(67f) Latest Advancements in Midstream Technologies

The advancements in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the last couple of decades has shifted U.S. petroleum sector from imported to domestic production. Oil and gas (O&G) exports just from the state of Texas surged from $1.2 billion in 2006 to $13.4 billion in 2015. However, midstream infrastructure and the complete value chain have not been able to keep pace with these levels of growth in upstream capacity. In addition, ~ 40% of pipelines are 50 years old (or older), owing to increased risks of corrosion and failure. From natural gas flaring to produced water, critical environmental and economic considerations must be at the forefront of today’s O&G industry for long term viability.

The Center for Midstream Management and Science at Lamar University has established a framework for advancing the midstream sector with 21^st Century technologies. Current projects include increased resiliency of pipelines using drones for leak detection, distributed sensors for IIoT, and integration of the complete O&G supply chain. Additionally, innovations in produced water, both thermo-chemically and bio-chemically, decrease contaminants and increase waste-to-value near wellheads. An overview of these technologies will be presented as well as economic and infrastructure projections for the midstream sector.