Honeywell today announced it has been selected to help Abu Dhabi Gas Development Company Ltd (ADGDCL) achieve safe and efficient production at the Shah Gas Development Project, which is expected to significantly increase the Emirate’s domestic gas supply. When it reaches full production capacity in 2014, the site is expected to yield some 1 billion cubic feet of gas per day. ADGDCL is a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC).
Although the Shah Gas field was discovered more than 40 years ago, dangerously high levels of hydrogen sulfide have prevented ADNOC from extracting the gas, which is critical to domestic and industrial growth in the region. To help reduce the risk of safety incidents, Honeywell is providing its Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) and Safety Manager technologies, which can be integrated to give personnel a complete view of process and safety information across the site.
This approach helps operators more-effectively manage the safety systems throughout the plant. In addition to this core system, Honeywell will design, engineer and implement a broad array of new technologies and advanced applications that will help the plant operate as efficiently as possible from the first day of production.
“This is a highly strategic project for the Emirate and it was imperative for us to select the right partners,” said Saif Al-Ghafli, CEO of Abu Dhabi Gas Development Ltd. “Honeywell’s reputation for successfully executing complex mega-projects was a significant factor in our selection. Its Integrated-Main Automation Contractor methodology and Operations Readiness approach using consultancy and workshops have been a perfect fit for us as we strive to seamlessly integrate our unique work processes with a fit-for-purpose automation infrastructure.”
For example, Honeywell will provide its OneWireless industrial wireless network both inside the plant and at the gathering field well pads to track key personnel and assets during both construction and operational phases. Operations staff will be equipped with wireless gas detectors that will transmit alerts when dangerous gases are detected. They will also have Honeywell’s wireless Dolphin handheld and Webpad computers that will allow them to develop consistent and safe operating rounds and procedures and view and manage key control parameters.
Other advanced applications will include Honeywell’s UniSim Operations simulation technology, which ADGDCL will use to train plant personnel several months in advance of startup, and advanced process control software that will help optimize gas plant operations. Honeywell also will provide its Laboratory Information Management System to promote quality, an alarm management system to help identify and manage safe operations, an asset management suite to help optimize field maintenance, and operations monitoring and reporting applications to best manage key performance indicators on a daily basis.
“This is the biggest gas development project for years in the UAE, and designing and delivering this solution would not have been possible even just five years ago,” said Norm Gilsdorf, president, Honeywell Process Solutions. “Today, new technology combined with deep consulting expertise and a proven methodology means we are able to help ADGDCL make this essential project a success from day one.”
