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Exploration
Extraction
Processing
Transportation and Storage
Distribution
Uses
Developments in natural gas technology have played a leading role in improving the outlook for natural gas all around the world. Innovations in the natural gas industry occur constantly at any point in the natural gas supply chain as well as in the different natural gas applications. They increase efficiencies in the market, save energy, help to reduce costs and environmental impacts of the energy and allow for bringing the gas closer to the final user.
The main technological advance in natural gas prospecting is seismology, which is the study of sound or seismic waves movements. It allows studying the lower layers of the earth´s crust without drilling into them. By analysing the effects of vibrations in the crust, geologists can assess the kind of rock that is present in a certain layer and how deep it can be found. With recent computing technology, the value of seismic data has increased and geologist can create three-dimensional maps of the rock layers beneath the surface. With this 3-D Seismic technology, a computer analyses the data obtained from thousands of seismic measurements and develops a 3-D model.
Geologists can also measure magnetic characteristics of rocks with magnetometers, which are devices whose technology has evolved considerably in order to place them properly in helicopters, airplanes and later in satellites.
Innovations in drilling techniques have allowed for gathering more information about wells, drilling deeper and reducing costs. By drilling further into the earth it is also possible to have access to natural gas reserves that could not be reached before. Technological advances in drilling include measurement while drilling, automation of drilling rigs or horizontal drilling.
The most important methods of processing are the absorption and the cryogenic expander processes. They are sophisticated processes to treat natural gas and separate the natural gas liquids.
The pipeline industry is constantly looking for improvements in capacity, safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness in order to reduce transportation costs, which are an important proportion of the final price of natural gas.
Supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA) are used to keep accurate and constant information about the pipelines. These are computer systems linked to satellite and telephone communications that allow getting information from the different sections of the pipeline and controlling the flow of gas. Producers can also have access to some of this information. Pipeline companies may also use PIGs (intelligent robotic inspection devices) to inspect pipeline interior walls, measure the interior diameter of remove debris.
Technological advances in the liquefaction process (Gas-to-liquids, GTL), in order to convert the gas in liquefied natural gas (LNG), favour the increase in international trade
Research and development in natural gas delivery intends to develop both new gas applications, as the gas fireplace and cooling systems, and new technologies to reduce costs and improve efficiencies. Some of these technologies are flexible distribution tubing, plastic distribution pipe, electronic meter reading systems, computer mapping systems or new trenching techniques.
Distributors also need to control gas flows through computer technologies as valve regulation via satellite telemetry or SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition).
Recent residential applications for natural gas are new gas heating and cooling system that uses heat-pump technology, combination space- and water-heater systems, high-efficiency direct-vent furnaces and boilers, gas spa and patio heaters, gas grills and lights, stacked washers and dryers, residential restaurant-type ranges and gas fireplace equipment.
The increasing use of natural gas as a preferred fuel for power generation is due to technological advances based on Combined Cycle Gas Turbines, which is the most efficient fossil fuel based technology for power generation, and on mixed heat and power generation (CHP or Cogeneration). This combination of power and heat increases efficiencies and favours a more rational use of the energy, allowing for reducing costs and environmental impacts. Technical progress is also behind the increasing use of natural gas in fuel cells or in natural gas vehicles.
* For more detailed and up to date information on natural
gas technologies:
International Centre for Gas Technology Information: http://www.etde.org/abtetde/icgti.html
Gas Technology Institute: http://www.gri.org/
Strategic Centre for Natural Gas: http://www.netl.doe.gov/scngo
Naturalgas.org: http://www.naturalgas.org
