Argh. I remember the pump jack but I also remember being told about the sour gas and in case of a leak we had to evacuate out the north entrance. Can you have both in a close area? There was also a flame out of a stack.
Technically speaking... Down the well there are two concentric pipes. The pumpjack pumps the oil up the inner pipe, while gas flows up the annulus between the two concentric pipes (easily because it is low density and aided by reservoir pressure. Unlike the oil, which requires a pump to travel that height). Flare stacks are not “illegal” but are heavily regulated and should either be temporary for a new well, centrally located for multiple low volume wells, or eventually connected to a gas gathering system if there is sufficient volume.
Adding the technical explanation, not to be a jerk but to provide an accurate basis for the discussion. Too often a great point is easily derailed by opponents if data and technical aspects are misunderstood or misinterpreted.
Happy to help with the engineering aspects if you ever need clarity. Feel free to reach out.
It’s so frustrating. Entirely
Not my area obviously 😏
I’ll add that you can’t pump gas due to its compressibility. You can only pump liquid.
Helpful! I’ve also since realized that my mom told me about the sour gas and.. let’s just say I’ve learned she was not a reliable source.
Argh. I remember the pump jack but I also remember being told about the sour gas and in case of a leak we had to evacuate out the north entrance. Can you have both in a close area? There was also a flame out of a stack.
Technically speaking... Down the well there are two concentric pipes. The pumpjack pumps the oil up the inner pipe, while gas flows up the annulus between the two concentric pipes (easily because it is low density and aided by reservoir pressure. Unlike the oil, which requires a pump to travel that height). Flare stacks are not “illegal” but are heavily regulated and should either be temporary for a new well, centrally located for multiple low volume wells, or eventually connected to a gas gathering system if there is sufficient volume.
Adding the technical explanation, not to be a jerk but to provide an accurate basis for the discussion. Too often a great point is easily derailed by opponents if data and technical aspects are misunderstood or misinterpreted.
Happy to help with the engineering aspects if you ever need clarity. Feel free to reach out.