Simulation and Exergy Analysis of Consuming Resources of Gases Recovered from the Flare Network in Gas Refinery

<p>This paper focuses on the simulation and exergy analysis of flare gas recovery systems and their consuming resources in a gas processing plant, with the aim of minimizing environmental pollution and maximizing energy utilization. During the extraction and processing of oil and gas, significant amounts of unused gases are typically directed to flares, resulting in both environmental pollution and economic waste. Through simulation, it has been determined that approximately 28,700 kg/hour of flare gases can be recovered from the refinery’s flare network, operating at a pressure of 9 bar and a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. To optimize the consumption of the recovered gases, exergy analysis has been conducted for different consumption scenarios. Two distinct scenarios for the consumption of flare gases are presented. In the first scenario, the recovered gases are compressed to a pressure of 70 bar and injected into the gas sweetening unit of the refinery. Moreover, the calculated exergy efficiency for this scenario is 69%. In the second scenario, the recovered gases are directed to the compressors available in the gas condensate unit. The calculated exergy efficiency for this scenario exceeds 78%. Ultimatly, based on the simulation and exergy analysis results, it is concluded that injecting the recovered flare gases into the compressors of the gas condensate stabilization unit offers the most optimal utilization of the recovered gases. This finding highlights the potential for reducing environmental pollution, minimizing waste, and maximizing the economic resources available in the gas processing plant.</p>