Associated gas: use with benefit

Associated gas is considered a by- product of oil production. It is a mixture of inorganic and hydrocarbon compounds that secrete "black gold." The main difficulties with its use are caused by the lack of processing and transport infrastructure, large local consumers in the areas of extraction. In this regard, until recently, associated gas, as a rule, was burned, polluting the environment. And because of its ethane, propane, methane, butane, isobutane and non-hydrocarbon gases, hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen sulphide, solid dust, its combustion products are the cause of a number of serious illnesses. However, the tightening of laws in the countries of the former USSR put the extractive industry in a practically non-alternative situation - utilization of associated gas should occur with mandatory generation of electricity, or with additional purification and supply to the backbone networks. From the point of view of the economy, the first option is most acceptable, the second one makes sense if consumers are at a relatively short distance.

Also, associated gas can be used as fuel for internal combustion engines. However, in this case there are certain limiting factors. In particular, associated gas requires some preparation for use, since it contains hydrocarbons with a small methane number, which are the cause of detonation. In addition, there are aggressive sulfur-containing substances that cause corrosion and rapid oxidation of the oil.

Natural and associated gas today are competitors, but not in terms of demand from consumers, and in terms of the possibility of access to a single gas transmission system. Because of its heavy workload and the monopoly on infrastructure, access to it by oil companies is limited. All this practically reduces to zero all the economic advantages that associated gas has, to which, in particular, the established zero rate of severance tax and the cost of production belong. With all this, the price of this gas is low, depends mainly on its composition. When it is determined, the costs for storage and transportation are practically not taken into account.

The use of gas as a fuel for generating heat and electricity at the place of production in such a situation becomes practically the only way to use it. For this purpose, the following equipment is needed:

- gas preparation unit (can be one stationary for the whole facility, consist of modules, the number of which will depend on the number of electric units);

- gas piston electrical installation;

- block for utilization of thermal energy of engine and exhaust gases ;

- terminal for liquid fraction.

The design of equipment for gas preparation is carried out depending on its specific composition. The generator and auxiliary installations can be produced both in block (container) and open versions. The equipment can also be placed on trailer devices for use as backup mobile or permanent sources of electrical power.