Kvaerner has entered into a development contract with Norsk Hydro Productions, on behalf of the Fram and Gjoa licencees, for the design and verification of a large 2.5mw subsea centrifugal compressor module.
The project, which is supported by the Norwegian Demo 2000 scheme, was awarded to Kvaerner Eureka, the product-manufacturing unit of Kvaerner Oil & Gas. Verification of the concept will be undertaken utilising a 1mw subsea centrifugal compressor module, conducting extensive testing with natural gas.
The use of subsea gas compressors is considered to be a strategically important step-technology within future subsea processing systems. The gas compressor can be utilised either for gas export or gas injection in new subsea developments. The compressor can further reduce or even eliminate the effect of gas capacity limitation on existing infrastructure when utilised as processing plant for new subsea developments.
The current development project, which is worth more than USD 2 million, is due for completion in mid-2002.
