Construction of First Terminal for CNPC's Central Asia Natural-Gas Pipeline Begins in Uzbekistan

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Construction of the first pumping terminal for China National Petroleum Corporation's (CNPC) (Beijing) Central Asia Natural-Gas Pipeline officially started in Kashkadarya, Uzbekistan, on October 1, CNPC recently announced.

The pumping terminal is the "heart" of the pipeline, pressurizing the gas received upstream and delivering it downstream. In order to achieve the objective of having a single line in operation by the end of 2009, timely completion of the first terminal is critical.

For this reason, Central Asia Natural Gas Pipeline Company (CANGPC) (Beijing), the company responsible for constructing the 1,801-kilometer pipeline and a fully owned subsidiary of CNPC, has attached high importance to the construction of the first terminal since the beginning of project.

In technical aspects, CANGPC has formed techniques following a series of workshops regarding the process, site selection, configuration of compressors, and procurement of long-route equipment. Considering the long order-period required for large power compressors, CANGPC decided to adopt two smaller compressors to satisfy its strategic objective of beginning operation in 2009. Upon completion of the large compressor, these two smaller compressors will be used as backup compressors in the first terminal.

CANGPC has reached an agreement with its counterpart in Uzbekistan to ensure the timely operation of the first terminal. Through bidding and commercial operation, China Petroleum Engineering & Construction (Group) Corporation (CPECC) (Beijing) was selected as the generator contractor for the project. A local division of the State Holding Oil and Gas Company will act as a subcontractor to take part in construction of the first terminal.

According to the schedule, CPECC will complete the site preparation as well as the foundation placement and underground items for the two smaller compressors by the end of 2008 and will start the erection of the compressors in July 2009. Commissioning will begin in mid-November 2009 and the terminal will be ready for operation by December 15, 2009.

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