Cooper Energy says 1.8 petajoules of gas from the Sole gas field has been processed and supplied into the Eastern Gas Pipeline from the APA-owned and operated Orbost Gas Processing Facility.
In a market update Cooper Energy, who are contracted to supply the gas to APA Group for customers in south-east Australia, said progress on commissioning activities since March 10 had demonstrated Orbost Gas Plant’s capability to produce sales specification gas from the Sole raw gas stream.
“A total of 1.8 petajoules of gas from Sole has been processed and supplied into the Eastern Gas Pipeline up to 18 June 2020. This gas is being sold by Cooper Energy at spot market prices less transportation,” Cooper Energy said.
This was in spite of plant performance during commissioning having been impaired by foaming in the absorber section of the plant, which had supressed output rates, and by fouling. This had necessitated a 9-day shutdown in early May.
Plant performance
“Commissioning activities since 20 May have been directed to achieving a progressive sustained increase in plant output rates with the ultimate target being the required 68 TJ/day,” Cooper Energy added.
“Output has averaged 34 TJ/day from 20 May, with performance demonstrating the plant’s capability to maintain daily production of 35 TJ to 40 TJ. The maximum daily production rate recorded to date has been 55 TJ on 9 June.”
APA had, however, advised of a re-occurrence of fouling due to prolonged foaming in the second absorber, which would require a second shutdown for cleaning of the absorber vessel. APA had also revealed that a second antifoam dosing pump has been installed since the previous shutdown to improve performance.
This shutdown had been scheduled to commence on the past weekend and would require approximately six days to complete.
The Sole gas field reservoir and production wells have continued to perform in line with expectations, Cooper Energy added.
APA said further shutdowns may be required and would be assessed in the light of commissioning results.
Cooper said it had been advised that if modifications were required, the ensuing shutdown would last for three weeks.
“It is expected a decision on the plant re-configuration will be made following analysis of plant performance after the return to operations from the forthcoming shutdown.
“The company is maintaining dialogue with its customers for the purpose of aligning supply agreements with the outcome of the current commissioning process. Financiers are being informed of project status and progress and are supportive of the company and its plans to increase gas supply to eastern Australia through the Sole gas project,” Cooper Energy said.
