Regulatory Requirements for Accuracy in Flare Gas Measurement – Synergizing Software Method Advancement to assist the Hardware Technology to meet Accuracy Demands

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebuka Umeh ◽  
Stanley Ibeh ◽  
Boniface Obah ◽  
Chukwunonso Abonyi ◽  
Stephen Nnakaihe

Abstract Over the years, the industry has been so used to the hard logic of utilizing flare gas meters (notably the ultrasonic flare gas meters) in the measurement of stranded flare gas. This is because it has been a workable solution for years with minimal challenges due to the broader range of accuracy required by regulatory bodies. Usually, companies are either constrained to either utilize the associated gas from the oil and gas facilities as fuel gas to power up the unit or reinject in the reservoir to serve as pressure maintenance agent that pushes the oil towards the reservoir, or stored in the reservoir and/or flare the gas (which in most cases, have been deployed by operators despite the penalties by the regulatory organization). With the recent steer in carbon capture, natural gas utilization, climate change and energy transition, accuracy level demands has been made more stringent with some countries including Nigeria requesting for 2.5 – 3% accuracy level of measurement from operators in a bid to monitor and curb the essence flue gases that are unaccounted for. This can only be for gases flared during routine conditions which does include when process upsets give rise to shut down and blowdown of gases through the flare header to the flare tip. The high demand of measurement accuracy has opened windows for OEM to produce calibrated meters that are bespoke with a longer timeline for recalibration as most of the hardware in critical operations could require a process shutdown to either maintain, repair, calibrate or even replace. With this growing concerns in the industry and the surging growth of digitalization involving AI, data analytics etc in other areas, the software method would be a potential source of synergy to assist the failing hardware which are being impacted by time as calibration issues continue to resurface throughout the life of the meters, giving rise to wider accuracy measurement in the region 5 – 10%, hence attracting the hammer from the regulators. This paper is intended to produce a deep dive of the current regulatory requirements for gas measurement in Nigeria by the regulators (DPR), the impact of the recent 3% accuracy requirements as it impacts both large and medium size operators, the role of gas measurement software for bridging the gaps and shortfalls of the hardware components. A case study of newly developed flare gas measurement software and its impact in assisting operators in gas performance reporting, production allocation and flare penalties where applicable


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Basit Altaf ◽  
AbdelKader Allouti ◽  
Rachit Kedia ◽  
Azer Abdullayev ◽  
Mahmoud Bedewi

Abstract The presence of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in produced reservoir fluids mandates precautions in the design and operation of the surface facilities. The toxicity and corrosive nature of H2S, and the need to prevent both plugging of reservoir formations and increasing the sulphur content of the produced oil dictates the criticality of forecasting and monitoring the volumes and concentrations of H2S flowing through the whole asset. Ensuring the concentration is within acceptable operational limits is critical to safeguard the overall asset and the integrity of the surface pipeline network. The objective of this study was to utilize a history matched Digital Twin Integrated Asset Model (IAM) to predict the volumes and concentrations of H2S in a field located offshore Abu Dhabi by modeling the multi-stage separation, H2S removal, and re-injection facilities for gas injection and gas lifts. The field consists of multiple stacked carbonate reservoirs sharing the same surface facilities. The proposed modelling of H2S removal strategy involved a series of steps beginning with the sweetening of the produced associated gas for fuel gas requirements and mixing the extracted H2S volumes with the gas injection and gas lift streams. The sweetening process effectively mitigated any potential asset integrity issues arising due to corrosion of the power generation system and other surface facility assets. The stripped H2S gas, re-combined with the remaining produced gas, was used for gas-lifts and reinjected into the lower reservoirs for pressure maintenance and enhanced oil recovery (EOR). A next-generation surface-subsurface coupled simulator was utilized for the modeling of this field including the full asset surface pipeline network, the H2S removal plant, bypass lines and re-injection facilities for gas injection and gas-lifts. The Digital Twin IAM approach provided a robust method for tracking and predicting the concentration and volume of H2S in the produced gas over a period of 50 years. The simulation allowed tracking the H2S from its initial location in the reservoirs, into the production wells, then through the pipelines, all the way to the surface facilities where the sweetening of the produced is handled. Moreover, the use of the Digital Twin allowed the verification of the disposal plan of the extracted H2S, showing that mixing it with the re-injection gas stream is a feasible option. Recommendations based on the model were provided to the production and facilities team, leading to a robust long-term field development plan that ensures asset integrity.



