SKF said it will supply magnetic bearings to two new major liquefied natural gas projects in Australia.
SKF’s S2M magnetic bearings will equip the natural gas treatment turbo expanders for the Ichthys Gas Field project and the Prelude first FLNG barge.
Vincent Megret, Managing Director, SKF Magnetic Systems said, “ SKF’s S2M active magnetic bearings are an advantageous choice for the demanding environments encountered in the gas industry, notably in offshore gas fields and onshore gas liquefaction. SKF is proud to contribute to these pioneering projects, which will break new ground in the extraction and treatment of natural gas .”
The Ichthys Gas Field is located at a depth of 280 m in the Timor Sea, some 200 km off the coast of Western Australia. Development costs are expected to be in the region of USD 34 billion. At its peak, the field will produce 8 million tonnes per year of LNG. Liquefaction will take place onshore at a specially constructed facility at Blaydin Point, Australia.
The Prelude FLNG (floating liquefied natural gas) barge, involves extraction and liquefaction of natural gas at a depth of 250 m from the Browse Basin, Western Australia. Once operational, the Prelude FLNG facility will produce at least 3.6 million tonnes per year of LNG.
SKF manufactures and markets the oil-free, frictionless and virtually maintenance- free S2M magnetic bearings used in oil and gas exploration and production, often in extreme weather conditions and remote locations. With significant experience in oil and gas, SKF is well-placed to make its expertise available for key coal gas transportation and storage projects in Australia.
[mappress] LNG World News Staff, September 17, 2012; Image: Shell