BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE IMPACT OF THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY ON MODERN CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE WORLD AND IN UZBEKISTAN

ABSTRACT

In this article, the amount of waste from large oil and gas processing enterprises in the territory of Uzbekistan, their negative impact on the atmosphere, and the interrelationship between these wastes and climate change, in particular, droughts, are analyzed on a scientific basis. According to 2019 statistics, the Mubarak Gas Processing Plant (GPP) produced 86,414,311 tons of waste per year, which is the highest level in the country. The annual average number of severe drought days in the region reached 4.5, confirming the significant link between industrial emissions and climate health. In addition, enterprises such as "Shortan" GKM and "Bukhara" NQIZ are distinguished by high waste indicators - their total amount of waste exceeds 15 thousand tons. In particular, pollutants such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and soot (CH) have been identified as major components that increase the level of environmental risk. The degree of dryness of the air in the regions was estimated using the thermohygrometric coefficient (TGK) method used in the article. According to the results, it was found that in regions such as Termiz (33.2 days) and Mubarak (31.5 days), drought conditions are high together with industrial waste. At the end of the study, the need to introduce modern gas purification technologies, to strengthen the environmental monitoring system and to develop complex measures against drought in order to reduce pollution was substantiated.

АННОТАЦИЯ

В данной статье научно обоснован анализ объёмов выбросов на крупных предприятиях по переработке нефти и газа на территории Узбекистана, их негативного воздействия на атмосферу, а также взаимосвязи между этими выбросами и изменениями климата, в частности засухой. Согласно статистическим данным за 2019 год, Муборакский газоперерабатывающий завод (ГПЗ) произвёл 86414,311 тонн выбросов в год, что является самым высоким показателем по республике. Также в этом регионе зафиксировано в среднем 4,5 дня сильной засухи в год, что свидетельствует о прямой зависимости между промышленными выбросами и климатической устойчивостью. Кроме того, предприятия, такие как «Шуртанский ГХК» и Бухарский НПЗ, также характеризуются значительными показателями выбросов — совокупно свыше 15 тысяч тонн в год. Особую опасность представляют такие загрязнители, как сероводород (H₂S) и сажа (CH), из-за их высокой концентрации и токсичности. В статье использован метод термогигрометрического коэффициента (ТГК) для оценки степени сухости воздуха в различных регионах. Результаты показали, что в таких зонах, как Термез (33,2 дня) и Муборак (31,5 дня), наблюдается высокая частота засух, что подтверждает давление промышленной деятельности на климатические условия. По итогам исследования обоснована необходимость внедрения современных технологий очистки газа, усиления системы экологического мониторинга, а также разработки комплексных мер по снижению риска засух.

Keywords: adsorption, absorption, absorption, monodiethanolamine, amine plant, viscosity, sulfur.

Ключевые слова: адсорбция, абсорбция, поглощение, монодиэтаноламин, аминовая установка, вязкость, сера.

Introduction

Global warming in the second half of the 20^th century, especially in the last 15-20 years, has become a well-known fact. The causes of this warming are related to the processes of natural origin, as well as certain effects of anthropogenic factors. The second, according to the publications and reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [1-2], is related to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Thus, over the last 150 years, the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) has increased by 35%, methane - by about 155%, -nitrogen oxide - by 18%. The total radiative effect of these gases is about 3 W/m with a small uncertainty

The change of the average annual air temperature in Uzbekistan has a stable warming trend, the average warming level over the last 70 years exceeds 0.2ºC per decade [2]. Greenhouse gas emissions. A greenhouse gas (GHG) is a gas that causes the atmosphere to warm due to the absorption and emission of radiant energy. Greenhouse gases absorb radiation emitted by the earth and prevent this heat from escaping into space. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the most well-known greenhouse gas, but there are others, including methane, -nitrogen oxide, and mainly water vapor. Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, industry, and agriculture are the main cause of global climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions measure the total amount of all greenhouse gases emitted. They are often quantified in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂eq), which take into account the amount of heating each molecule of the various gases creates.

Carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂eq): Carbon dioxide is the most important greenhouse gas, but it is not the only one. To capture all greenhouse gas emissions, researchers express them in terms of ‘carbon dioxide equivalent’ (CO₂eq). This includes all greenhouse gases, not just 002. To express all greenhouse gases in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂eq), each is weighted by a global warming potential (GIP) value. GIP measures the warming rate of a gas relative to CO₂. The GIP of CO₂ is equal to one. If a gas has a GIP of 10, then one kilogram of that gas produces ten times more heat than one kilogram of CO₂.

