What about something like a ‘refinery-in-a-box’ or on a tractor trailer, that could take a very small portion of the crude being pumped to generate power? Then pump the unused portion back into the pipeline. Not cost effective?.........
So what would be the power source for the mini-refinery?
Remember, we are talking about a need for fuel before the well is flowing. Hydraulic Fracturing, Drilling, etc, occur first, then production comes online.
Second point, EPA requirements for off-road diesel have also gone to Low Sulfur requirements. The simple little topping plant from decades past won’t provide acceptable fuel.
http://www.clean-diesel.org/nonroad.html
that could take a very small portion of the crude being pumped to generate power? Then pump the unused portion back into the pipeline.
By the way, that is how the refinery in mid-state Alaska operated before it closed down. It used diesel it produced for its own fuel. It could not compete with refineries in other locations that used Natural Gas for fuel and eventually shut down.