## 4 Conclusions  
Techno-economic models for the selected ANG utilisation processes (LNG, GTW, and GTM) were developed. A routine ANG flaring management framework which combined regulatory, technical, and economic analysis to reach optimal decisions broke the process down into three phases, which were the Decision Phase, Reduce to Target Threshold, and Evaluate Options. A routine ANG flaring gas management tool was developed and prepared for testing within certain ranges of parameters and constraints meeting the aim of the study. The application of the tool for this paper was carried out with techno-economic analysis, using data obtained from Fields Y (offshore field in the South-South Niger Delta, Rivers State) and X (onshore field in the South-West Niger Delta, Delta State) in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The application was made feasible by connecting the tool to the Aspen HYSYS process simulations via MATLAB Active X server. According to the process simulations and economic evaluations carried out on the fields, the following output was observed for each of the fields. For Field Y, the LNG process was seen to be the most profitable as it was closer to the LNG pipeline infrastructure and had high product demand, positive NPV, high investment return, and shortest payback period. Although the LNG process was more expensive than the GTW and GTM processes, this was balanced out by its high annual profit and proximity to a market (in terms of distance). Furthermore, GTW technology was chosen for Field X as it is close to the electrical grid, thereby having high grid export capability and the high requirements for electricity in that area. Further economic considerations included positive NPV, low payback period, and high investment returns. Field Y has a higher flare gas volume (flare more gas) than Field X, so the capital investment costs (both fixed and total costs) are higher for Field Y, due to its offshore location because of additional costs associated with equipment and increased transport costs. Field X has lower capital investment costs compared to Field Y due to its onshore location and lower flare gas volume. When applying crucial environmental considerations for each field, GTM could be chosen (provided that it is economically viable) owing to its ability to produce clean fuel; however, when the ANG volume for a field is low, LNG and GTM processes become less than ideal. The results obtained as presented and discussed show the successful testing of the tool as well as its feasibility and potential for large-scale application. Further research and optimisation of the tool, however, are necessary to achieve better results with consistent use. The tool has several advantages, including the ability to set practical limits for allowable volumes of gas flared during oil and gas operations and to conduct a real-time comparison study of the economic sanctions (such as carbon tax and flaring fines) incurred because of ANG flaring and the economic benefits received through the adoption of various gas utilisation alternatives for optimal decision making. We developed and applied a working ANG flaring management tool that uses techno-economic analysis to select appropriate ANG utilisation techniques based on their technical and economic feasibility. We developed a routine ANG flaring management framework unique to Nigeria, which was then used to develop an ANG flaring management tool, the first of its kind (a first step towards a decision aid, but it is not yet a decision aid) in Nigeria that incorporates field data to provide real-time ANG utilisation outputs for investment decisions. In doing so, our goal of developing a systematic framework and management tool to reduce routine gas flaring through ANG utilisation, promote the economic benefits of ANG utilisation, and minimise carbon dioxide emission was achieved through the successful accomplishment of the various objectives set out. For future research, the following are recommended for the improvement of the ANG flaring management tool and this work.