Working in the oil and gas industry is big business. So much so that one part of the process, nitrogen purging alone brings in over $300m in revenue each year.
One of the biggest draws to the industry for those most passionate is that every day is a day to learn something new. So if you’re curious to learn more about the industrial process of nitrogen purging, keep reading as we break it down for you to its core elements.
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What Is Nitrogen Purging?
Nitrogen purging is a process used to trap the odors of the oil and gas industry. The process is akin to carbon dioxide flooding (where carbon dioxide gas pumps into the well) in that it works by displacing existing air. Yet, instead of displacing oxygen, you are displacing nitrogen which then pushes odors up through the well.
How Is Nitrogen Purging Used?
While many different processes incorporate nitrogen purging, the most common is when a new well appears. Reserve gases disperse through the well to help push out oil, gas, and water from inside the formation.
These reserve gases are then purged with nitrogen to trap any odors. It’s also a common air cleaning method for purification in industries such as pharma industry for handling purposes, and the manufacturing industry to prevent equipment damage.
How Does The Process Work?
At the beginning stage of any project, nitrogen gets pumped into the well. Yet, once pressure builds up, the gas can no longer escape the well. As a result, you’ll find that as more and more gas gets forced through the well by pressure and the Earth’s internal heat, it forces all the other gases out from within resulting in a clean reserve gas ready for use.
The Benefits Of Nitrogen Purging
While nitrogen purging may not be a required procedure at your site, it can offer some benefits to the project.
The gas trapped in the well can also get used for other purposes such as diluting chemicals and forming a barrier. It’s also done to determine gas pressure and ensure that there is no leakage through the well.
In some cases, you’ll need to pump nitrogen into the formation during a production phase of drilling to free up oil or gas from within. Also, you’ll do this to keep the flow rate stable.
Is The Nitrogen Purging Process Safe?
When nitrogen enters the well, it is always delivered under strict safety guidelines. It doesn’t come in contact with any of the chemicals or substances that are within the oil and gas.
The safest way to perform this is by using a train of nitrogen tanks that will deliver the solution. They do so to where you need it without coming into contact with chemicals at all. Trained specialists like Knights Nitrogen Services LTD make sure all safety checks are carried out prior to purging.
Nitrogen Purging Is an Industrial Process
Although nitrogen purging may not be an essential industrial process in all cases, it can add a significant advantage to any project. This is because it helps control odors which can often impact the quality of production in your wells in a negative way.
Interested? Keep reading our articles for more useful information that’s broken down into an easy-to-understand way!
