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Technological notes. Technological options for the valorization of offshore natural gas

Abstract:

Venezuela has proven reserves of associated natural gas of 147 bcf, 38 bcf of probable reserves, and 41 bcf of possible reserves. These reserves are illustrated by area, i.e., west, south, east, north of Paria, and the Deltana offshore platform. Of the total Venezuelan natural gas reserves of 256.5 bcf, 88.1% (226 bcf) relate to associated gas and 11.9% (30.5 bcf) to non-associated gas. However, the independence of gas production free of the OPEC quota that restricts the extraction of associated gas, generates a special interest in the production of this small percentage of the gas resource. Of the non associated gas, 17 bcf correspond to the zone north of Paria and the Deltana platform. These are strategic areas for the exterior commerce of gas. It is for this reason that Venezuela starts to initiate the operations of the offshore Mariscal Sucre project in Sucre state and Deltana platform with the proposition to expand the Venezuelan natural gas industry by filling the need for gas in the domestic market, increasing the proven reserves, and participating in the growing markets abroad to generate a maximum added value. The discussion covers the engineering aspects of this development. The problems offshore include a limited formation of hydrates and wear and tear on the piping generated mainly by corrosion (85% at the Deltana platform and 72% in the Mariscal Sucre) and to a less extent erosion by liquids and solids. The rates of corrosion in the pipelines from the offshore installations to the mainland are 1.18 mm/yr from the Deltana platform and 0.90 mm/yr from the Mariscal Sucre. The rate of erosion for this piping from the Deltana platform is 0.21 mm/yr and from the Mariscal Sucre is 0.35 mm/yr. The useful life of this piping without treatment is 9.6 yr for the Deltana platform and 15.65 yr for the Mariscal Sucre piping. The useful life of each piping system with treatment is > 20 yr.