A network of upstream natural gas processing facilities for QGC’s Curtis LNG project is now operational. This step is integral for the first LNG from the Curtis Island plant to be produced on schedule in the fourth quarter of 2014.
The seven facilities west of Dalby comprise six field compression stations feeding gas drawn from hundreds of wells into the larger Ruby Jo Central Processing Plant. The central processing plant will send gas through a 540km underground pipeline network to the QCLNG export facility on Curtis Island off Gladstone, where it will be chilled to a liquid for delivery to markets around the world in specially designed ships.
QGC Managing Director Mitch Ingram said Ruby Jo Central Processing Plant, in conjunction with similar facilities near Chinchilla, would help fill the first of two QCLNG production facilities, known as “trains”, on Curtis Island.
“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,” Mr Ingram said.
“The central processing plant and field compression stations represent a remarkable achievement over more than two-and-a-half years by 1,500 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.”
The facilities are the first to start operating under a contract QGC awarded to Thiess Pty Ltd last September for the construction of 17 field compression stations and four central processing plants at three hubs in the Surat Basin; near Dalby, Chinchilla and Wandoan.
QGC starts up major gas processing network from QGC – A BG Group business on Vimeo.