Lessons Learned in the Construction of an 18.3 MGD Sulphate Removal Process (SRP) System for Oil Field Production

In early 2017, SafBon Water Technology (System Supplier), working directly with a global engineering consulting firm, was awarded one of the largest Sulphate Removal Process (SRP) projects to supply an 18.3 MGD (69,300 m3/d) Nanofiltration (NF) system located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The heart of the project is the 2-stage Nanofiltration (NF) membrane systems which will treat seawater for the use at an oil field seawater injection facility. The system will produce a very high quality permeate which prevents scale plugging of the oil reservoirs. Being one of the few mainland Sulphate Removal Facilities (SRF) in the world, the construction of the system itself has taken over 2 years and now entering its final phase. This paper will describe the overall process, the challenges, successes, and important lessons learned during the different phases of the project execution: Commercial, Design, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction of the system. Also, the paper will discuss the specifics of performing start- up, commissioning and technical/supervision activities under a virtual and remote set up due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This presentation is available to AMTA Members only.