Carbon dioxide equivalents are calculated for each gas by multiplying the mass of a given greenhouse gas by its GIP factor. This warming can be observed on different time scales. To calculate CO₂eq over 100 years, we multiply each gas by its GIP over 100 years (GIP100). Total greenhouse gas emissions measured in CO₂eq are calculated by summing the CO₂eq values ​​of each gas. The obtained results can be seen in figures 1, 2 and 3 below [4-5].

Greenhouse gases emitted by human activities have caused an increase in the average global temperature. Human emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are the main cause of global warming. This relationship between global temperature and greenhouse gas concentrations, particularly CO₂, has persisted throughout Earth’s history.

Figure 1. Global greenhouse gas emissions per capita

The graph shows the average global temperature for the period from 1961 to 1990 compared to the baseline. Since then, the average temperature has increased by more than 0.8ºC. Also, the temperature in 1850 was 0.4°C lower than the baseline, giving us a total temperature increase of about 1.2°C compared to pre-industrial times.

Figure 2. Percentage of greenhouse gas emissions for each country

Figure 3. Greenhouse gas emissions per capita in Uzbekistan

This warming has been unevenly distributed across the globe. The Northern Hemisphere is warmer than the Southern Hemisphere. Warming was especially strong at the poles. In some areas, the temperature rose by more than 5ºC. You can see this distribution on maps published by Berkeley Earth. Human waste has become the main driving force behind these changes. Aerosols played a minor cooling role in global climate, and natural variability played almost no role. An article in Carbon Brief explains these changes very well with interactive graphics of the contribution of various factors to the climate.

Methods

Methods of determining emissions to the environment (Natural and secondary gases). Testo 350-GAS ANALYZER is a flexible portable flue gas analysis system consisting of two versions: Testo 350-S (basic version) and Testo 350-XL (extended version) analyzer unit and control module. The testo 350-S smoke analyzer device is equipped with an O2 sensor, a differential pressure measurement function, 2 sockets for temperature probes, a connector for connection to the Testo data bus, a built-in battery, and a data logger. You can install a maximum of 6 measuring modules of your choice (CO, NO, NO₂, HC, SO₂, H₂S or CO₂ NDIR (infrared sensor)). The expanded version of the analyzer Testo 350-XL is equipped with all the functions of the Testo 350-S, it also has additional features - the unit includes CO sensors (with the function of switching off and cleaning), NO, NO₂, pelt’ie sample preparation unit, automatic cleaning of fresh air through the valve (including the expansion of the measuring range with a dilution 8factor of 5 for all sensors), built-in memory. ISO: 9001:2008, ISO:14001:2024, OHSAS: 18001.

Methods

‘DAG-510’ GAS ANALYZER is excellent for determining small and large concentrations of substances. Electrochemical or infrared (optical) sensors are used for gas measurement. The gas analyzer is able to measure the following parameters:

* excess air and heat loss coefficients;

 * temperature at the sampling point and ambient temperature;

* absolute and differential pressure (when installing ‘D’ module by special order). Designed to measure:

* oxygen (O₂), carbon monoxide (CO), -nitrogen oxide (NO), -nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and hydrocarbons (methane or propane) in exhaust gases of fuel burning devices;

* when measuring the temperature at the sampling point and the ambient temperature;

* measurement of absolute pressure, pressure difference; When determining the speed of gas and dust flows and the flow rate calculation method when working with a pneumatic Pitot or NIIOGAZ tube in accordance with GOST 17.2.4.06-90;

* in determining the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen oxide (NOX) by calculation method; - determination of technological parameters of fuel burning devices by the calculation method - when measuring the coefficient of excess air and the coefficient of heat loss.

Thermohydrometric coefficient (TGK) method. Using the thermohydrometric coefficient (TGK) proposed by Yu. V. Petrov and A. A. Abdullayev, which describes the physical state of the atmosphere, we use a new value that describes the dryness of the air. This value indicates how far water vapor is from saturation at a given composition and air temperature. At the same time, in the case of constant humidity, an increase in temperature leads to an increase in air dryness. An increase in humidity at a constant air temperature, on the contrary, reduces dryness. This value Petrov Yu.V., Abdullayev A.A. is called thermohydrometric coefficient of air dryness (TGK). Physically, this value is dimensionless and depends on air humidity and its temperature:

 - dew point temperature deficit, T - air temperature in Kelvin. The unit of this value is per mille. The value of this coefficient depends on the complex of energy and water factors of this area. These include the amount and type of precipitation, the condition, type and albedo of the covered surface, air temperature and humidity, etc.

