According to the International Energy Agency outlook, the global demand for natural gas will rise over the next 5 years. At the same time, the 195 participating countries at the COP21 agreed to reduce emissions as part of the method for reducing greenhouse gas. Within this context, the O&G industry will have to play a key role on both these fields.
A more sustainable and responsible use of energy within the O&G processes is a prompt and effective way to address both the issues. There are various methods to improve energy efficiency; some of the promising opportunities can leverage Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology, a thermodynamic cycle that uses a high molecular mass fluid as working fluid allowing converting residual, low-grade heat into useful power.
This paper brings to light the latest developments of the ORC-based heat recovery solutions for the O&G processes, with reference to concrete experiences in the O&G sector. In addition, the paper will analyse case studies related to Egyptian GCS (Gas Compressor Stations) where thermal power wasted by gas turbines is transformed into useful electric energy by means of ORC solution, as an example of improving the natural gas production and transportation processes efficiency.
Recovering surplus heat and converting it into mechanical or electric energy is a viable and effective way to enhance the efficiency of industrial processes, therefore complying with possible environmental restrictions and obtaining a "greener" image while doing fruitful business.
One of the most performing technology to recover surplus heat in industry is the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), a thermodynamic cycle that uses a high molecular mass fluid as working fluid and that is particularly suited to exploit from high to low grade heat sources, as it is the case of many industrial processes. In several energy-intensive industries, there are already many experiences in applying ORC technology to recover heat: the Oil&Gas sector has the potential to exploit more extensively the implementation of such ORC-based systems.
