Shell Catalysts & Technologies validates Turbo column retrofit at Gbaran CPF

Project and scope

Shell Catalysts & Technologies completed a warranty test run of its Shell Turbo Technologies at the Gbaran‑Ubie Central Processing Facility (CPF), operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited. The work was executed during scheduled turnarounds as part of the Gbaran Phase 3B – Uzu development and involved retrofit of patented turbo column internals in two TEG dehydration trains.

Performance and technical effect

The retrofit improved gas–liquid separation and interaction in the TEG contactors, enabling higher throughput and stable operation while maintaining water‑dewpoint specifications. The upgrade increased natural gas processing capacity and met all performance guarantees without the need for additional infrastructure, providing a proven debottlenecking solution.

Operator and vendor comments

Shell said the project demonstrates how the technology can unlock additional capacity from existing assets and avoid new build requirements. Renaissance noted the retrofit optimised expansion costs by debottlenecking rather than adding a train, delivering a shorter project schedule, lower OPEX and reduced construction HSE exposure.