What happens at Mossmorran?

Shell’s Fife NGL plant at Mossmorran is a critical part of the national energy system because it facilitates the separation of natural gas – methane – from other gases and liquids that come from the North Sea to be fed into the National Grid at St Fergus near Peterhead in Aberdeenshire.

What is Segal system?

The SEGAL system is made up of two wet gas transportation pipelines, the St. Wet gas is transported from the Northern North Sea along the Far north Liquids and Associated Gas System (FLAGS) line to St. Fergus and from the Central North Sea along the Fulmar Gas Line (FGL).

Is Mossmorran still flaring?

Martin Burrell, the new Exxonmobil plant manager, said: “We are currently estimating that we will exit our elevated flare by the end of 12 April – with the size of the flare decreasing relatively quickly during its use.

Why is Mossmorran flaring?

Figures suggest it would reduce low frequency noise to nearby communities by around a third. A flare tip has also been fitted to the elevated flare to help reduce noise. The tip installation was part of ExxonMobil’s £140m upgrade to improve site reliability, which began in April.

Where is ExxonMobil located in UK?

Leatherhead is the location for ExxonMobil’s headquarters in the UK at Ermyn House. ExxonMobil has had a major presence in Leatherhead since 1990 and today around 600 employees and contractors are based at this site.

What is unplanned flaring?

The flaring at Mossmorran usually happens when a problem has arisen and gas which cannot be processed properly is burned. ExxonMobil said that Easter Sunday’s “unplanned flaring” was due to process interruption, and engineers were working hard to resolve the issue.

Why do chemical plants flare?

Flaring is undertaken as a way to remove dangerous gasses with lower harm to the environment. It is used in safely regulating pressure in chemical plants, as well as handling natural gas release in wells. Alternatives, such as piping the gas to a plant or on-site capture and use, are of great interest.

What is the use of ethylene?

Ethylene is used in the production of fabricated plastics, antifreeze; making fibers; to manufacture ethylene oxide, polyethylene for plastics, alcohol, mustard gas, and other organics.

What is the burning flame in Fife?

The process of flaring involves burning off gas that cannot be processed. The site, which is shared by ExxonMobil Chemical Ltd and Shell Fife NGL, is used to produce ethylene. Although the technique is legally permitted, it causes significant light and noise pollution which the operator is obliged to minimise.