Authors :
Chikezie Bethel Ucheckukwu; Akuma Oji; Muwarure Peter; Banigo Godexalted
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/yrfx2wpj
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/4htzp4sb
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun1466
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
This study presents the process simulation and equipment sizing of a modular skid-mounted compressed natural
gas (CNG) compression plant designed for stranded gas utilization in the Western Niger Delta. Using Aspen HYSYS V14
with the Peng-Robinson equation of state, a steady-state model was developed to process flare gas from seven flow stations
within OML 30 and OML 34, with a combined average flaring rate of 22.98 MMscfd. The simulation achieved full
convergence with near-perfect mass and energy balance closure (relative error < 1x10-10). The three-stage main compression
train, complemented by an inlet compressor and gas purification unit, delivers 18.08 MMscfd of vehicular-grade CNG
meeting ISO 15403 specifications (99.9 mol% methane, 205 barg, -40℃). The compression train, comprising K-101, K-102,
K-103, achieves an overall pressure ratio of 20.8 with a total shaft power requirement of 3,002 kW. Equipment sizing was
performed using standard engineering equations and industry criteria, yielding specifications for separators (DN600x2.0
m), heat exchangers (thermal duties ranging from 869 kW to 1,702kW), and compressors (driver ratings from 350kW to
1,600kW). The results demonstrate that modular skid-mounted CNG compression offers a technicaly feasible solution for
monetizing stranded gas, with potential for NGL recovery to enhance project economies.
Keywords :
Process Simulation; Modular Compression Plant; Stranded Gas; Gas Flare;Compressed Natural Gas.
References :
- N. Mohammad, K. Kidam, and I.A. Azid, "Natural gas as a transitional fuel in ASEAN: Opportunities and challenges," Renew. Sust. Energ. Rev., vol. 148, pp. 111-128, 2021.
- S. Smart, N. Eleni, and P. Odesk, "Global gas flaring: Economic losses and health impacts revisited," Nat. Energy, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 133-148, 2025.
- TRACTEBEL ENGINEERING S.A., Small-Scale CNG Infrastructure for Remote Gas Fields: Technical and Economic Framework. Brussels: TRACTEBEL Engineering, 2015.
- Honeywell UOP, Modular LNG and CNG Solutions for Remote and Stranded Gas Applications. Des Plaines, IL: Honeywell International, 2019.
- Clean Energy Fuels, Off-Grid and Virtual Pipeline CNG Solutions: Technical Reference Manual. Newport Beach, CA: Clean Energy Fuels, 2016.
- O. Ebrunu and D.E. Akpoturi, "Analysing flared gas from selected stations and its prospects for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production in the Western Niger Delta of Nigeria," SPE J. Pet. Sci., vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 44-63, 2025.
- A. Funakpo, P.N. Amah, and C. Ihejirika, "Aspen HYSYS simulation of compressed natural gas production from associated gas," Int. J. Eng. Res. Technol., vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 89-102, 2025.
- A. Kumar, R. Singh, and P. Patel, "Process simulation of natural gas processing using Aspen HYSYS: A case study of the ONGC Hazira Plant," Energy Sources, Part A, vol. 44, no. 3, pp. 7235-7252, 2022.
- D. Matovu, M. Lubwama, and J.B. Kirabira, "Optimisation of multistage compression for natural gas liquefaction using generalised disjunctive programming," Energy Convers. Manage., vol. 278, pp. 116-135, 2023.
This study presents the process simulation and equipment sizing of a modular skid-mounted compressed natural
gas (CNG) compression plant designed for stranded gas utilization in the Western Niger Delta. Using Aspen HYSYS V14
with the Peng-Robinson equation of state, a steady-state model was developed to process flare gas from seven flow stations
within OML 30 and OML 34, with a combined average flaring rate of 22.98 MMscfd. The simulation achieved full
convergence with near-perfect mass and energy balance closure (relative error < 1x10-10). The three-stage main compression
train, complemented by an inlet compressor and gas purification unit, delivers 18.08 MMscfd of vehicular-grade CNG
meeting ISO 15403 specifications (99.9 mol% methane, 205 barg, -40℃). The compression train, comprising K-101, K-102,
K-103, achieves an overall pressure ratio of 20.8 with a total shaft power requirement of 3,002 kW. Equipment sizing was
performed using standard engineering equations and industry criteria, yielding specifications for separators (DN600x2.0
m), heat exchangers (thermal duties ranging from 869 kW to 1,702kW), and compressors (driver ratings from 350kW to
1,600kW). The results demonstrate that modular skid-mounted CNG compression offers a technicaly feasible solution for
monetizing stranded gas, with potential for NGL recovery to enhance project economies.
Keywords :
Process Simulation; Modular Compression Plant; Stranded Gas; Gas Flare;Compressed Natural Gas.