BASF, Qatargas ink technology license deal for new LNG trains in Qatar

By Mateen Dalal

BASF aims to support Qatargas in achieving its sustainability targets by offering its technologies

Gas treatment and gas removal technology play a vital part in LNG production

Reports confirm that Qatargas Operating Company Ltd., which is headquartered in Doha, Qatar, on behalf of Qatar Petroleum, has signed a technology license agreement with Germany-based BASF SE for Qatar’s North Field Expansion Project.

As part of the licensing agreement, BASF would be providing Qatar with two technologies, the first being for gas removal and the other for treatment of gas. Supposedly, these technologies are being marketed under the OASE and Flexorb brand for four new LNG trains in the country.

Sources with knowledge on the matter commented that gas treatment and gas removal technologies play a vital part in LNG production. They help in removing impurities like hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide from the natural gas stream for allowing the subsequent liquefaction process to occur.

Vice President for BASF Gas Treatment, Andreas Northemann said the company is supporting Qatargas in achieving its sustainability targets by offering its technologies. In the coming years, the two firms will work very closely for attaining optimum results, he mentioned.

Reportedly, the North Field Expansion Project is located offshore Qatar peninsular in the north-east, covering an area of over 6,000 sq. kilometers, which is equivalent of nearly half the total land area of the State of Qatar. The project consists of four new LNG mega trains, sources informed.

For the uninitiated, liquified natural gas or LNG represents a natural gas which has been cooled into the liquid state, as this form occupies considerably lesser volume and become easier to store and transport. LNG demand worldwide is consistently growing since it is known to be a cleaner source of energy and power generating fuel.

LNG is an eco-friendly and sustainable fossil fuel which produces low amounts of greenhouse gas and toxic emissions as compared to other liquid or solid fuels owing to its clean burning properties.