Technology from Europe:
Italy

Compression modules for Campos basin

GE Energy will supply two compression modules to Petrobras Netherlands BV for a new floating production unit (FPU) to be located in the Campos basin, off Brazil. Owned by Petrobras of Brazil, the new FPU, designated P52, will be the largest offshore facility in Brazil to extract oil and gas at a water depth of about 2,000 m. It is expected to produce 180,000 bopd, or 10% of the total national production, plus 9 MMcmd (318 MMcfd) associated gas.

The two compression modules each will encompass three motor compressor trains. The scope of supply includes: engineering, construction and assembly, commissioning and tests, transportation/ delivery of the modules, and training. Also included will be technical assistance during construction, assembly, testing, commissioning, pre-operation and start-up of the semisubmersible units.

A summary of the main items included in the scope of supply for the two modules includes: 1) two sets of three electric motor-driven compressors for low and high pressure; 2) low- and high-pressure compressor auxiliaries; 3) gas process scrubbers and gas process coolers; 4) electrical system; 5) control system; 6) nitrogen storage vessel; and 7) instrumentation and electrical interconnecting cables. In addition, local control cabins for the M05 and M06 modules will be supplied, to include: control room, electrical room, ventilation/ air conditioning and fire fighting systems.

While the P52 modules are not yet under construction, the accompanying photograph shows the P50 generation module supplied by GE Energy, which is similar in size and scope to those planned for P52, but with different equipment.

Generation module for Petrobras P50 platform, similar in size/ scope to those under development for the P52 FPU.

The equipment will be manufactured at GE Energy's facilities in Florence, Italy. The modules will be shipped by August of 2005 for installation on the P52 platform by Petrobras. Commercial operation is expected by 2007. The P52 facility will operate off the Rio de Janeiro state coast in the Roncador field of Campos basin, which accounts for more than 80% of Brazil's total oil output.

“This project continues our long-standing relationship with Petrobras, one of the world's leading oil and gas companies,” said Caludi Santiago, president of GE Energy's oil and gas operations. “We are pleased that our compressor technology has been selected to support this very significant endeavor.”

Petrobras is the Brazilian state oil company. Petrobras Netherlands, located in Rotterdam, is a subsidiary. GE Energy's oil/gas operations are based in Florence, Italy, the home of Nuovo Pignone, a long-time global leader in gas compression and turbo generation products. GE acquired Nuovo Pignone in 1994, and has continued to expand its oil/gas platform by acquiring or developing partnerships with other industry technology and experience leaders.