The Oil and Gas industry is constantly evolving with aims of lowering high carbon emission rates, while also maximizing worker safety, efficiency and profits. With net-zero emission ambitions rapidly approaching, and the extraction of fossil fuels being a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, various efforts to increase sustainability in this industry are being researched and implemented.
One of the common ways that many industries are trying to achieve a balance between sustainability, efficiency, and maximized profits is by creating a circular economy. Strategies including carbon capture, waste reduction methods, ways to reduce hydrocarbons and more are shaping how a high-emitting industry can reach lofty sustainability targets.
Discover some of the specific methods behind how the circular economy model impacts this industry’s emissions, and our product offerings that support efficient downhole operations.
Carbon Capture
A major innovation utilized across various industries including Oil and Gas, carbon capture promotes both sustainability and the reuse of resources in a circular economy style. The concept of carbon capture entails machines capturing CO2 (carbon dioxide) from large producers such as power generation systems and industrial facilities. The captured CO2 is either stored underground or transported for use in a different location. For convenient application, carbon capture and storage systems can be fitted to existing refineries and plants, allowing for continued operation without major shutdowns.
In some cases, when captured CO2 is transported off site, it can be injected into existing oil fields in a process called Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). This process increases pressure in an oil reservoir, which can force oil towards production wells and improve its mobility. Despite this being a relatively new innovation, it is becoming a common practice in the industry, which can significantly reduce full oil lifecycle emissions.
The capture and reuse of CO2, as well as its injection into other oil fields, fit perfectly into a circular economy model. Getting the most out of resources while also reducing carbon emissions promotes sustainability, while reducing spending without sacrificing profits and production.
Waste Minimization & Resource Recovery
Alongside carbon capture, there are various other ways that resources used in Oil and Gas extraction and production, and by-products can be reused and repurposed. For example, wastewater produced during operations can be treated, purified, and reused, reducing the industries’ freshwater intake and pollutant emissions. Another energy saving and sustainability measure is capturing wasted heat during production and then using it to power other industrial processes. As technology continues to allow for more effective resource reuse, this industry will become a lower emitter and approach a more complete circular economy.
When it comes to waste minimization, predictive maintenance is used in various industrial industries to avoid downtime and wasted equipment. Instead of waiting for machinery to breakdown completely and require replacement, predictive maintenance uses data-driven information to monitor performance and act proactively. Not only is this beneficial for efficiency and production, but equipment lifespan is extended, keeping components in the industry for longer.
Additional Innovations & Trends
In an industry where reducing carbon emissions has previously been an afterthought, Oil and Gas companies are striving to find creative ways to increase sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint. Other ways circular economy concepts are being experimented and researched include:
- Alternative Energy Sources such as solar energy are being used to power Oil and Gas refineries and plants.
- Metal Recycling from rigs and other equipment that are no longer in use.
- Artificial Reefs using out of commission offshore Oil and Gas refineries, attracting marine life after cleaning out hazardous materials.
A Trusted Supplier in the Oil and Gas Industry
Central Wire’s multi-faceted manufacturing capabilities allow us to serve a wide variety of industries, including harsh and corrosive Oil and Gas environments. Discover more about a few of our offerings catering to downhole conditions below.
Custom Engineered Tech-Mesh™ Solutions
For high-performance solutions that fit exact custom requirements in this industry, look no further than our Tech-Mesh™ product line. Central Wire’s Bulk Mesh and custom Demister Pad products are manufactured for maximum separation efficiency and minimized pressure drop, with flexibility and durability to handle high liquid loads and corrosive environments.
Maximizing production and profits is made easy with CWI Tech-Mesh™, with common industry end-use applications including Oil and Gas processing equipment, liquid-liquid coalescers, gas-liquid separators, refinery towers and more.
Versatile Generation4™ Welding Wire
No matter the scope of your Welding project, our specialized Generation4™ line can meet your requirements. Suitable for MIG, TIG, and SAW Welding procedures, our Welding Wire is designed for superior strength, adaptability, and durability. All our Welding products are supplied with a certificate of conformance, stating physical and mechanical properties, and are manufactured to have their own unique lot identification number for full lot traceability.
With a versatile alloy lineup that includes Stainless Steel, Nickel, and specialty Nickel-Chrome alloys, our Welding Wire is the perfect choice for the Oil and Gas industry. Vessel repair experts and manufacturers can trust our Domestically manufactured, high-quality Gen4™ Welding Wire, available in Canada and the United States.
Investing in our Specialty Product Offerings
For corrosive, demanding downhole Oil and Gas operations, trust our specialized product lines to offer high-quality, durable performance. Our custom engineering and high-performance alloy selection ensures downtime is limited, efficiency goals are met, and production and profits don’t slow down.
For more information on our varied product offerings that are ready to support your next Oil and Gas project, visit our industry specific webpage below!