Technology Selection in CO2 Recovery in Relation to CO2 Breakthrough Progression in Upstream Facilities

Abstract The paper intends to share insights on importance of appropriate technology selection for CO2 recovery package in upstream oil and gas facilities in relation to initial to final breakthrough concentration and share knowledge gained during various concepts of EOR projects. Paper also intends to share end user's need to further optimize OEM's design and any development requirement to suit the OPCO's need. The paper would like to first highlight valuable knowledge gained during concepts of EOR projects while dealing with multiple CO2 recovery package vendors. Then showcase merits and demerits/limitations on various selected technologies (such as 2-stage Amine absorption Vs Hybrid technologies comprising of membrane followed by selective Amine absorption) for a certain initial to final CO2 breakthrough concentrations including CAPEX and OPEX level comparison. The paper will conclude by highlighting that after CO2 re-injection for EOR projects, the breakthrough concentration of CO2 and H2S (mol%) will be the determining factor for technology selection for CO2 recovery package. As breakthrough differs in various reservoir zones, so one set of technology selection cannot be made standard practice. Following conclusions can be made: If CO2 concentration is above about 10% and no H2S breakthrough is expected, then 2 stage membrane process can be selected. If CO2 concentration is lesser than 10% and H2S breakthrough is significant then 2 stage MDEA is a better proposition till the limitation of AMINE package, then switch over to Membrane technology can be evaluated as 2nd phase. If CO2 concentration is above 10% and H2S breakthrough is expected, then 2 stage membrane process clubbed with selective Amine absorption unit (to remove H2S) shall be selected. If initial CO2 concentration is lesser than 10% for a significant time period, then Only 2 stage MDEA process shall be considered and scope for future assessment shall be considered in overall design. End user finds it extremely difficult to deal with the significant delta P that each stage of membrane requires. Hence urgent need is envisaged for further development of low pressure drop module to reduce the ever-increasing OPEX. Also envisages further development need for removal of H2S through membrane technology along with CO2.