During AOG (Australian Oil and Gas) earlier this year and in subsequent conversations with prospective clients in the Australian market, we heard a broad alignment in attitude – recognition that as an industry, we all need to do more, or we will lose our “social license” to operate.
This is being reinforced nationally by the 2022 Australian climate bill and associated Safeguard Mechanism, which clearly outline targets to help increase compliance and, wherever possible, minimize or mitigate carbon footprint and CO2 emissions.
As a result, rapid adoption of newer energy solutions, such as carbon capture, is needed.
From an infrastructure perspective, this means tie-ins are required to install newer, more efficient equipment or to allow integration of CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) related equipment as part of plant modification.
Tie-in operations for CCUS typically involve the integration of CCUS equipment on production systems or utilities, and in most cases, common practice involves full or partial system shutdown. Where possible, tie-in work is scheduled to coincide with a planned shutdown, allowing for improved planning and minimizing downtime. However, in many instances, shutdowns or turnarounds are planned at four-year intervals, a frequency which may not fit the tie-in requirement for upgrading the facility and lead to severe commercial impacts on the project.
As a result, aging plants, whether offshore, onshore, Oil, gas, LNG or chemical processing, often have a common denominator; the cost of upgrading can be prohibitive.
Clearly, this topic is not relevant only to Australia; it extends across the energy sector globally, and industrial giants such as MHI (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) are exploring it.
A recent case study by MHI, entitled Reducing CO2 emissions while realizing long-term use and cost savings, states that “A series of LNG plants were built around the world in the 1960s and 1970s. Many of these plants, especially larger ones (1 MTPA and above), use gas turbines for the refrigeration compressors in the liquefaction process. While LNG is a more cleaner energy alternative, it can still create emissions from fuel gas combustion, flaring and venting, fugitive emissions and plant upsets. This creates multiple sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the LNG production chain”.
With aging infrastructures requiring modernization to meet modern-day energy requirements, coupled with prohibitive costs to rectify the issue, it’s clear that a solution is needed.
The AOGV (Add On Gate Valve) mechanical isolation system is a game changer in addressing this.
AOGV provides positive isolation while maintaining system integrity, meaning it’s possible to execute tie-ins on utilities and production systems outside of shutdowns.
In a project for a Norwegian customer, a platform tie-in was evaluated, and the outcome was a step change for tie-in planning. Utilizing the AOGV positive isolation system, the tie-ins are now being performed without any downtime or system shutdowns.
AOGV’s full isolation capabilities extend beyond tie-ins, and to date, AOGV has been proven in over 160 projects across four continents for over 25 customers.
AOGV is suitable for projects wherever flanged piping is in place, meaning leaking valves, gaskets, inefficient cooling systems or process plants can be rectified immediately, without shutdown. As a result, the AOGV mitigates or minimizes the need for draining, venting, purging and flushing in most instances.
Once a project is complete, the AOGV tools are simply removed, returning the plant to its original condition (but with new valves, gaskets, or tie-in equipment) or as new state. As a bonus, hot work is not required using AOGV systems.
Given that the driving factor behind tie-ins for CCSU modifications is the positive impact on sustainable energy production, we (Izomax) have partnered with experts Climateadvisor AS to determine and drive our own carbon footprint. Through this process, we engaged Terravera to model the carbon footprint of AOGV with mathematically verified digital twins, so we have clear data and benchmarks. From this input, we can develop and activate strategies to help make positive steps with our own footprint.
Our technology has an excellent track record, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional interventions.
If you are engaged in plant or process modifications onshore or offshore, then our team are on hand to discuss and help you plan and execute interventions without a shutdown. Please get in touch.
