For National Industrial Gas Plants (NIGP) rapid growth has translated into tremendous opportunities. As Qatar began its ascent to become the world’s largest natural gas exporter, NIGP revamped one of its air separation trains, replacing the existing equipment with four Atlas Copco Gas and Process compressor and turboexpander units.

“We increased production to serve our customers. We now supply liquid and gas products to most of the major industries in Qatar, from gas and petroleum suppliers to hospitals, steel companies, manufacturing plants, and chemical companies,” says K.M. Menon, Operational Manager at NIGP.

Boosting Capacity

NIGP’s air separation facilities saw their first overhaul in 1998 with the addition of two dry air compressors and an expander from Atlas Copco. Five years later, the company added two more turbine expander/compressors, which generate high levels of liquid oxygen, argon, and nitrogen.

After installing the machinery, NIGP produces about 100 000-150 000 liters of liquid nitrogen per day, 19 000- 20 000 liters of liquid oxygen and 9 000 liters of liquid argon.

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“We are very happy with the results and delighted by the reliable performance the Atlas Copco machinery has provided,” Menon says.

Years of Dependable Operation

Menon leads a team of about 90 technicians and mechanics, who work around the clock to ensure operations run smoothly and the facility’s high output levels are met. Just like his team, the Atlas Copco equipment has delivered an impressive track record during years of service.

“We’ve experienced no major problems or unscheduled shutdowns,” says Menon. “There is also little maintenance work for our own repair crew on the machinery.”

Speedy Solutions

Menon credits the reliable performance of the Atlas Copco equipment to its sturdy design and excellent field service from the Atlas Copco Aftermarket team.

“A few times we experienced rising bearing temperatures, but we called Atlas Copco technical support, and they worked

MARKET/APPLICATION: INDUSTRIAL GASES

INDUSTRIAL GASES ON THE FRONTIER OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMYSpurred on by a thriving natural gas sector, business is booming in Qatar. This includes the country’s industrial gases market. Qatar’s largest, privately-held industrial gases company, National Industrial Gas Plants, relies on five Atlas Copco Gas and Process machines to deliver the large amounts of high-purity gases its customers require.

Headquarters

Atlas Copco Energas GmbH

Schlehenweg 15, 50999 Cologne, Germany

Phone: +49 2236 96 50 0, Fax: +49 2236 96 50 899, atlascopco.energas@de.atlascopco.com, www.atlascopco-gap.com

along with our maintenance crew to quickly solve the problem and make sure everything was running smoothly,” Menon says.

The Next Qatari Success Story

NIGP gases have been used at some of Qatar’s largest oil and gas construction projects, such as the Barzan Gas Project, a USD 10.4 billion natural gas plant that is scheduled to go online in 2014. Also on Pearl GTL, the world’s largest gas-to-liquids (GTL) facility run by Shell.

Demand for the industrial gases that NIGP supplies is likely to see another boost in the near future: Massive infrastructure projects in preparation for Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup will require additional liquids and gases for construction.

Because of his company’s positive experience with Atlas Copco, the close cooperation with the Aftermarket Services team, and the years of reliable service the equipment has provided, Menon says he is convinced that Atlas Copco will be his first choice for future projects.

Technical Profile

In total, National Industrial Gas Plants uses five Atlas Copco machines in their air-separation facility: two dry air compressors, one dry air expander, a nitrogen expansion turbine, and a five-stage nitrogen compressor/expander. Details for the flagship compressor/expander are given here:

Type: Three-stage GT032/two-stage GT020 turbocompressorSuction: 6 088 m3/hInlet Pressure: 5.3 bar (a)Outlet Pressure: 32.6 bar (a)Gas: Nitrogen / liquid nitrogen

“We are very happy with the results and delighted by the reliable performance the Atlas Copco machinery has

provided.” K.M. Menon, Operational Manager, National Industrial Gas Plants

Steel Production