Fjords Processing to lead MEG project

A Norwegian firm’s world leading research into cleaner technologies for the oil and gas industry has been recognised with the award of a prestigious innovation grant to develop the next generation of MEG regeneration systems.

The Research Council of Norway – which aids partnerships in important areas of technological development – chose Fjord Processing’s Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) Joint Industry Project (JIP) for funding.

The NOK3.6 million (£297 845/US$416 197) funding support from the council’s leading DEMO 2000 programme will enable Fjords Processing to collaborate with Statoil, Shell, Total and Chevron to target qualification of the patent pending technologies which could deliver a new generation of greener, more efficient and operationally stable MEG plants.

The JIP aims to find ways of enhancing the current design of MEG systems by developing technologies to remove organic acid salts, hydrocarbon and mercury from the existing and future MEG plants.

Fjords Processing believes further development of anti-solvent based technology for removal of organic acid salts will not only precipitate and separate salts, but also help regenerate anti-solvent for reuse.

Technologies for hydrocarbon and mercury removal from MEG streams may also be qualified on a pilot scale.

Once testing is successfully completed, the results will then be used to develop and qualify key new offerings within greenfield as well as brownfield projects.Salim Deshmukh, R&D Programs Manager for Hydrate Inhibition Technology at Fjords Processing, said: “Sponsorship from four major oil and gas operators proves their interest in development of technologies and processes that can be applied in the next generation MEG systems.”

“Undertaking this initiative together with key clients is expected to give both Fjords and the sponsors substantial benefits, especially in the current difficult market.”

Potential advantages from the results of the JIP are expected to include improved stability of the plant operation, an overall reduction in MEG loss, and reduction in hazardous waste resulting from mercury and hydrocarbon discharge. All gains will allow longer operation and reduction in the Opex for the operators.Reducing the overall environmental footprint of MEG systems may be safer for the ecosystem and operations personnel.

Fjords Processing and current partners would support other industry operators to join the JIP that is on course for completion in the second quarter of 2018.

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/24032016/fjords-processing-to-lead-meg-project-2863/