate climate change. This research focuses on developing scalable technology for the comprehensive use of avocados, adhering to sustainability principles. This work presents the modeling, simulation, and the WEP (Water-Energy-Product) technical evaluation of the process for obtaining bio-oil, chlorophyll, and biopesticide from the Creole-Antillean avocado. For this, the extractive-based biorefinery data related to water, energy, and products are taken from the material balance based on experimental results and process simulation. Then, eight process parameters are calculated, and eleven technical indicators are determined. Later, the extreme technical limitations for every indicator are demarcated, and an evaluation of the performance of the indicators is carried out. Results showed that the process has a high execution in aspects such as fractional water cost (TCF) and energy cost (TCE), as well as solvent reuse during extraction processes (SRI) and production yield, noting that the mentioned indicators are above 80%. In contrast, the metrics related to water management (FWC) and specific energy (ESI) showed the lowest performance. These discoveries support the use of optimization techniques like mass process integration. The energy-related indicators reveal that the process presents both benefits and drawbacks. One of the drawbacks is the energy source due to the high demand for electrical energy in the process, compared to natural gas. The specific energy intensity indicator (ESI) showed an intermediate performance (74%), indicating that the process consumes high energy. This indicator enables us to highlight that we can find energy aspects that require further study; for this reason, it is suitable to say that there is potential to enhance the energy efficiency of the process by applying energy integration methods.

Kinetic models for the methanation of COx gases to produce methane: A critical analysis

An exhaustive review of the available literature regarding the kinetic models for the methanation of COx gases to produce natural gas (CH4) is reported. Since the oldest and recent reported kinetic studies about this topic were discussed and analyzed. The characteristics of the experimental studies such as the reaction system, operating conditions, catalyst used, and the experimental procedure, as well as the derived reaction rate equations, reaction rate coefficients and activation energies are highlighted. The results of the various kinetic models are also discussed in order to identify appropriate approaches that can be used as reference to develop new kinetic models. Most of the works reported values of reaction order of 0.2–1 and activation energies of 75–110 kJ/mol in a temperature range of 220–450 °C. Average absolute error (ε) values were calculated to evaluate the accuracy of the predicted data, which resulted to be in the range of 0.15 %–8.08 % showing generally a good agreement.

Generation of hydrogen fuel on board vehicles with internal combustion engines

This article discusses advances in the design of hydrogen fuel engines; the main characteristics of the hybrid engine are studied; prospects for further research are outlined; development and improvement of engine designs, research of processes in engines running on natural gas and hydrogen. Transport is one of the key elements of modern civilization. Its condition and development prospects largely depend on the ability to supply transport power plants with fuel. The depletion of liquid hydrocarbon fuel reserves and problems of environmental pollution may present humanity with a choice - either to reduce transport transportation or to find new ways to supply energy to transport. OBJECTIVE: To review the electrochemical technologies used for the production of hydrogen at gas stations and the operation of hybrid electric vehicle engines using fuel cell batteries. Conduct a comparative analysis of the production and use of energy by electrochemical and traditional methods in vehicles. METHODS are based on analysis of literature data and mathematical calculations. For a passenger electric vehicle, the amount of electricity that can be obtained in a fuel cell by processing 1 kg of hydrogen was calculated. It has been shown that the specific fuel consumption for a hydrogen electric vehicle averages 1 kg of hydrogen per 100 km. Hydrogen has the potential to be the sustainable fuel of the future, reducing global dependence on fossil fuel resources and reducing carbon emissions from the transportation industry.