Results

The existing technology for cleaning natural gas and waste gases from sulfur compounds in gas processing plants (GQIZ) does not allow to minimize the amount of their emissions into the atmosphere. The current technology does not ensure the complete separation of COS, CS₂ by-products from the flue gases of the sulfur production process, which are considered stable and do not turn into sulfur during desulfurization, so they are burned to SO2 and released into the atmosphere. The amount of SO₂ in atmospheric emissions from sulfur processing facilities at GQIZ is 1500-4500 ppm, according to international regulations, this indicator should not exceed 250 ppm in modified processes. Currently, many processes based on chemical, physical or physico-chemical interaction of components are used to purify hydrocarbon gases from H₂S and CO₂ and from sulfur compounds. At the same time, absorption and adsorption processes are mainly used for large gas flows, because they have a simpler technological scheme and high productivity.

The choice of absorbent or adsorbent is determined by the composition of the source and waste gas according to the utilization method. There is increasing interest in the selective removal of hydrogen sulfide and CO₂ from natural gas, as well as the utilization of sulfur compounds in flue gases using various chemical reagents.

In recent years, the introduction of physical solvents and composite absorbents into the gas industry has increased, which provides more economical treatment of gas with high pressure of sour components. Large deposits of natural gas containing a certain amount of H₂S and CO₂ have been opened in the Republic of Uzbekistan (Ustyurt, Mubarak and Shortan deposits, etc.). These serve not only as a raw material base for the extraction of gases, but also for the production of crystalline sulfur. In fact, research shows that the atmosphere, like all natural environmental factors, is self-cleaning. Harmful substances released into the atmosphere from anthropogenic sources settle on the surface of houses, plants and soil, are washed away by precipitation or migrate to long distances from the outlet. All these processes occur with the help of wind and depend on air temperature, solar radiation, precipitation and other meteorological factors. In recent years, problems related to meteorological factors, such as desertification, land degradation, and drought, are one of the negative natural phenomena. In extreme cases, such events can lead to the death of people and a large amount of property damage (Table 1) [3].

In some districts, air dryness is relatively weak, and many districts are affected by strong and very strong drought. The area with the maximum number of days of severe drought is located between the Amudarya and Murgob rivers. The average annual number of severe drought days was 9% in Mubarak, and relatively less in other stations.

After all, atmospheric pollution is one of the causes of drought, and the study and monitoring of pollutants emitted from oil and gas processing facilities is one of the urgent tasks. Based on air temperature and water vapor pressure values for 8 stations in Uzbekistan, dew point temperature values and then thermohygrometric coefficient of air dryness were calculated. All data for 2017, 2018, 2019 were selected from TM-1 tables stored in the archives of the Uzgidromet Hydrometeorological Fund.

Table 1.

Days of drought of different intensity average annual amount [3]

Table 2.

It was released from oil and gas processing facilities in 2019 number of pollutants [3]

Discussion

Table 2 shows the total amount of waste from oil and gas processing facilities, in which it is worth paying attention to Mubarak GQIZ. Because this plant produces the largest amount of waste (86414,311 t/year). The average annual number of severe drought days (4.5) is also observed in Mubarak. Because of this, it can be assumed that not only natural reasons, but also other reasons can lead in this situation. However, reliable conclusions can be obtained only because of thorough study of this problem. In addition, in 2019, the amount of hydrogen sulfide (387,243 t/year) and carbon (111,627 t/year) emissions increased at Mubarak GKIZ and Shortan GKM. This is due to the increase in the amount of drilling of hydrocarbon sulfur deposits and gas deposits. It is worth mentioning that the gas entering the atmosphere reacts with oxygen and ozone to form sulfur dioxide (SO2). This gas combines with water to form sulfuric acid - H₂SO₃ (Fig. 4).

Figure 4. Hydrogen sulfide and sewage quantity increase graph [3]

Conclusions As can be seen from the results, it is permissible to pay attention to Mubarak GQIZ. Because this plant produces the largest amount of waste (86414,311 t/year). The average annual number of severe drought days (4.5) is also observed in Mubarak. Because of this, it can be assumed that not only natural reasons, but also other reasons can lead in this situation. However, reliable conclusions can be obtained only as a result of thorough study of this problem. In 2019, the amount of hydrogen sulfide (387,243 t/year) and carbon (111,627 t/year) emissions increased at the Mubarak GKIZ and Shortan GKM, which is due to the increase in the amount of hydrocarbon sulfur deposits and gas fields. It is worth mentioning that the gas entering the atmosphere reacts with oxygen and ozone to form sulfur dioxide (SO₂). This gas combines with water to form sulfuric acid - H₂SO₃.

Reference:

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2. Climate change. Synthesis report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Third Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Edited by T. Watson. Geneva, 2023. - PP. 86.
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