Production • Processing • Handling
generation of ‘mega-trains’, each capable of producing 7.8Mta. Tis is a big step up from the 4.7Mta production capacity of RasGas Trains 3, 4 and 5, and the project involved scaling up every aspect of the new train, from pipeline diameters to the machinery used to power the process. RasGas’ project teams fully embraced these challenges to deliver what the company describes as exceptional results.
Te offshore aspects of the project were also
extensive. Significant team efforts were required to ensure a secure gas supply to RasGas Train 7, which is fed by the most prolific offshore wells ever drilled. Train 7 builds on the success of existing RasGas
expansion projects in terms of technology, design and project specifications. RasGas’ strong relationships with contractors helped it to maximise performance and learn through continuous improvement. As a result of integrated team co-ordination, careful planning, leadership and a skilled workforce, the commissioning and start-up of Train 7 progressed smoothly.
An example of these continuous improvements
was the innovative approach used to significantly reduce the amount of gas typically consumed or flared during the start-up of such a large and complex gas facility. Trough the utilisation of plant design improvements and enhanced operating procedures, these approaches resulted in gas savings equivalent to that carried in two LNG tankers. Meanwhile Repsol chairman Antonio Brufau
and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez signed in Caracas the agreement to create the PetroCarabobo joint venture that will develop oil reserves in Venezuela’s Orinoco oil belt, one of the world’s largest undeveloped hydrocarbon deposits. Te Carabobo area is located in the eastern
part of the Orinoco oil belt, which may hold up to 513billion barrels of oil according to the latest US Geological Survey. Repsol, with an 11 per cent stake, will act as
coordinator for the consortium that in February won the rights to develop blocks Carabobo 1 Norte and Centro. Repsol is partnered by India Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (11 per cent), Petronas (11 per cent), Oil India Limited (3.5 per cent) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (3.5 per cent). PDVSA, according to Venezuelan legislation, owns the remaining 60 per cent of the joint venture. Te project will allow Repsol to boost its
net reserves by an estimated 134 million barrels of oil through 2014, with an expected total net investment in the period of US$750 million. A further 134million barrels can be added in the period 2015–2019.
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Te joint venture will also build the crude production and upgrading installations as well as the processing and transport infrastructure (Fig. 2). Tis contract has a duration of 25 years, with a further 15-year extension possible. Te Venezuelan government has tendered
seven blocks in the Carabobo region, with a total estimated 128 billion barrels of oil in place. Te blocks are grouped in three projects, each of which could reach a maximum production of 400 000 barrels of oil/day for 40 years. Each of the projects includes the construction of a crude upgrader. l
Fig. 2. As part of the joint venture, Repsol will also build crude production installations.
Te development of the heavy crude oil project includes a commercial agreement that will allow Repsol’s Spanish refineries to process 165 000 barrels of oil a day.
Te company says that this contract generates a significant competitive advantage over rivals thanks to its experience in the use of advanced oil conversion technology at its refineries.
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