OFFGAS

OFFshore GAs Separation

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Gas separations on offshore platforms are of increasing importance for the purification of natural gas and for the separation of CO2 used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Separations based on nanoporous materials, adsorption and membranes will be the method of choice for applications on floating platforms, where liquid solvents cannot be used due to problems arising from the tilting and rolling of the moving platforms. Developing effective materials and efficient process technologies for gas separations at high pressure plays a key role in the economic exploitation of offshore resources. Both Brazil and the EU have large vested interests in this field: Brazil has important offshore gas reservoirs situated where the seabed is too deep for a fixed platform, while EOR will be widely exploited in the North Sea. The proposed project will involve exchanges among three universities that are already conducting world-class research on materials and adsorption and membrane processes, thereby bringing together expertise on different aspects of the gas separation technology. The exchange of researchers will reinforce the links already established between the EU and Brazil, leading to further collaboration and joint proposals. In particular, the synergy between the research groups in the three institutions will give rise to technological breakthroughs that will also have applications in other fields. The project includes exchange of both early stage and experienced researchers to exploit fully the knowledge transfer for a total of 120 person-months exchanges. 23 experienced researchers will be seconded to a different institution. Early career researchers will spend a longer period of time in the partner institution in order to broaden their research knowledge and to experience a different social and cultural environment. The project will involve 12 PhD students, who will have the opportunity to perform part of their research abroad in one of the partner institutes.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A significant portion of available oil remains unexploited after primary production at drilling sites. Novel technology suitable for use on floating platforms will aid in application of proven methods to release much of the oil trapped in the ground by physical forces.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Meeting the world's energy needs is one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. One way to offset the lack of energy security associated with the geopolitical landscape is to increase the productivity of existing and future platforms.

Enhanced oil recovery through injection of carbon dioxide (CO2) is a promising technology. However, separation of CO2 from the production stream on floating platforms with conventional fluid solvents is complicated by the motion of the platforms. The EU-funded project 'Offshore gas separation' (OFFGAS) is developing novel nanoporous materials and high-pressure separation processes to solve the problem.

The project brings together universities in Brazil, Spain and the United Kingdom that are conducting world-class research into materials, adsorption and membrane processes. It provides extensive opportunities for knowledge exchange to 23 experienced researchers and numerous early-stage researchers and PhD students. The synergy will foster better understanding, long-lasting partnerships and a spirit of teamwork leading to development of breakthrough technologies.

Thirteen exchanges have already taken place involving both experienced and early-stage researchers, the former of whom have laid out a strategic common research plan. Research and development efforts have led to the synthesis and characterisation of several materials for high-pressure separation of CO2 from the oil production stream. The materials are being integrated into process models to determine the best process options when using these materials in offshore separation.

The technology under development within the scope of the OFFGAS project will be invaluable to both Brazil and the EU. Brazil has important oil reservoirs situated under deep waters where fixed platforms are not feasible. The EU is planning to employ enhanced oil recovery widely in the North Sea.

Aside from aiding national interests, increasing oil recovery from reservoirs in Europe and South America will ease dependence on foreign sources subject to political unrest. Simultaneously, training a host of international researchers in cross-disciplinary methods and techniques will ensure a legacy that continues far beyond the duration of the project itself.