Air Dispersion Study for AP Flare Package Al Barakah Oil Gas and Water Handling Facility Upgrade

Overview

The Air dispersion study has been conducted for the AP Flare Package at the Al Barakah Oil, Gas, and Water Handling Facility in Northern Oman. The study aimed to evaluate the ground-level concentrations (GLC) of pollutants emitted from the flare and to ensure compliance with Oman’s ambient air quality standards as stipulated by Ministerial Decision (MD) 41/2017.

The Al Barakah Oil, Gas, and Water Handling Facility is undergoing an expansion project aimed at improving its operational efficiency and environmental compliance. This case study details the air dispersion modeling performed to evaluate the ground-level concentrations (GLC) from the air emissions of the newly proposed AP flare stack. The study leverages, a highly sophisticated atmospheric dispersion model, to assess compliance with Oman's ambient air quality standards as regulated by Ministerial Decision (MD) 41/2017.

As part of an expansion initiative, the Al Barakah facility is enhancing its infrastructure, including the installation of a new flare system designed to manage emissions effectively.

Project Background

The first phase involves installing various infrastructure, including a new flare pit and a production separator, while subsequent phases will introduce additional equipment for oil shipping and gas processing. The AP flare’s design and performance were assessed to ensure that emissions remain within permissible limits as per environmental regulations.

Objective

The primary objective of the air dispersion study is to evaluate the expected GLCs from the AP flare and to ascertain compliance with the Oman Ambient Air Quality Standards. The pollutants of interest included Non-Methane Hydrocarbons (NMHC), Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM2.5).

Methodology

The modeling process involved several key steps:

1. Meteorological Data Collection: Meteorological data were sourced from the nearest station in Ibri, Oman, to understand local wind patterns and atmospheric conditions.
2. Dispersion Modelling: A Simulation Software was employed to simulate the dispersion of air pollutants based on emission rates and meteorological parameters. The model accounts for various atmospheric factors such as turbulence, mixing height, and the influence of local topography.
3. Assessment Scenarios: The model was applied to predict GLCs under various operating scenarios and timeframes (1-hour, 3-hour, 8-hour, and 24-hour averages).
4. Compliance Evaluation: The results were compared against the thresholds set by MD 41/2017 to determine compliance with air quality regulations.

Key Findings

The modeling results indicated that the maximum predicted GLCs for all assessed pollutants from the AP flare remained within the limits prescribed by MD 41/2017. Specifically, the study found the following:

• NO₂, CO, and NMHC concentrations were compliant with the standards.

The selected stack height was deemed adequate for the effective dispersion of emissions, reducing potential air quality impacts

Conclusion

The air dispersion study reassured that the Al Barakah Oil, Gas, and Water Handling Facility's expansion efforts meet the necessary environmental standards for air quality. This study highlights the facility's commitment to maintaining compliance with local regulations while supporting operational enhancements.

With effective environmental management practices in place, the facility continues to contribute to sustainable Industrial development in Oman, ensuring both productivity and environmental sustainability are prioritized.