Tests for world’s largest nitrogen compression train completed
Posted: 06 February 2006
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GE’s Oil and Gas business has completed tests on the nitrogen compression train for the Qatargas II liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil.
Qatargas II’s two LNG trains, with a capacity of 7.8 million tonnes each, are the world’s largest. 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, according to a GE press release.
The train was successfully operated for four hours at full speed and full pressure.
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 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.
Claudi Santiago, president of GE’s Oil and Gas business said: “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.”
Roy Salisbury, lead project machinery engineer of Qatargas II added: “The Qatargas II project has set a new standard for cooperation and openness between customer and supplier. 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.”
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