Baku: TotalEnergies is set to implement advanced technologies in the second phase of the Absheron gas-condensate field development, as revealed by Emmanuel de Guillebon, the country head of TotalEnergies in Azerbaijan, at the “Baku Energy Forum,” APA-Economics reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the second phase will involve the drilling of 3-4 new wells and the construction of a new 140-kilometer multiphase pipeline extending to a gas processing plant in Sangachal. This pipeline will transport gas and condensate in a mixed form. While the use of partially insulated pipes cuts project costs in half, it raises the risk of hydrate and paraffin deposition. To address these challenges, two main innovations are planned: special chemical technologies to prevent hydrate formation, developed over years at a research center in France, and an automated subsea pigging system, which will allow for automatic mechanical cleaning of pipes without marine operations. This pigging technology, tested in Brazil, will be applied on an industrial scale for the first time in the Absheron project.
De Guillebon highlighted that the gas plant in Sangachal will feature cutting-edge technologies, including zero-flaring and continuous methane monitoring systems utilizing IoT technology. These advancements are expected to not only enhance the Absheron field’s capabilities but also propel Azerbaijan’s energy sector technologically forward.