The North Field East Project in Qatar is one of the most important projects for the production of liquefied and low-emission natural gas today. Four production trains each deliver up to eight million tonnes of liquefied natural gas per year, making the plant one of the largest of its kind in the world. At the same time, the project has a clear climate policy objective: a large-scale CO₂ capture and storage system reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25 per cent compared to comparable LNG plants.
Water treatment is an essential component for the safe and efficient operation of the plant. The contract for this was awarded to UNIDRO, an international specialist in water treatment solutions for the oil, gas and energy industries. UNIDRO is working closely with LAPP, the global market leader for integrated solutions in the field of cable and connection technology, to implement the project. Together, the partners are ensuring that the power supply functions reliably even under the demanding conditions of a large-scale LNG plant.
Four special cables for the desert
In order to comply with strict process standards and meet high requirements for quality, sustainability and delivery times, UNIDRO developed integrated systems for treating various water flows. These are specially designed for the extreme conditions in the Qatari desert.
The requirements were high: safety, quality and reliability had to be guaranteed, as did resilience and compliance with strict delivery deadlines. LAPP therefore pooled expertise from various specialist areas and developed tailor-made connection solutions that were specially manufactured and tested for the project. They are suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and in the presence of chemicals, and have high electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
Robust construction for harsh operating conditions
LAPP is using a special moisture barrier for the cables in the North Field East Project. It consists of a longitudinally arranged aluminium tape, an outer sheath of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and an intermediate sheath of polyamide (PA). Compared to conventional lead sheath constructions, this design is significantly lighter and has a higher bending radius, which reduces transport costs and simplifies installation. In addition, the cables are RoHS-compliant and thus meet EU requirements for the restriction of hazardous substances.
During the manufacturing process, the cables were designed to withstand particularly adverse outdoor conditions. On site, they are not only exposed to the extreme temperature fluctuations typical of deserts, but also to erosion by wind, sand and sea salt, as the plant is located in close proximity to the coast.
LAPP Italia: Testing expertise at the Edolo site
At its Edolo site, LAPP Italia combines expertise in production and technical support and also houses the ‘Fire Test Competence Centre’. This meant that the conditions were in place to manufacture the cables in a short time and deliver them in high quality in accordance with standards and specifications. In addition, the cables passed all the required tests and inspections, which were carried out both during production and by the customer itself.
In the centre, which opened just under a year ago, LAPP can carry out numerous test procedures itself. These include dimensional, electrical and mechanical tests as well as chemical resistance and pressure tightness tests. The tests required for CPR certification (European Construction Products Regulation) are also covered there. In addition, extreme climatic conditions from Arctic temperatures to desert heat can be simulated. This enabled LAPP not only to meet the deadlines required by the customer, but even to beat them: the cables were produced and delivered in just eight weeks instead of the estimated twelve.
Partnership-based collaboration for quality and speed
‘The North Field East Project is an ambitious large-scale project that requires all parties involved to think in terms of combining quality, sustainability, resilience and speed in the construction processes. That’s why we are particularly proud and satisfied with the work we have done for and with UNIDRO,’ comments Daniele Riva, Business DeveloperProject Business at LAPP Italy.
‘Working with LAPP on the North Field East Project was very pleasant and productive. LAPP delivered customised connection solutions that met our technical and operational requirements and expectations,’ explains Mircko Sangaletti, E&I Lead Engineer at UNIDRO, continuing: ‘We appreciate that LAPP was able to adapt its range of solutions to the environmental challenges of the project and our requirements in terms of time to market. This partnership has helped to ensure the smooth operation of our facilities and enabled us to offer high standards in terms of safety, quality and sustainability.’