This paper introduces a field-deployable, trailer-mounted liquefaction system engineered to convert flared or stranded gas into low-carbon liquefied natural gas (LNG). The objective is to evaluate how this mobile LNG platform can mitigate methane emissions while displacing diesel across oilfield service operations, including drilling and hydraulic fracturing, and enabling off-grid electric-vehicle (EV) charging and heavy-duty transportation. Its scope includes life-cycle-emissions benchmarking across diverse geographies and use cases.
Introduction
The environmental and economic case for flare-gas recovery has been studied extensively, highlighting both global mitigation potential and deployment challenges at scale. In these scenarios, even when flare gas can theoretically be captured and used, the following three core challenges hinder investment:
- Volume variability: Associated gas production often fluctuates with oil flow, leading to unpredictable availability.
- Uncertain duration: Wells may have short production horizons, limiting return on fixed infrastructure.
- High capital-expenditure (CAPEX) thresholds: Centralized solutions require long asset life and steady volumes to justify cost.
Infield power generation using conditioned gas to feed gas engines or turbines often is a partial solution. However, this approach depends on being able to consume all generated power onsite, which is rarely practical.
