Methane and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during storage, loading, transport, and unloading of crude oil and condensate contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions from Norway’s petroleum sector. These gases also represent lost energy and pose health risks—especially benzene, which is hazardous to workers.
Globally, attention to methane emissions is increasing, driven by initiatives like the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). To meet climate and health targets, authorities and industry need effective tools to prevent and reduce emissions. This requires better understanding and prediction of when and how emissions occur.
Need good tools to understand and predict emissions
The VOCSimPRO project aims to modernize and expand SINTEF’s simulation tool VOCSim. By implementing it in a modern programming language and developing new methods for calibration and uncertainty analysis, VOCSimPRO will enable emission analysis across the entire value chain—from production to storage and transport.
The project includes field measurements on ships to improve the understanding of how oil and gas phases mix in tanks. Both new and historical data will be used to develop the models and software.
VOCSimPRO will feature a user-friendly interface, making it easier for the industry to use the tool for e.g. OGMP 2.0 reporting, optimizing VOC recovery systems, and reducing the need for costly measurements.
The simulation code will be released as open source to support further development and use in research and industry—nationally and internationally.
Supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals #13 (Climate Action) and #9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), VOCSimPRO has the potential to significantly reduce emissions, especially in regions lacking recovery technologies. The methods and software may also be extended to other sectors.