…production reduced, gas being injected as Exxon searches for ways to reduce flaring
Exxon Mobil on Friday said that the Liza Destiny gas compressor which was recently damaged and is causing the FPSO to temporarily increase in flaring “above pilot levels”, won’t begin repairs until next Tuesday.
The Company has since commenced re-injecting or using 88 per cent of the produced gas; has lowered production levels and is seeking out ways to reduce flaring.
According to the Company, a technical team has safely removed the 3rd stage compressor from the package enclosure on the Liza Destiny and is preparing it for transport onshore.
An initial examination determined that the unit has to be sent for repairs in Germany where it is expected to arrive on February 9, 2021. The full extent of the damage will not be known until a detailed inspection of the compressor can take place at the workshop of the manufacturer, MAN Turbo in Germany.
“I wish to assure you that teams of experts from ExxonMobil, SBM Offshore and MAN Turbo are working diligently to fix the compressor and return it to service as quickly as possible,” President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge stated in the update.
“We have lowered production levels on the Liza Destiny since the compressor failed and continue to seek ways to reduce flaring. We are currently injecting or using 88 per cent of the gas produced from the wells. We share a common interest in responsible management and appropriate standards for development of the country’s natural resources.”
Meanwhile, ExxonMobil Guyana is providing daily updates to the relevant government agencies.
After flaring over 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas offshore Guyana last year due to challenges, ExxonMobil announced a week ago that it again commenced flaring above start-up levels due to a new technical issue regarding a seal on the gas compressor on the Liza Destiny.
Flaring is strictly prohibited without approval. It is only permissible during commissioning and start-up and under special circumstances such as emergencies, maintenance, and restarting operations.
Back in 2020, ExxonMobil had encountered issues with its compressor system at the Liza Destiny during a performance test which initially led to additional flaring.
This flaring, it said, would not continue as routine and would only take place again in the case of an emergency whereby flaring will be used to immediately de-pressure the facility as part of a shut-down process to reduce risk.
Flaring releases greenhouse gases and toxins, and threatens the global climate, the local environment, and public health.
