Bi-fuel System opened at Malleswaram ONGC Rig

K. Satyanarayana, OSD-Onshore unveiling the inaugural plaque at the Rig E-1400-7 (Kamadhenu) at Malleswaram in Krishna distirct.

Oil and Natural Gas Commission’s Officer on Special Duty K. Satyanarayana formally inaugurated Bi-fuel system at an Oil Rig in Malleswaram in Krishna District on Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Satyanarayana said that this technology will earn carbon credits for the company besides saving Rs.4 crore per rig per annum. If extended to all the rigs operated by the ONGC it will save substantial amount, he added.

This project has been in progress since January 2013 and has earned 1147tCO2e carbon credits, he said.

At Malleswaram, Bi-fuel system was introduced on rig E-1400-7 (Kamadhenu) on a pilot basis. It was successful and the power packs (akin to generators) which power the drilling rig work on diesel. Now the same power packs will run on 50 per cent diesel and 50 per cent natural gas. The natural gas for the purpose is sourced from the ONGC wells locally.

This natural gas in the region is coming along with crude oil.

This gas has to be flared for safety purposes and the volumes are small. Since the volume is insignificant, it is not suitable for economical extraction and supply for commercial use.

The programme was attended by Group General Manager Rajahmundry Asset P. Krishna Rao and other senior officers from Rajahmundry Asset attended the programme.