HSM Offshore Constructing Gas Compression Module for E17a-A
Words by Ben Littler
HSM Offshore, the Netherlands-based operating company of the Andus Group, has completed numerous multi-discipline projects for the oil & gas industry. Included in the company’s portfolio are a significant number of compression modules. Currently, HSM Offshore is working on a gas compression module for GDF Suez’ E17a-A platform in the Dutch North Sea. Offshore Industry’s Ben Littler speaks to Business Development Manager Jaco Fleumer about the project.
“In many ways this is a typical gas compression module,” Mr Fleumer begins. “It depends on the geology of the field of course, but typically, after 5 or 6 years of production, the natural gas pressure of a field drops to the extent that a compressor is required to maintain production levels.”
Getting Underway
E17a-A is a field with which HSM Offshore is particularly well acquainted, having built the platform for GDF back in 2009. “This is a nice project for us,” says Mr Fleumer. “GDF has been a regular customer for the past 10-15 years. We originally built this platform, so it’s rewarding for us to be awarded this contract.”
The contract award came in July 2014 and the module is scheduled for delivery exactly one year on in July this year.
“We’ve received the skid with the gas engines and compressors already mounted. What we are building is a large box. The main components in this are the drivers – in this case engines driven by gas produced at the field. The engines drive the compressors, which will draw gas from the well and push it into the pipeline. That’s putting things simply but, basically, this is the principle of gas compression.”
Right Size for the Job
This particular module features two 1,210kW engines produced by GE Energy’s Waukesha brand. The two compressors, which in this case are reciprocating, are supplied by Arial and can handle a maximum of 83,000m3 gas per hour.
The completed structure will be 20 x 10 x 8m in dimension and weigh a total of 330t. Mr Fleumer says that modules can vary considerably in size.
“There are large differences. 2 years ago we completed a compression module for Talisman in the UK that weighed 1,600t. Last year we did one for Shell Leman that weighed very close to 4,000t.
The size disparity often relates to the module being required to compress for more than one field – in the case of the Shell project, there are multiple fields connected to the Leman complex
Maintaining the Flow
Having received the skid, HSM Offshore built a second level with room for all the connecting piping, electrical panels, electrical enclosures and some of the gas filtration and treatment facilities, including cooling equipment.
The company will complete the module prior to delivery. “We are gradually building up the entire module so that it is fully operational when we hand it over to the client,” states Mr Fleumer.
“E17a-A is a relatively high quantity production platform and GDF Suez does not want to disrupt production any more than necessary. For this reason, time spent on integration and commission needs to be minimised.”
Fits Into Place
As is common practice in the industry, the E17a-A platform design pre-empted the future need for a compression module.
“The platform arrangement allows for the installation of the module,” says Mr Fleumer. “There is space available and an allowance of weight.”
Once HSM Offshore has completed the construction of the module, they will hand it over to the client’s transportation company at the HSM yard in the Port of Rotterdam.
“Our contractual delivery will be the point when we hand the module over for transportation. Our facilities feature a load-out quay with open access to the North Sea. With 10m water depth we can handle all kinds of vessels and barges, which ensures flexibility for the client.”
Flyndre Cawdor
Currently, HSM Offshore is also working on two processing modules for the Flyndre Cawdor fields in the UK North Sea. Contract award from Aker Offshore on behalf of Talisman Sinopec Energy UK was in April 2014. HSM Offshore will deliver the M12 and M14 modules in June this year. The modules will be located on the existing Clyde platform, where hydrocarbons from Flyndre Cawdor will be transported.
M12 will be 12 x 16 x 20m and weigh 1,200t, whilst M14 will be 29 x 13 x 6m and weigh 350t.