Aspen Technology has implemented the Virtual Plant Simulator (VPS) for the In Salah Gas development, a joint venture between BP Exploration and Sonatrach, the Algerian state oil and gas company.
The VPS, using AspenTech's multiple simulation configuration (MUSIC) architecture and a HYSYS model of the gas gathering and processing facilities, will be used to train operating personnel on the new plant, and also to optimize the operational performance and future development of the facilities.
In Salah Gas is currently the largest natural gas development project in Algeria, and entails the development of seven gas fields in southern central Algeria. With an overall investment of $2.7 billion over the 30-year life of the contract, the joint venture will produce dry gas to be transported along a 500-kilometer pipeline currently under construction from the gas fields to the major gas collection point at Hassi R'Mel, from where gas will be exported to markets in Spain and Italy.
The project aims to produce nine billion cubic meters of gas per year with first gas scheduled for August 2004. The venture will increase annual Algerian gas exports by about 15 percent beyond 2004. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
