Issues of mutual calibration of satellite tools for determining the volume of burned associated gas in flare

Abstract

The possibility of carrying out mutual calibration of satellite means for determining the volume of associated gas burned in flares at oil fields is analyzed. Existing satellite methods for estimating the total amount of associated hydrocarbon gas flared, implemented on the basis of MODIS and VIIRS data, are considered. An analysis was made of the technique for determining the power of optical radiation from torches on the basis of the MODIS database. Methods were developed for intersensor calibration of satellite meters, implemented by introducing an additive calibration correction for the measured temperature of objects outside the plume in the first case, when the MODIS data were calibrated according to the VIIRS readings and for the plume emissivity, in the case when the VİİRS readings are calibrated according to the MODIS readings. Calculations were given for determining the temperature of the torch, the surface area of the torch and radiation heat per unit area. Algorithms for intersensor calibration were determined. The problem of the optimal choice of the temperature of hydrocarbon associated gas torches, at which the emission of an aerosol of the elemental carbon (BC) type can be reduced in comparison with the maximum level of generation, is considered and solved. An analysis was made at what average temperature should the maximum BC emission be expected, if the statistics of the frequency of hydrocarbon associated gas fl ares are fully known. The values at which the BC emission would be maximum were determined.