CSG Field Developments
The Economics of Networked InField Compression

A number of the LNG Proponents have, in the past 12 months, lodged Initial Advice Statements or Environmental Impact Statements for the development of the their CSG fields in the Surat and Bowen Basins.

This has certainly given the services industry an insight into the massive scale of the proposed projects. Pressure on workforce and equipment supply will no doubt be felt by all CSG producers highlighting the need for efficiencies in field development activities.

EPS Compression Pty Ltd in conjunction with Cameron Compression Systems have recently developed a minimal infrastructure Networked InField Compression model, drawing on the long experience of the US CSG industry and incorporating Australian innovations.

Networked InField Compression offers the following benefits over large scale centralised compression facilities:

• 10% Plus - more recovered gas;
• 20-40% less environmental impact;
• 30-40% less capital cost;
• 20-30% less annual operating costs;
• 30-40% less installation time; and
• Flexibility for changing field conditions & reservoir performance.
• There is no doubt CSG field development is a marginal business requiring control over capital costs, operating cost minimisation and flexibility to deal with changing field reservoir performance.

This is extremely difficult to achieve when utilising expensive, inflexible, large scale construction style field facilities.

The life cycle operating cost saving for large scale CSG field developments, utilising the Networked InField Compression system, could exceed $100 million per 100Tjd of field production over conventional centralised gas compression systems.

We have set out in the attached Paper a brief overview of the Networked InField Compression system based on a 100Tjd field module that can be replicated across a field to achieve the required production level.

It is a fact that the number of CSG field developments coming on stream over the next two years will see an enormous shortage of contractors to complete works within the Proponents timetables.

The Networked InField Compression system reduces FEED study time, planning, engineering, and installation time. Proponents utilising the system will be on line more cost efficiently and faster.

The benefits to Landowners, the Community and the Environment from cutting installation time by up to 40% cannot be underestimated.

We commend our Paper to you for review and would welcome the opportunity to discuss the Networked InField Compression system with you and the appropriate engineering personnel in your organisation.