Economic Evaluation and Environmental Assessment of the Shale Gas Sweetening Process

Abstract

An appraisal on economic and environmental performance of shale gas processing is significant for energy utilization. A framework on economic evaluation and environmental assessment of the shale gas sweetening process is proposed. The sweetening process is simulated by Aspen Plus, coupled with Claus sulfur recovery by energy integration. The economic evaluation is conducted by purchased cost curves. In environmental assessment, a hybrid life cycle inventory model is established to investigate the emissions from upstream manufacture and process operation. The results demonstrate that exhaust gas is the dominant source in carbon emission while utility consumption produces more SO2 and NOx. The study provides guidance in energy management and pollution control for shale gas plants.

Hydrogen sulfide capture and removal technologies: A comprehensive review of recent developments and emerging trends

“…Modeling and simulation studies present a cheaper and more systematic alternative to understand and improve existing operations while also guiding lab-and pilot-scale experiments towards fewer and more efficient runs. Many such published works provide suggestions for improvement and optimization of H 2 S removal processes based on economic and sustainability parameters [89,[120][121][122][123][124][125][126][127][128]. Zahid et al [127] used Aspen HYSYS to evaluate the removal of acid gases from the associated and non-associated sour gas feeds using a blend of DGA and MDEA solvents at a total strength of 50 wt%.…”