Northstar field back on line

Petroleum News

BP Exploration (Alaska)’s Northstar field came back on line about 11 a.m. Feb. 22, after going down Feb. 8 when a low-pressure gas compressor motor failed.

BP spokesman Daren Beaudo said Feb. 23 that the field was initially operating at reduced rates of about 40,000 to 45,000 barrels per day “as the wells and facilities warm up after the two-week shutdown.” He said it would take Northstar “a few days to reach maximum rates as the plant, pipelines and oil are extremely cold and we need to go slow until everything stabilizes.” Replacement equipment was on hand for the motor, Beaudo told Petroleum News Feb. 9, but “because of the compact nature of the island it’s a bit like performing surgery.” Complex heavy lifts were required to replace the equipment, he said, “and it is critical to do the appropriate planning and execution in order to do the work safely the first time.” Beaudo said the replacement work was done safely, with no recordable injuries, even though weather conditions were severe, “often –40 to –50 degrees and blizzard conditions.”

Northstar was designed to produce at 72,000 bpd, and “set a recent single-day record” of 84,931 bpd Jan. 26.