The Orbost gas processing plant (OGPP) is another step closer to nameplate capacity, with Cooper Energy and APA Group considering further works to hit 68 terajoules a day (TJ/d).
Following the reconfiguration of OGPP’s two sulphur observers in the second quarter of this financial year, it has delivered improved production rates, with average production in March hitting 42 TJ/d compared with 39 TJ/d in February.
However, Cooper advised that the periodic cleaning of the absorber is still required with six weekly cleans of each absorbers needed for OGPP to reach 45 TJ/d.
In order to reach 68 TJ/d, APA and Cooper are discussing further capital works to be undertaken this year with the objective of the program to further improve stability and to increase production rates.
The scope of works currently under consideration includes: installation of solids removal equipment to reduce fouling from solids deposition within the absorbers; changing the liquid distributor within each absorber; and installation of a polishing unit to reduce the impact of hydrogen sulphide breakthrough during foaming events.
In addition, scheduled macitence at OGPP will be undertaken from April 11 to April 18, during which time the plant will be offline for cleaning of pipes and both absorbers in readiness for the winter production period.
While offline, gas sales will continue under the Sole gas sales agreement, with gas supply sourced from Cooper’s back-up supply arrangements.
In addition, Cooper outlined that the recommissioning of the Athena gas plant continues on schedule and on budget, with the works program 65 per cent complete.
First commissioning of gas through the plant is expected in the first quarter of the 2022 financial year and switchover processing Casino Henry gas from the Lochard operated Iona gas plant is expected in the second quarter of the 2022 financial year.