Injection Compressor Station - Underground Gas Storage-

Challenge

A vital part of the major extension project of the underground gas storage facility Norg, was the addition of a third injection compressor station. As this 3rd compressor had to be installed in between two existing and fully operational trains, the “brownfield” situation required extensive attention. Also, the construction activities had to be aligned with the seasonal cycle of the UGS operations. Furthermore, the available physical space was limited.

Solutions

This EPC project was executed by the GLT-Plus consortium. Stork is one of the partners, responsible for all construction activities. From project start on, attention was focused at construction-driven engineering. Working in close cooperation as true consortium partners was key. Due to the operational constraints, construction engineering and scheduling were critical. Stork provided valuable input during the design phase and succeeded in aligning all construction activities at site.

The injection train consists of: 

• An indoor two stage compressor (38 MW), discharge pressure approximately 320 bar.

• Eight air-cooled cooler banks.

• A three phase transformer reducing the 110 kV high voltage to 7.7 kV for the e-drive.

• A high speed high performance gear box.

• Lubrication oil skid: two sets of three cooler banks in total. The existing four utility coolers were rejuvenated.

• Foundations.

Notable was the modification of the building. Two separate halls had to be connected and combined into one large building. The new internal separation walls had to provide enough protection to the adjacent hall(s). Measures had to be taken to comply with challenging ‘jet fire resistance’ and compartmentation regulations. The entire hall is conditioned via a forced room ventilation and safeguarded by Fire&Gas detection systems.

Benefits

• Safety: zero incidents, resulting in a TRCF of ‘0’.

• Successful and close cooperation with the client the consortium and multiple contracting partners.

• Schedule: all works were completed according to plan. The project has been completed on-time and in-full term (OTIF).

• ‘Flawless’ start-up of the compressor and a high operability availability of 99% already during first injection season.

• Quick and flexible execution of the project by an experienced team of highly qualified professionals.

Project Scope:  Realisation ‘Third injection Compressor’. Complete EPC, where Stork was responsible as main contractor for all construction and commissioning activities

Site Location:  Underground Gas Storage Norg

Execution period: October 2012 – April 2015 (5 phases)

Diameters Piping: Ranging up to max. 42” Wall thickness up to 35 mm

Height:  Compressor Building: 15 meter

Weights (approx.):  Transformer 95 Ton 

                                    E-drive 80 Ton   

                                    Compressor  70 Ton   

                                    Lube-oil skid 40 Ton

                                    Coolerbanks 55-60 ton/set