Advancing Flaring Measurement Systems in Oil and Gas Fields Through Validation with Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Data

Abstract This study investigates the differences between on-site flaring measurement systems (ultrasonic meters) in oil and gas facilities and data from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Night Fire. The focus is on Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), which has made significant efforts to reduce flaring and supports the World Bank's Zero Routine Flaring Initiative. VIIRS Nightfire (VNF) data was used to estimate annual gas flared volumes and compared to measurements from PDO ultrasonic meters at various facilities. Key parameters such as flare average temperature, VIIRS detection frequency, ellipticity, and flow rate were investigated to determine their effect on data accuracy. The analysis found significant differences between the two datasets, with relative errors ranging from 7% to 30% between 2019 and 2023. Some facilities, like facility A, showed an exact match from the past year, while other facilities, like station C, showed a low meter reliability. This study contributes to improving flaring measurement practices, ensuring environmental regulatory compliance, and reducing the environmental impact of flaring activities in the oil and gas industry.