Flare gas is a byproduct of oil and gas production that is often burned off or flared at oil wells, refineries, and other industrial sites. Flaring is used as a safety measure to prevent the buildup of potentially explosive gases, but it is also a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Flare combustion is considered to be up to 98% efficient.

Flaring has been a common practice in the oil and gas industry for many years, but the negative environmental impact of this practice has become increasingly apparent in recent years. As a result, there has been growing interest in finding ways to improve the efficiency of flare gas usage and reduce the amount of gas that is wasted.

Flare gas efficiency refers to the extent to which flare gas is put to productive use rather than simply being burned off. There are several ways to improve flare gas efficiency. One of the most straightforward ways to improve flare gas efficiency is to capture the gas and reuse it as fuel for on-site operations. This can include powering generators, boilers, and other equipment, which can help reduce the need for other fuels. It can be injected into natural gas pipelines for transportation to other facilities or for sale. This requires the gas to be cleaned and processed to meet the standards for natural gas, but it can be an effective way to put the gas to productive use. It can also be converted into chemicals and other valuable products. For example, methane gas can be converted into methanol, which can then be used as a fuel or chemical feedstock.

Another way to improve flare gas efficiency is to use it to generate electricity. This can be done through the use of turbines or other generators, which can produce electricity that can be used on-site or sold to the grid. Cogeneration involves using flare gas to produce both electricity and heat, which can be used on-site for various purposes. This approach is particularly useful in industrial facilities, where there is a high demand for both electricity and heat.

Improving flare gas efficiency has a number of benefits. It can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which is critical for addressing climate change. It can also reduce the need for other fuels, which can help reduce costs and improve energy security. Finally, it can provide additional revenue streams for oil and gas companies, as they can sell the captured gas or the products that result from its conversion. As technology advances and new methods for using flare gas are developed, it is likely that flare gas efficiency will continue to improve in the years ahead.