Astana, Kazakhstan, April 7
By Daniyar Mukhtarov - Trend:
Despite several gas leaks at the Kashagan field, the officials believe that pipeline problems will not affect the overall production.
"Revealed disorders in the pipelines (gas pipeline and oil pipeline) should not affect the operation of the overall system of production at Kashagan," Kazakh Minister of Oil and Gas, Uzakbai Karabalin said during the 'government hour' at the Kazakhstan's Majlis (lower chamber of the parliament) on April 7.
The minister recalled that Kashagan belongs to the category of complex fields, with high reservoir pressure.
"Due to the project's specifics on oil extraction in the Kashagan field, even participation of industry leaders is not a panacea for a wide range of difficulties. Therefore, the revealed problems should be very carefully studied, and be minimized in the future. Rushing things in this case is improper," Karabalin said.
The availability of oil in the Kashagan is confirmed and a large-scale complex operates here, according to the minister.
Karabalin reminded that leaks in the gas pipeline and oil pipeline triggered a thorough investigation of the causes.
He said that more than 2,000 welds have been examined so far, intratube and ultrasound diagnostics of pipeline exceeding 6,000 meters was carried out, as well as data processing is being performed in specialized laboratories.
"Research conduction is planned in April for the final stage of the control in 25 areas of the marine parts of the pipeline," he said.
Oil production at Kashagan started on September 11, 2013, but on September 24 its operation was suspended after detection of a gas leak from the ground pipeline stretching from the Island D to the Bolashak factory.
An access to the pipeline was granted, and the relevant junctures were replaced. Production was resumed, but again suspended on October 9, because of another leak. Hydro-testing was conducted, which identified other potential leaks.
After the hydro-testing, other potential gas leakage areas were revealed, and a thorough investigation was initiated.
Kashagan is one of the largest fields discovered in the past 40 years. According to analysts, Kashagan has the potential to unite the top five largest oil companies in the world.
Kazakh geologists estimate geological oil reserves of 4.8 billion tons. According to the project operator, total oil reserves are 38 billion barrels (six billion tons), with a recoverable volume of about 10 billion barrels. Natural gas reserves are estimated at over one trillion cubic meters.
Translated by S.I.
Edited by: SI
Pipeline problems reportedly not to affect production at Kashagan field
Despite several gas leaks at the Kashagan field, the officials believe that pipeline problems will not affect the overall production.