Optimization of Upstream Natural Gas Compression Processes based on Sensitivity Analysis of Gas Throughput

Abstract

As the global population increases, there is a corresponding increase in the energy demand. Most of the energy consumption still comes from the use of fossil fuels. Natural gas, a fossil fuel in gaseous form, serves as a primary component in the shift towards renewable energy, making its use imperative for society. At present, transportation and high energy consumption pose significant challenges to natural gas production. Non-optimal design and operating variables lead to irreversible processes, thereby generating energy waste so that process evaluation is needed as the first stage in optimizing the process. Sensitivity analysis can be used in optimization which leads to evaluation activities that involve achieving optimal results under certain conditions. This research seeks to evaluate the effect of changes in natural gas pressure and flow rate on operational units, especially on compressors, to obtain a comparative analysis of which variables have great significance in the natural gas compression process. This evaluation study was simulated using Aspen Plus V.12 on the compressors. From the study that has been conducted, the largest net profit in the sensitivity analysis of the flow rate and pressure variables is found in the +80% change in flow rate and pressure from the Base Case, which is USD 1069.2 per hour. Then, to observe the significance of flow rate and pressure variables on net profit, it is found that changes in flow rate have a more significant effect on net profit than changes in pressure. This research can be useful as a guide to conduct a simple economic analysis by making changes to several parameters that have a significant impact and can be done as an optimization of the natural gas compression process.