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Process Simulation and Equipment Sizing of a Modular Skid-Mounted CNG Compression Plant for Stranded Gas Utilization


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 :

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  8. 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.
  9. 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.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - July - 2026

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