Astana, Kazakhstan, April 7
By Daniyar Mukhtarov - Trend:
In case of detection of cracks in the offshore section of the oil pipeline, the resumption of production at the Kashagan field can be postponed indefinitely, according to the Kazakh Minister of Oil and Gas, Uzakbai Karabalin.
"There are concerns that, possible microcracks exist also in the offshore section of the oil pipeline. If cracks are are found in the onshore section of the pipeline, then it can be fixed this year. If the cracks are offshore then we would need navigation and re-laying of the pipelines. This will take a longer period," Karabalin told journalists on April 7.
Observation of possible microcracks in the offshore section of the pipeline will be possibly only after the ice melts on the Caspian, which is no earlier than in May of 2014, the minister said.
Karabalin said that once the ice melts, the examination through ultrasound will be carried out, and it should detect possible risk points. After that, the place is cracked open and manually examined.
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
Resuming of production on Kashagan field may be postponed indefinitely
In case of detection of cracks in the offshore section of the oil pipeline, the resumption of production at the Kashagan field can be postponed indefinitely, according to the Kazakh Minister of Oil and Gas, Uzakbai Karabalin.