New Generation of Compression Train for Qatargas II LNG Project
FLORENCE, ITALY - February 1, 2006 : -- GE's Oil & Gas business has successfully completed tests on the nitrogen compression train for the Qatargas II liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil.
With a capacity of 7.8 million tons per year of LNG per train, Qatargas II's two LNG trains are the largest in the world. Being built in Qatar, these are the first LNG trains of this size to use GE's compression train technology.
The nitrogen compression train reached 92 megawatts of output during the full-pressure, full-load string test at GE's Oil & Gas facilities in Massa, Italy, the highest power ever achieved by a single LNG compression train. The train was successfully operated for four hours at full speed/full pressure. This achievement was reached on the first attempt without the need for any modifications or corrections and this system integration is the result of GE's Oil & Gas and GE Energy's joint effort.
The nitrogen compression train is composed of a 125-megawatt, single-shaft GE Frame 9E gas turbine for mechanical drive application, a 45-megawatt starter/generator, a variable speed drive system and two large centrifugal compressors: a horizontally split casing MCL1402 and a BCL1003 barrel compressor.
The MCL1402 represents one of the most advanced applications of a compressor with a horizontally-split casing, whereas the BCL1003 compressor is a large-barrel version. Both compressors are equipped with 3D impellers that can handle more than 100,000 m3/h and are one-piece milled from a solid-forged billet.
The train's operational control system software was developed using a special dynamic simulator that reduced the commissioning period and enabled a smooth start of the string test-fired runs.
The manufacturing and testing of the machines was simulated by GE Oil & Gas, using numerical techniques to anticipate any problems during assembly and testing. The performances were fine-tuned and optimized by means of multistage, computational fluid dynamics to anticipate any lack of performances with respect to the contractual values.
The use of simulation tools allowed the development of a new-generation LNG train in a relatively short time frame without the need for any major modifications during the testing period.
"We are extremely pleased with the results of the nitrogen compression train," said Claudi Santiago, president of GE's Oil & Gas business. "It is a key step forward, as we continue applying our technology and working with Qatargas II and other Qatar-based ventures to contribute to the growth of the State of Qatar as a key LNG global producer."
"The Qatargas II project has set a new standard for cooperation and openness between customer and supplier," said Roy Salisbury, lead project machinery engineer of Qatargas II. "As an example, our engineers for the first time participated in high-level, internal GE project reviews. During the execution of the project, technical questions and challenges were quickly addressed and resolved. The net result was the successful full-pressure, full-load test run at the Massa facility in a short amount of time with no major difficulties."
About GE's Oil & Gas businessGE's Oil & Gas business www.geoilandgas.com is a world leader in advanced technology turbomachinery products and services, with engineering and manufacturing centers of excellence throughout Europe and the United States. Based in Florence, Italy, the company offers complete solutions for production, LNG, transportation, storage, refineries, petrochemicals and distribution systems, as well as pipeline integrity solutions including analysis and pipeline asset management.
For more information, contact:Gabriele Peri
GE
Oil & Gas
+39 055 423 8280
[email protected]
Ken Darling or Howard Masto
Masto Public Relations
+1 518 786 6488
[email protected]
[email protected]
Howard Masto
Masto Public Relations
[email protected]
1-518-786-6488
Ken Darling
Masto Public Relations
[email protected]
1-518-786-6488