SONATRACH inspects Arzew — MTBE at 67% and LNG upgrades progressing
- MTBE production complex is 67% complete and expected to be commissioned by year‑end with an annual capacity of 200,000 tons.
- The MTBE site covers 11.4 hectares and aims to supply Sonatrach refineries, reduce imports and open export prospects.
- LNG works include replacement of four main heat exchangers, seawater pumping‑station rehabilitation, and Train No.5 is under a scheduled 45‑day maintenance.
- Advanced optical cameras are used to detect methane and repairs follow LDAR practice; four new LPG marine loading arms at Dock M6 are operational.
MTBE production complex
The MTBE additive production complex in the Arzew industrial zone is 67% complete and covers 11.4 hectares. It is expected to be commissioned by the end of the year with an annual production capacity of 200,000 tons, allowing Sonatrach’s refineries to meet their MTBE needs, reduce imports and open export prospects.
LNG facilities — heat exchangers and seawater systems
At GL1Z the CEO reviewed the main heat exchanger of Train No.1, which is part of the replacement program for four main heat exchangers aimed at increasing LNG production capacity. At GL2Z he inspected rehabilitation work on the seawater pumping station intended to improve transformer cooling, enable distilled water production and expand the fire‑fighting network.
Operations and emissions control
LNG production unit No.5 is undergoing a scheduled 45‑day maintenance operation to preserve production capacity. The GL2Z complex uses advanced optical cameras to detect methane leaks; detected leaks are repaired using the LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair) method for environmental and economic benefits.
Marine loading and visit purpose
At GP1Z four new marine loading arms were installed and are operational at Dock M6 for LPG transportation, while four other arms on Dock D1 await replacement. The CEO’s visit is part of an ongoing field program to monitor progress on strategic projects to maintain, expand and modernize the company’s production infrastructure.
Source: sonatrach.com
