Publications

Gas production declining rate has been a challenge for Saka Indonesia Pangkah Ltd (SIPL) in operating the Liquified Petroleum Gas Processing Facility (LPGF) located in Gresik. The minimum feed gas rate to LPGF based on the design flowrate of Turbo Expander (482-C-01) is 20 MMSCFD while gas production is forecasted to be below that value, which will potentially lead to the LPGF plant stopping operating. Low flow rate of feed gas to LPGF also affects the efficiency of the Gas Turbine Compressor and Turbo Expander, leading to a decrease in LPG recovery. To overcome the challenge and prevent loss of production, SIPL developed the initiative to install a Temporary Gas Recycle Compressor at LPGF. Several options were studied to determine the tie-in point for the compressor, considering the best efficiency and minimum Loss Production Opportunity (LPO) during installation. The temporary Gas Recycle compressor suction was taken from the outlet of the Residue Compressor (440-C-02) and then discharged back to inlet LPGF, with a capacity of 10 MMSCFD. The operating parameter of the Inlet Compressor (440-C-01), Residue Compressor (440-C-02), and Turbo Expander (482-C-01) were analyzed, and LPG recovery was compared before and after the installation of the Temporary Gas Recycle Compressor. Remarkably, LPG recovery significantly improved from previously 65%, increased to 93%. The production gain after installation of the Gas Recycle Compressor was then quantified to compare with SIPL’s production when LPGF stopped operating due to low feed flow rate. The installation of temporary Gas Recycle Compressor has been able to keep the LPGF plant operating during low feed gas flow rate from offshore, with a production gain of 23,769 USD/day.