Utilization of associated gas from onshore oil field production of Thailand

Abstract

Associated gas is by-product from crude oil production which is usually flared because crude oil is the more expensive product and too small amount of associated gas produced. However, the field that has large amount of associated gas produced would be developed since it can generate the benefits. Currently, the technology has enhanced gas utilization more efficient and can be applied for small scale natural gas field development by many options such as LNG, GTL, LPG, GTW, including PNG. In this study, reserve determination and production forecast of crude oil and associated gas, and financial analysis will be the tools to identify the suitable option. Gas utilization options and constraints were studied and listed. The onshore oil fields in Thailand are preliminary previewed and, then a particular case was selected and studied in details. The possible options for small scale gas utilization are considered for the next step of study. The field criteria to considerations are studied which the associated gas reserve and future production are the important parameters for this study, and they depend on reserve and future production of crude oil. The determined associated gas reserve and production forecast was set to 3 different cases of outcome. The sub-fields in the case field are screened by the criteria to get the 2 sub-field candidates. The financial analysis comes into play to determine the feasible fields with the suitable option. The study concludes that the utilization of associated gas from onshore oil field production in Thailand is potent enough to implement. The options of small-scale LNG and, combined of power generation and gas pipeline to community are appropriate for 2 sub-field in the particular case.