INMATEC creates security in oil production
Herrsching, 22. July 2021
Container solution for generating nitrogen for oil pipelines in Tunisia
A leading global mineral oil and energy company from Europe will in future use self-generated nitrogen to inert an oil production system in Tunisia. The nitrogen generators, which are housed in two desert-proof containers, generate almost 1,000 m3 of nitrogen per hour and avoid inflammation or explosions in the system.
Tunisia has its own oil reserves. The oil extracted from the underground storage facilities is temporarily stored in large tank farms, consisting of several very large tank systems, until it is further transported. In the tank systems, highly flammable and explosive vapors can arise, particularly due to the high outside temperatures. In order to minimize the risk of fire and explosion, the head areas of the tanks are covered with nitrogen. Enriching the tank atmosphere with nitrogen reduces the oxygen concentration in the tank to such an extent that the gas phase above the oil cannot ignite.
In order to ensure an uninterrupted supply of nitrogen in the required quantities in the desert region, two containers will in future be housed on the oil production site. In each of the two 40 foot containers with a length of approx. 12 m, width of 2.4 m and height of 2.6 m (plus intake and exhaust pipes) there is a completely self-sufficient system for nitrogen generation. This includes sand filters, compressed air compressors, refrigeration dryers, nitrogen generators from the IMT PN 6000 series and a booster that brings the nitrogen to the process pressure of 25 bar. By using this amount of nitrogen, ignitable gas-air mixtures and thus the risks of fires and explosions are efficiently prevented.
