Energy Conservation In The Oil Field
Authors: Larsen H.L. , Porter J.E. , Kuzma J.H. , Pellegrino V.L. 
Published: December 2007

The fuel and power costs to produce oil and gas have risen dramatically since 1973. Amoco has found that a formalized, Division-wide, coordinated energy optimization program is a most effective tool for minimizing many of these costs. This program has proven to be economically attractive as well as a conservation measure. Specific operational functions where these benefits have been obtained are cited.

Introduction

Energy conservation as used today is an all encompassing phrase generally referring to our country's concern regarding future energy supplies. In addition to maximizing oil and gas production, the large quantities of energy required to produce, transport, and process oil and gas make it essential that we keep energy usage to a minimum. This paper deals with Amoco's efforts in the Houston paper deals with Amoco's efforts in the Houston Division which includes Texas, Eastern New Mexico, Michigan, and thirteen states in the Mid-West and East to conserve energy by optimizing producing operations. Specifically, we want to use our fuel and power as efficiently and as economically as possible. possible. Unlike most manufacturing facilities, oil producing operations are not confined to a small area surrounded by a neat fence. Operation of the division's 7000 producing wells (over 5000 wells are being pumped with producing wells (over 5000 wells are being pumped with electric motors) require thousands of miles of flow lines, and thousands of isolated collection, treating, and processing facilities scattered over vast areas. To furnish power to these various types of equipment, large networks of electric and fuel gas lines are required. All of these equipment and facilities are operated and serviced by hundreds of Amoco and service company personnel located in numerous offices. Coordination of all these efforts is essential.

Approximately 4 years ago as energy, chemicals, and equipment came into short supply and costs escalated rapidly, efforts to conserve energy while optimizing production operations intensified. To be effective, this program had to be economically attractive to management (i.e., result in more efficient operations and reduce costs,) without increasing maintenance problems for operating personnel. To date the program has accomplished personnel. To date the program has accomplished both goals with increasing support and innovativeness by all involved personnel. Often investigation into one facet of energy optimization at a field or facility resulted in other operational improvements that outweighed the value of the original objective.

The formal program, as it has evolved, includes coordination from the Division Office with efforts from the individual operating locations being obtained from periodic reports combined with field surveys. The data obtained from these individual field reports and surveys is compiled and distributed to all field locations. It is essential that the efforts and experiences from all locations be made available to all involved personnel.

The cumulative savings reported from this cooperative effort is significant. Table 1 itemizes the yearly savings credited to energy conservation efforts in Amoco's Houston Division.

Vapor Recovery

Vapor recovery units (VRU), which recover gas that otherwise would be vented, not only result in the conservation of resources, increased safety and reduction of pollution, they can be quite profitable if the production volumes are large or the gas price high. Many factors influence vapor recovery price high. Many factors influence vapor recovery including the operating pressure and temperature of upstream lines and treating vessels, crude oil gravity, and gas collection system pressures. In some instances very small field facilities can support the installation and operation of a VRU. One hundred three VRU's in operation within the Houston Division Area produced a daily gas rate of 6420 MCF for a gross annual revenue of $2,708,000 during 1976. The economic attractiveness of vapor recovery operations in one West Texas operating location is indicated in Table 2.