An independent oil company (IOC) was using diesel to power three power plants, each in close proximity to critical areas of their oilfield including a process plant, a cluster of artificial ESP’s and a camp facility.

With the Oman government making a commitment in Paris to reduce it’s flaring of associated petroleum gas (APG) in Omani oil fields, the customer saw the opportunity to reduce operational costs while gaining credibility in the Oman oil industry. They wanted to lead the way in the Sultanate by utilising the gas for power in their operations and proving flare reduction possibilities.

The oilfield is situated in extreme conditions with temperatures in excess of 50°C, excessive sandstorms, and heavy fog moisture all to contend with, and the location itself was remote, 5 hours south of Muscat with only sand roads for access.

There was several challenges including the availability of the APG, treatment and cooling of the gas, to the power distribution systems, process safety and power stability that all to be considered.

The biggest technical challenge would be the treatment of the gas. The flare held condensates and was too hot to be fed directly into a gas engine, so a bespoke engineered solution was required.

The IOC needed a highly experienced reliable partner who could meet the engineering and technical challenges of a flare gas to power project coupled with the extreme environment and remote location, and ultimately one that the senior leadership of the customers organisation could trust to deliver the project successfully.