Associated Gas Utilization Using Gas Turbine Engine, Performance Implication—Nigerian Case Study

Abstract

Typically, crude oil production in Nigeria always accompanied by surface production of associated gas. With little associated gas recovery facilities in place, majority of associated gas is continuously flared with few portions re-injected into the reservoir for enhance oil recovery (EOR). In addition to environmental hazards, wasting substantial amount of produced associated gas is deemed detrimental to a country currently generating less than 54% of its electric power requirement. Onsite power generation as one of the many means of utilization of associated gas has been conceived. Conversely, the availability and performance of the gas turbine engine for onsite associated gas utilization requires evaluation owing to variations in associated natural gas composition globally and the dependency of associated gas production on reservoirs and oil production activities. This paper presents an analytical investigation of gas turbine engine inspired by GE LMS100 frame engine for onsite utilization of associated gas in Nigeria. Gas turbine performance results are presented and performance parameters are compared against typical commercial natural gas grade.