Flare gas recovery at an LNG plant GL1/Z-Arzew

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of flare gas recovery technologies at the GL1Z LNG plant (SONATRACH Industry-Algeria), focusing on electricity generation, LPG production, and Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) conversion. Using real-world data and simulations conducted with Aspen HYSYS v12 based on steady-state conditions, we assessed the technical feasibility and economic viability of each method. Our findings reveal that electricity generation is economically viable but offers limited CO₂ reduction benefits. LPG production provides a balanced economic solution. GTL conversion, despite higher initial costs, significantly enhances economic returns and reduces flaring by converting flare gas into high-value liquid hydrocarbons. This study introduces a simulation model, substantiated by the recent literature providing a robust framework for optimizing flare gas recovery. This study highlights the importance of evaluating and comparing tailored solutions to achieve sustainable and efficient flare gas utilization, offering valuable insights for future industrial applications.