TAPPI Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (09) ◽  
pp. 519-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Crisp ◽  
Richard Riehle

Polyaminopolyamide-epichlorohydrin (PAE) resins are the predominant commercial products used to manufacture wet-strengthened paper products for grades requiring wet-strength permanence. Since their development in the late 1950s, the first generation (G1) resins have proven to be one of the most cost-effective technologies available to provide wet strength to paper. Throughout the past three decades, regulatory directives and sustainability initiatives from various organizations have driven the development of cleaner and safer PAE resins and paper products. Early efforts in this area focused on improving worker safety and reducing the impact of PAE resins on the environment. These efforts led to the development of resins containing significantly reduced levels of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP) and 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD), potentially carcinogenic byproducts formed during the manufacturing process of PAE resins. As the levels of these byproducts decreased, the environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) profile of PAE resins and paper products improved. Recent initiatives from major retailers are focusing on product ingredient transparency and quality, thus encouraging the development of safer product formulations while maintaining performance. PAE resin research over the past 20 years has been directed toward regulatory requirements to improve consumer safety and minimize exposure to potentially carcinogenic materials found in various paper products. One of the best known regulatory requirements is the recommendations of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), which defines the levels of 1,3-DCP and 3-MCPD that can be extracted by water from various food contact grades of paper. These criteria led to the development of third generation (G3) products that contain very low levels of 1,3-DCP (typically <10 parts per million in the as-received/delivered resin). This paper outlines the PAE resin chemical contributors to adsorbable organic halogens and 3-MCPD in paper and provides recommendations for the use of each PAE resin product generation (G1, G1.5, G2, G2.5, and G3).



2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 1071-1085
Author(s):  
E.B. Starodubtseva ◽  
◽  
M.B. Medvedeva ◽  
O.M. Markova ◽  
◽  
...  


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 381
Author(s):  
Gautier Cesbron-Lavau ◽  
Aurélie Goux ◽  
Fiona Atkinson ◽  
Alexandra Meynier ◽  
Sophie Vinoy

During processing of cereal-based food products, starch undergoes dramatic changes. The objective of this work was to evaluate the impact of food processing on the starch digestibility profile of cereal-based foods using advanced imaging techniques, and to determine the effect of preserving starch in its native, slowly digestible form on its in vivo metabolic fate. Four different food products using different processing technologies were evaluated: extruded products, rusks, soft-baked cakes, and rotary-molded biscuits. Imaging techniques (X-ray diffraction, micro-X-ray microtomography, and electronic microscopy) were used to investigate changes in slowly digestible starch (SDS) structure that occurred during these different food processing technologies. For in vivo evaluation, International Standards for glycemic index (GI) methodology were applied on 12 healthy subjects. Rotary molding preserved starch in its intact form and resulted in the highest SDS content (28 g/100 g) and a significantly lower glycemic and insulinemic response, while the three other technologies resulted in SDS contents below 3 g/100 g. These low SDS values were due to greater disruption of the starch structure, which translated to a shift from a crystalline structure to an amorphous one. Modulation of postprandial glycemia, through starch digestibility modulation, is a meaningful target for the prevention of metabolic diseases.



Author(s):  
Liping Wang ◽  
Meng Fu ◽  
Liwen Guan ◽  
Yanyu Chen

The existing studies on profile error analysis and machining accuracy measurement do not consider the impact of the theoretical errors on the machine tool accuracy measurement. Therefore, this study proposes an estimation method of the surface profile error based on the normal section plane, using the theoretical flank milled surface for comparison. This effectively improves the accuracy of profile error estimation. The theoretical flank milled surface is the surface machined by flank milling under ideal conditions. Hence, compared to the traditional analysis method based on the designed three-dimensional model of S-shaped test pieces, the calculated profile error of this method does not include theoretical errors, thereby eliminating the impact of theoretical errors on machine tool accuracy measurement and evaluation. First, an improved method for continuous parameterized dual spline interpolation was proposed. It simplifies the solution of the singular problem of the coefficient matrix of the spline basis function and obtains a continuous ideal machining tool axis trajectory surface with complete geometric characteristics. Next, a method for constructing the theoretical flank milled surface machined with a cylindrical milling tool using equidistant mapping characteristics was proposed; then, the differential transformation relationship at the cutting contact point of the curved surface under the influence of tool path errors was established. Furthermore, the normal section plane method based on the differentiation of the cutting contact point was proposed. The problem of solving the distance from a point to a surface is converted to the problem of solving the distance from a point to a curve in the normal section plane. This improves the accuracy of profile error estimation. The effectiveness of the method was verified by comparing the analysis results of the profile errors of a typical cylindrical surface with the point to surface and the point to curve methods.



