Offshore staff
STAVANGER, Norway – E.ON UK E&P has re-started production from the Huntington field in the UK central North Sea.
Earlier this month the production facilities were shut down due to concerns over cargo tank venting activities.
According to partner Premier Oil, recent calm weather has led to gas venting from the tanks being picked up by the gas detection system at deck level. As a result, production has to be stopped whenever the wind speed falls below 5 knots.
However, the issue is expected to be resolved once the primary hydrocarbon blanketing system, which recycles gas from cargo tanks, has been commissioned in late August. When this is in place, output should recover to pre-shutdown levels of around 27,000 boe/d, according to another field partner Noreco.
Huntington deliveredfirst oil in April, although initial rates were restricted due to start-up issues with the gas compression system. These have since been resolved and a new power turbine was installed earlier this month to address vibration issues associated with the second compression train. Once the compressor is onstream, Noreco adds, production is expected to reach full capacity.
8/22/2013
