Innovative energy solutions drive landmark underground oil storage project

One of our clients in the United Arab Emirates undertook the groundbreaking task of creating the Middle East's first underground oil storage facility. To meet their unique energy demands, Atlas Copco Specialty Rental Middle East delivered a comprehensive package featuring compressed air, nitrogen generation, steam boilers, and power generators, ensuring a steady and efficient energy supply throughout the project.

A leading EPC contractor in the oil and gas sector embarked on a groundbreaking project in the United Arab Emirates to build the Middle East's first underground oil storage facility. With a capacity to hold 7 million cubic meters of oil, this ambitious project required a versatile and robust temporary energy supply to support various commissioning activities.

To meet the project’s unique needs, Atlas Copco Specialty Rental Middle East delivered a comprehensive end-to-end solution. This included delivering 24,000 CFM of compressed air across three shafts using sixteen PTS1600 oil-free air compressors, as well as three chillers and heat exchangers to maintain optimal compressed air temperature.

To meet the steam requirements, two 16-ton steam boilers were initially proposed. However, due to space constraints, the plan was revised to a single 34-t/h trailer-mounted steam boiler. Although such equipment was not readily available in the Middle East, Atlas Copco Specialty Rental leveraged its global network to procure and deliver the necessary boiler, ensuring the project stayed on track. The expertise of our service team in operating the 34-ton boiler was crucial to the project's success.

Additionally, we deployed two NGM2000 nitrogen generators paired with eight XRVS1050 high-pressure air compressors to inert the tanks. The solution also included eight 500 KVA generators to power the nitrogen units, chillers, and steam boilers, along with eight fuel tanks. Our team of technicians and operators provided 24/7 oversight to ensure seamless operation.

Our client required continuous support to ensure timely delivery and project success. Weekly on-site meetings, starting almost six months before the kickoff, were critical to monitor progress and address the challenges that came with the project.

Initially, our involvement focused on supplying compressed air and nitrogen generators. However, during these meetings, we identified the customer was facing procurement difficulties with vacuum pumps, so we proposed a steam solution, which was well-received. This led to the aforementioned adjustment from two 16-ton steam boilers to a single 34-t/h trailer-mounted steam boiler.

Atlas Copco Specialty Rental Middle East's comprehensive and flexible approach enabled the client to navigate the project's complexities and achieve successful completion in April 2023. The collaborative efforts of the sales, service, and operations teams were instrumental in delivering an efficient solution, setting a benchmark for future large-scale underground storage projects in the region.

Thanks to this proactive approach, our client stands out as the first company in the Middle East to have built and adopted an underground oil storage. In addition, the storage method offers significant advantages to the client, combining safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. It provides protection against environmental hazards such as extreme weather conditions, fires, and potential spills, which can be more challenging to manage with above-ground storage. The subterranean location inherently reduces the risk of leaks and environmental contamination, ensuring a more sustainable operation. Through the employment of this facility, our client is able to underline its dedication to innovative and efficient solutions as well as its investments in safety and durability.

This project highlights how Atlas Copco Specialty Rental helps customers succeed by offering advanced energy solutions for the most demanding industrial applications. Through innovative technology and strategic global partnerships, we address challenges with tailored solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, reducing downtime, and ensuring cost-effectiveness for customers in the oil and gas sector.

At  Atlas Copco, we have been turning industrial ideas into business-critical benefits since 1873. By listening to our customers and knowing their needs, we deliver value and innovate with the future in mind. 
 
Great ideas reinforce sustainable development. At  Atlas Copco Specialty Rental, we team up with our customers to set up state-of-the-art temporary air, flow, steam and nitrogen solutions. Our passionate experts have extensive application and equipment knowledge. We understand our customers' needs and can provide a total solution for any industry, no matter if it is for emergencies or planned projects. We are a division of the Power Technique business area, headquartered in Boom, Belgium and offer specialty rental solutions under several brands around the globe.