QGC starts up major gas processing network

QGC, developer of the Queensland Curtis LNG project, has begun operation of a network of upstream natural gas processing facilities. These facilities are crucial to meeting a target of producing first LNG from its Curtis Island plant in the Q4 2014.

Pipeline network

The seven facilities comprise six field compression stations feeding gas drawn from wells into the larger Ruby Jo Central Processing Plant. The central processing plant will send gas through a 540 km underground pipeline network to the QCLNG export facility on Curtis Island off Gladstone.

QGC Managing Director Mitch Ingram explained that the Ruby Jo Central Processing Plant, in conjunction with similar facilities near Chinchilla, would help fill the first of two QCLNG production trains on Curtis Island.

LNG production

Ingram commented: "This milestone was achieved to schedule and keeps us firmly on track to be the world's first bespoke project to produce LNG sourced from coal seams, with first LNG production due in the final quarter of this year.

"The central processing plant and field compression stations represent a remarkable achievement over more than two-and-a-half years by 1500 engineers, civil works contractors, mechanics, welders, electricians and other trades.

"Importantly, we delivered these seven upstream facilities safely while providing opportunities for local businesses and workers."

Thiess contract

The facilities are the first to start operating under a contract QGC awarded to Thiess Pty Ltd in September 2013 for the construction of 17 field compression stations and four central processing plants at three hubs in the Surat Basin.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquefaction/24062014/qgc_begins_operation_of_gas_processing_network_832/