"This concept study provided our client with a comprehensive review of the problem at hand. More importantly it analysed a number of potential solutions and made recommendations to the client on the most appropriate way to proceed with the next phase of the project."
Geoffrey Constable
Projects Director
Feasibility
Onshore Gas Processing
2 months
TIC > $3M (Est.)
Process Consultants were engaged to undertake a conceptual study of the issues associated with the premature fouling of a production-critical filter/coalescer. Plant benchmarking data showed that the filter/coalescer's performance had deteriorated, from an original two year run length between filter changes, to a requirement to replace filters every 3 - 4 months. In addition to increased maintenance costs, this low performance impacted on the plant's operational capability and flexibility, and resulted in the plant running at reduced rates for extended periods.
The concept study took a broad approach to this operational issue. Although in an ideal situation the study may have been able to identify the 'root cause' of the problem, this was not possible due to the fouling coming from multiple sources, due to normal operational requirements such as equipment startups and shutdown, and line-up changes, which were beyond the scope of the engagement. Therefore, the study focussed on identifying and analysis of the technically viable options, ranking these by risk, cost, complexity and effectiveness. These options were then workshopped with the client to capture all the relevant operational and engineering requirements and agree the basis for which options warranted further analysis.
The study identified a number of options to address the problem in the initial screening process. After further assessment three options, with one identified as the preferred approach, were selected for detailed analysis, including development of a cost estimate, and were provided to the client for further consideration.