Nodal Analysis to decide the optimal point of operation between oil production and LPG production to maximize the energy resource of the Petroleum Production Station, Aguarico

Abstract

The production of oil in Ecuador has involved for several years the burning of associated gas without it being delivered in its entirety to the entity responsible for transforming it into products such as LPG and natural gasoline. Consequently, there is an energy loss in the process that leads to an economic loss for the state. Therefore, this study presents the necessary methodology to simulate the optimal operating condition in the production separators of the Aguarico Process Central, which represents the maximum economic gain from the commercialization of oil and liquefied gas, optimizing the resource energetic. For the development of the study, the Aspen Hysys® and PIPESIM software are used, which together with the information provided by Petroamazonas EP, allow simulating the current field operating condition to subsequently perform a sensitivity analysis on the operating pressure of the separator and its effect on gas and oil flows. Although, as the operating pressure of the separator increases, the flow of oil and gas decreases, the study shows that there is a point that maximizes the monetary gain related to the commercialization of oil and liquefied gas, and even, it represents the limit of gas collection at the compressor inlet that directs the flow to the Shushufindi Industrial Complex (CIS). The modification of the current pressure set to a value of 29 psig would lead to an increase of $ 11,936.26 associated with the commercialization of oil and LPG per day of operation. Similarly, the amount of associated gas that is sent to the torches is reduced, generating a lesser effect of combustion contamination.