Final processing train installed at CBM – LNG hub

Santos’ Gladstone LNG (GLNG) project has installed a final LNG train module, paving the way for coalbed methane (CBM) gas to be piped to the project.

The GLNG project  will produce natural gas from Queensland’s coal seams and convert it into LNG for sale to world markets.

The last of the 111 modules used to build the two trains has been installed, Santos confirmed in a statement: “After three and a half years of construction work, Santos GLNG has installed the final module on its two LNG processing trains, key components of its gas liquefaction plant on Curtis Island near Gladstone.”

Santos GLNG general manager of downstream operations, Brenton Hawtin, said the construction of such a vital part of the plant often referred to as “the big fridge” was a key milestone for the project. “LNG trains are essentially big refrigerators that will take natural gas piped from [Santos’ Queensland CBM] gas fields and condense it into liquid form so it can be safely and efficiently shipped.”

“Once we’re in full production, these massive pieces of infrastructure will together produce up to 7.8 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas each year,” Hawtin added.

Train one comprises 82 modules, while train two has 29. The train update follows news that the first of three gas processing hubs has been completed at the Fairview CBM gas field near Roma in southwest Queensland.

Fairview hub 5 is now fully operational, with commissioning progressing at GLNG’s two other major processing hubs, Fairview 4 and Roma 2. The completion of the first hub follows delivery of first CBM gas into the Santos GLNG pipeline last month and the completion of hydro testing of the second LNG storage tank on Curtis island.

The AU$ 18.5 billion GLNG project continues to make progress. Santos estimates the project is 90% complete and will begin shipments mid-way through 2015.

The GLNG project is a joint venture between Santos, Total, Malaysian state-owned energy firm Petronas, and South Korean gas firm Kogas. 

Edited from various sources by Sam Dodson

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/cbm/10112014/santos-cbm-to-lng-project-update-cbm135/