Azerbaijan, Baku, March 1/ Trend , E. Ismayilov /
In 2011, SOCAR (State Oil Company of Azerbaijan) plans to begin operations on increasing the productive capacity of the Azerbaijani gas processing plant, SOCAR said.
"We have already given project order to Scientific Research Project Institute of SOCAR. Till the end of 2010 the project operations will be completed, after which reconstruction works will begin," SOCAR representative said.
He said reconstruction is essentially aimed at increasing the productive capacity of the plant. At present, annual processing capacity of the plant is 6.5 billion cubic meters of gas, and after its reconstruction it is planned to reach eight billion cubic meters. The increase of the capacity of the plant is scheduled to make due to reconstruction and modernization of equipment. The plant's capacity increase is planned to be realized while maintaining the basic equipment
Also reconstruction project includes the renovation of the cooling system, which will also help to improve the processing process. To this end, it is planned to install equipment to cool the propane at the plant. This will minimize the use of sea water while cooling, which will reduce electricity consumption.
Reconstruction works at the plant are planned to begin next year. This process may take 7-8 months.
Reconstruction works will not affect the production process, as at present the plant's capacity is 6.5 billion cubic meters, and in 2009, the plant processed only four billion cubic meters, consequently, the plant has spare capacity.