World's First 10,000 PSI Sour Gas Injection Compressor

Abstract

This paper traces the development of the original sour gas injection (SGI) concept, the methodology used for managing risks, detailed design and testing of compression train components, compressor train shop string tests, and finally testing and operational experience at the Tengiz Field in Kazakhstan. It covers the process that identified the key technical gaps necessary to safely compress combined separator and recompressed sour gas to 10,000 psi (690 bar) with H2S concentrations of 17 to 23 mole percent. Sour gas injection benefits include enhanced oil recovery, reduced capital and operating expenses required for treating acid gas, and elimination of elemental sulfur as a product. The focus of this paper is on the surface facility main reinjection train, including associated critical support systems.