SUCCESSFUL LIFTING OF THE DEETHANIZER TOWER AT FAIHAA OILFIELD CPF GAS PROJECT

Following the recent commissioning of the Faihaa Oilfield Central Processing Facility (CPF), the energy remains persistent as the project team embarks on the next major challenge: the CPF Gas Project. On 6 August 2024, the Deethanizer tower at the Faihaa Oilfield CPF gas project was successfully lifted.

At 5 PM Iraq time, all focus was on lifting the Deethanizer tower, a critical piece of equipment in natural gas processing. Leading the charge, a 600-ton crawler crane named ”Terex” was mobilized, its formidable boom commanding the site. On standby, a 200-ton auxiliary crane was ready to provide critical support.

The construction site of the gas processing plant was a hive of activity. The imposing column, standing 42.8 meters tall and weighing 237 tons, is the largest and heaviest installation within the CPF. The stage for the task was carefully set.

As dusk settled and the site’s lights cast a glow over the area, the team executed their preparations with precision. The 600-ton crane's steel wire ropes were expertly secured at designated lift points, while the 200-ton crane was geometrically positioned at the tower's aft to ensure perfect alignment. At exactly 7:18 PM, the operation began. Both cranes worked in synchrony, lifting the Deethanizer tower from its support. Once the tower reached the required height, the main crane took over the full load, and the auxiliary crane carefully maneuvered the tower to a vertical position, ensuring precise positioning.

The main crane then executed the final phase, installing the Deethanizer tower in its designated spot. The entire operation, completed in just five hours, demonstrated the precision and synergy of the on-site teams, marking a significant milestone in the CPF Gas Project journey.

With this successful lift, the CPF Gas Project has reached an 82% completion rate. However, the journey has not been without its challenges. Since April, the project faced considerable delays due to changes in Iraq’s customs policies, which held up crucial equipment and materials at the port. These logistical disruptions posed a serious threat to the project’s timeline.

In response, the project team implemented a contingency plan and made necessary adjustments to keep the project on schedule. By altering their plans based on the revised equipment arrival schedules, they swiftly installed 40 skids and 78 pieces of equipment within a month, setting the stage for subsequent work on piping, electrical systems, and instrumentation.

Getting the Deethanizer tower in place isn’t just a win on the specs sheet; it’s proof of our grit and expertise in handling high-stakes lifts and getting the job done right. It represents a significant leap forward in the CPF Gas Project’s construction schedule. The team is focused on wrapping up all construction and achieving first gas by the end of 2024. This achievement doesn’t just boost the Faihaa Oilfield’s performance—it’s a game-changer for Iraq’s energy sector and reflects UEG’s commitment to Iraq.