New in gas processing technology
Bob Andrew, Technical Editor
LNG terminal decision-making software
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Lanner has been awarded a contract by Cameron LNG to supply its LNG Logistics Simulator. The software will enable Cameron LNG to efficiently simulate a range of scenarios for the potential expansion of its export terminal on the Calcasieu Channel in Louisiana.
Cameron LNG chose Lanner based on the two companies’ historical relationship and the prior use of Lanner’s predictive simulation technology. Lanner’s software will help Cameron LNG optimize decision-making by simulating real-world variables, such as shipping and weather.
Intelligent pipeline leak detection
Telvent Canada Ltd. (“Schneider Electric”) and IntelliView Technologies Inc. announced their agreement to collaborate and deliver IntelliView’s video analytics-based leak detection technology as an integrated offer in the Schneider Electric Enterprise Pipeline Management System (ePLMS) applications suite, specifically within the OASyS DNA SCADA system platform. The agreement is effective immediately.
As part of Schneider Electric’s strategy in delivering state-of-the-art solutions for safe pipeline operations, including advanced leak detection technologies, the agreement will allow the company to offer comprehensive belowground and aboveground embedded solutions with improved identification of small leaks in aboveground facilities.
Intelliview has worked closely with lead customers in a demanding and critical environment to apply advanced analytics on video and thermal output to provide reliable, low-threshold, and real-time leak detection. The agreement will accelerate application of this
new toolset in the industry.
www.intelliview.ca and
www.schneider-electric.com
LNG carrier simulation model
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GTT Training was awarded a contract to supply its G-Sim LNG simulator software to L-3 DPA Inc. and Chevron. The contract involves the development of a new LNG carrier model based on the new LNG vessels owned and operated by Chevron. The G-Sim software will also interface with engine room simulation equipment being provided to Chevron by L-3 DPA.
Used to provide hands-on, real-time training in the processes and procedures that must be followed to undertake and complete any type of LNG cargo-related operation, G-Sim provides full simulation of all of the systems on a vessel that are involved in the management and handling of the LNG cargo and maintaining the vessel in a safe condition. In addition to the Chevron-specific vessels, the instructors will
be able to select from 16 different configurations of LNG carrier, with the selection being based on tank capacity, containment system and propulsion system, to cater for future requirements.
Developed internally by GTT Training using its extensive experience in the behavior of LNG and providing training simulators to the maritime industry, G-Sim provides an effective training platform for training operatives in the handling of LNG.
CO2 scrubbing for early flowback gas
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Linde Gases announced the launch of its mobile technology to economically remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from early flowback natural gas, giving producers a cost-effective way to increase recovery and achieve green completions.
The new mobile gas cleanup unit (MGCU) uses an innovative membrane technology to remove up to 98% of the CO2 in the production stream. It was designed to improve well economics,
with an emphasis on enhanced productivity or estimated ultimate recovery (EUR), reduced environmental footprint and improved economics of the field.
Natural gas typically contains trace amounts of CO2. But when a well is fractured with energized fluids containing CO2 to boost recovery, the early flowback gas may exceed pipeline specifications. The most common practice is to flare off the gas until the well cleans up enough to meet specifications.
The trailer-mounted skid unit can be deployed to well sites even in remote locations, and can be operational within half a day, depending on location logistics. It also can be shut down, purged and driven to the next location very quickly. The flexibility of the MGCU design results in operators only paying for the gas scrubbing capabilities needed, based on length of use and volume of gas flow.
LNG containers for areas without pipelines
The common 40-ft-long shipping container is set to widen the market for LNG over the coming years to include potential gas consumption areas not serviced by mainland pipeline networks and without local access to natural gas resources.
Emerging commercial, legal and technological developments are now allowing LNG in ISO containers to be delivered to these previously inaccessible LNG market destinations. The containers are typically 40-ft-long forms that can be loaded with LNG and shipped by freighter, rail or truck, and delivered to a power plant. This containerization trend will increasingly bring highly mobile, cost-competitive additional LNG consignments into the overall energy market mix.
Unmanned aerial survey in Qatar
Cyberhawk Innovations has completed the first-ever commercial oil and gas inspection in Qatar. This now allows significant cost benefits of drone inspection service to be provided throughout the Qatari market, at a time when oil and gas budgets are facing significant pressure.
The project, which saw the inspection of 136-m-high flares while still operational, was completed at an onshore oil and gas refinery in March. A team of two from Cyberhawk undertook the work using state-of-the-art inspection unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This inspection marks a major step forward in the commercial use of drones in the region, which have been heavily regulated to date by the Qatari government due to concerns over security of airspace and the privacy of citizens.
The company undertook an intensive campaign, lobbying the government to explain the benefits on offer through UAVs, including significant cost and time savings, and how safely these remotely operated unmanned aircraft can be when operated by experienced operators. After a thorough assessment of track record and a proven case study history in the Middle East, a panel of authorities granted an exclusive permit to conduct the work in Qatar.
Flare control for EPA compliance
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CyboSoft has developed a flare process control solution that can effectively control flare vent gas heating value to meet EPA regulations. A model-free adaptive (MFA) flare control system has been running in a plant for 1.5 years and achieved substantial economic benefits.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is ramping up its enforcement actions to investigate illegal air emissions by industrial flares. Since the EPA will require the flare net heating value data from the previous five years when it issues a Clean Air Act (CAA) section 114 letter, it is very important for flare operators to install a real-time heating value sensor and control system to comply with the limits and save records.
Most refinery and chemical plants operate flares to burn off waste gas for operational and safety reasons. The vent gas heating value of a flare must be monitored and controlled based on EPA 40CFR60.18 rules. For steam-assisted or air-assisted flares, the net heating value
of the gas being combusted must be 300 Btu/scf or greater. When
the waste gas heating value is below this limit, supplemental gas,
such as natural gas, must be added to ensure sufficient combustion and minimal emissions. The model-free adaptive control system diagram illustrates a flare process and its key variables.
Online calorimeters can determine the heating value or Wobbe index of a gas in real time. However, adding a heating value (HV) control loop can be a challenging task for several reasons:
- Large and varying time delays exist in the HV control loop
- The HV process is nonlinear in different operating conditions
- Multiple waste gas streams in a plant are sent to the flare stack, where stream flows can vary widely, causing disturbances to the heating value
- The HV of each waste gas stream may change widely under operating condition changes
- Nitrogen is often used as purge gas to keep positive pressure in the vent pipe, making the process more complex.
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