In the oil and gas industry, you might think that every bit of fuel pulled from the ground is precious, but the truth is that some oil and gas get burned off through a process called flaring. The process of flaring is done to reduce pressure in oil and gas equipment, but it also helps to reduce methane which can be harmful to the atmosphere. What are Permian operators? Visit this website to know more.
An unlit flare is a vent that is not lit, therefore, it simply allows natural gas to escape into the environment without being ignited. Unlit flares are potentially harmful to the environment since they allow methane to escape into the atmosphere, and methane is known to be more harmful to the environment than carbon. Despite this, the process is still used by Permian operators and others in the oil and gas industry; but what are Permian operators?
What are Permian Operators?
Permian operators are oil and gas companies that operate in the Permian Basin. This is a large area that stretches across Texas and New Mexico, and it is known for having a huge wealth of oil and gas reserves.
Since about 2010, the Permian Basin has been a target for new drilling techniques and technologies including hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking. Horizontal drilling is also used to extract natural resources in the Permian Basin.
Do All Permian Operators Use Unlit Flares?
Not all Permian operators utilize the practice of unlit flaring. Traditional flaring is still used by many oil and gas companies around the world, including those operating in the Permian Basin region. Over time, the perception of safe practices in the oil and gas industry has changed as new data has come to light that shows flaring may not be an effective process for getting rid of contaminants.
Many oil and gas operators now take extra steps to ensure their practices are in line with government safety standards and regulations, including those set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As for whether flaring or unlit flares will continue to be used in the future will depend on data gathered by oil and gas companies and regulatory agencies.
Read a similar article about ESG reporting here at this page.
