More than $12bn has been invested into the ongoing redevelopment of Iraq’s Rumaila oil field. The field’s cluster pump stations, the associated pipeline network, and the water treatment plant in Qarmat Ali are all being refurbished, with the operating entity saying it would “support water injection projects that address dwindling pressure levels in now mature reservoirs.”
“Over $12bn has so far been invested in the process of transforming every aspect of the Rumaila operation. Many facilities are over 50-years old, but a modernisation, repair and refurbishment programme is improving efficiency, as we bring this field up to world-class standard,” Rumaila Operating Organisation wrote on its website.
New vessels are expected to improve hydrocarbon separation and oil quality, fourteen degassing stations are being upgraded, and new storage tanks have been built to allow for quicker response to market and ministry demands.
“Perhaps most importantly has been the introduction of new vessels and equipment to tackle the increasing challenge of more produced water entering degassing stations,” it continued. “Rumaila now treats almost 2 million barrels per day of produced fluids (oil and water) – of which around 450,000 barrels of water must be separated and disposed of.”
As such, it will introduce new dehydrators and desalter, free water knockout and produced water disposal units. One square kilometre of the land will be used as a headquarters in South Rumaila, with space for 1,000 employees. It will also host a supply base to the north the size of 24 football pitches.
