Water in CSG—a case study in collaborative working

Abstract

Queensland CSG projects require water treatment expertise from clients and consultants to deal with large volumes of associated water.

In this extended abstract, experiences and lessons from one of these projects is discussed.

MWH have been working with Origin Energy for the Australia Pacific LNG Water Treatment Facilities project since 2011. A co-located team drove major benefits to Origin, mainly in ensuring a collaborative working culture.

Lessons include MWH adapting to the expectations of oil and gas clients, which differ significantly from municipal clients, thus bridging the cultural gap between oil and gas and water.

Although basic infrastructure does not vary significantly from a normal advanced water treatment plant, aspects such as increased reliability (to ensure gas production to port is not interrupted) drive different requirements.

The key points to be discussed:

1. Building project culture early through alignment of company cultures, discussing methodologies, expectations, working assumptions and norms to foster a one-team environment, while maintaining alignment across the whole of the project.

2. Setting BOD, concept, FEED and assurance process expectations early. Taking time to build and review contracting plans, project budgets and schedule, and plans to manage suppliers and contractors.

3. Developing technical specifications reflecting the correct balance between the water industry and gas industry requirements—per section of facility.

4. Realising opportunities by setting the correct level of engineering assurance for water treatment plants, as compared to gas facilities.

5. Aligning operating requirements, specifications, pressure system evaluations and piping and instrumentation diagrams through the design/assurance process.

6. Decision-making in this complex environment.