Minimize Flaring in Oil and Gas Facilities

Flaring is one of the most visible forms of waste at upstream and downstream oil and gas facilities. Capturing flare gas not only has environmental benefits; it has economic incentives as well. Efforts by petroleum and natural gas production facilities to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have intensified over recent years to meet growing demands from companies, governmental institutions, and the public. The "Zero Routine Flaring by 2030" initiative was launched" by the World Bank and the United Nations (UN) in 2015 with the goal of eliminating routine flaring in upstream facilities by 2030 (1). Several major companies in the industry have already made this pledge. This article discusses the impact of flaring in upstream and downstream oil and gas facilities. Technologies to reduce flaring in upstream production and downstream refining and petrochemical plants - including flare gas recovery systems, the use of instrumentation, and rerouting of relief streams - will be reviewed.