Author(s):  
Thormod Andersen ◽  
Hanne M. Kvamsdal ◽  
Olav Bolland

A concept for capturing and sequestering CO2 from a natural gas fired combined cycle power plant is presented. The present approach is to decarbonise the fuel prior to combustion by reforming natural gas, producing a hydrogen-rich fuel. The reforming process consists of an air-blown pressurised auto-thermal reformer that produces a gas containing H2, CO and a small fraction of CH4 as combustible components. The gas is then led through a water gas shift reactor, where the equilibrium of CO and H2O is shifted towards CO2 and H2. The CO2 is then captured from the resulting gas by chemical absorption. The gas turbine of this system is then fed with a fuel gas containing approximately 50% H2. In order to achieve acceptable level of fuel-to-electricity conversion efficiency, this kind of process is attractive because of the possibility of process integration between the combined cycle and the reforming process. A comparison is made between a “standard” combined cycle and the current process with CO2-removal. This study also comprise an investigation of using a lower pressure level in the reforming section than in the gas turbine combustor and the impact of reduced steam/carbon ratio in the main reformer. The impact on gas turbine operation because of massive air bleed and the use of a hydrogen rich fuel is discussed.



2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 1329-1346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Huang ◽  
Julie Fitzpatrick

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of donation amount and framing on financial products, this research investigates consumers’ attitudes and behaviors toward cause-related credit cards with different donation sizes and framing types. Design/methodology/approach This research investigates consumers’ perceptions of green credit cards using two experiments with a between-subject design (n =297) and a mixed design (n =238), respectively. All the participants, recruited from a major state university in the USA, are undergraduate students who use credit cards. Findings A medium-size donation optimizes the outcome of a cause-related credit card offer. Moreover, a donation framed as cash rewards has stronger effects on a consumer’s perception and consequent reactions to the “green” credit cards than an annual percentage rate framing. Finally, consumers with high levels of environmental concern and propensity to volunteer have stronger intention to adopt and are more likely to recommend the proposed credit card. Originality/value Building upon the theories of social exchange and symbolic interaction, this research is the first to provide empirical evidence regarding the application of volunteerism and perceived consumer effectiveness for financial institutions and their cause-related marketing campaign partners in selecting suitable environmental causes.



2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Monge González ◽  
Juan Antonio Rodríguez Álvarez

<p>Este trabajo estima el impacto de los servicios financieros (diferentes del crédito) y los cursos de capacitación de corto plazo sobre las ventas reales, número de empleados, grado de formalización y acceso al crédito en el sistema financiero formal, de un conjunto de micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas clientes de una entidad de microfinanzas que opera en Costa Rica. Para ello, se emplea un panel de datos de cinco años (2006 a 2010) y modelos econométricos que tratan de controlar por atributos de las empresas, tanto observables como no observables, que afectan el desempeño de las variables sobre las cuales se mide el impacto. Los resultados señalan que aquellas empresas que recibieron servicios financieros diferentes del crédito lograron aumentar más el valor de sus ventas y el empleo, y también mejoraron su grado de formalización (aunque este resultado es débil estadísticamente), cuando se las compara con aquellas que no obtuvieron acceso a este tipo de financiamiento. Además, parecería ser que las garantías de participación y cumplimiento son el instrumento financiero que más impacta en forma positiva el desempeño de estas empresas. Por otra parte, no se obtuvo evidencia de que los servicios de capacitación de corta duración tuvieran algún impacto sobre el desempeño de estas empresas. Con base en todo lo anterior se plantean varias recomendaciones de política.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Abstract </strong></p><p>This paper considers the impact that financial services other than credit, and short term training courses have on total sales, employee number, level of formalization and access to credit in the regular financial system for a group of micro, small and medium size enterprises that are clients of a micro financing entity operating in Costa Rica. With this aim, data collected over five years (2006 to 2010), and econometric models that monitor a company`s performance by visible and non-visible attributes affecting measuring variables were used. Results show that the companies that received financial services other than the credit itself increased sales and employment more , and also improved their level of formalization (although the latter is statistically weak), when compared to others that did not had access to this type of financing. Also, it seems that participation and compliance guarantees are the most impacting financial instrument on company performance. On the other hand, no evidence was obtained about short training courses had any impact on company performance. Finally, some policy changes are recommended.<strong><br /></strong></p>



2014 ◽  
Vol 611-612 ◽  
pp. 859-867 ◽  
Author(s):  
Awa S. Doumbia ◽  
Denis Jouannet ◽  
Thierry Falher ◽  
Laurent Cauret

In recent decades, the weight of passenger vehicles has constantly increased. This leads to a rise in fuel consumption and higher CO2 emissions. On this basis, vehicle weight reduction is a privileged research axis to meet regulatory requirements on emissions by 2020. The current study is focused on the development of thermoplastic polymer used in the automotive sector. In fact, thermoplastic polymers allow innovative design and offer the advantage of being recycled for sustainable development purposes. Some lighter fillers were incorporated in this polymer by melt processing for weight saving benefits. We were interested mainly in hollow microspheres which are lower density than conventional mineral fillers (such as: talc, calcium carbonate, glass fibers etc ...). This study explores the impact of pilot-scale melt-processing on six (6) hollow microspheres embedded in high impact polypropylene commonly used for car bumpers. We found that two commercially available microspheres (grades iM30K and K37) withstand melt-processing successfully and reduce the polymer density.



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