BP to replace generator at Milne Point

BP Exploration (Alaska) is replacing a generator at Milne Point which failed following the 36-hour shutdown of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline in late July.

Alaska Department of Revenue figures show the field, producing up to 51,208 barrels per day prior to the planned shutdown, was averaging only some 20,000 bpd in late July and early August, before production began to climb into the 30,000 bpd range the week of Aug. 8. Revenue said the field was expected to be back at 50,000 bpd by mid-August.

Andrew Van Chou, BP’s Alaska vice president of external affairs, told Petroleum News that BP has brought in three generators for temporary power at Milne until a permanent fix, including a replacement generator, is in place.

There are two large gas turbine generators at Milne, Van Chou said. When the field was brought back July 27 after the shutdown, both turbines came back up, but one then shut down.

The first of the temporary generators was flown up Aug. 3; all three are now at Milne being stalled.

Van Chou said Milne Point has been operating at partial rates and BP expects to be back up to full field rates, some 50,000 bpd, by the middle of the week of Aug. 15.

—Kristen Nelson