Woodside Energy Ltd., based in Australia and operator of the North West Shelf Venture liquefied natural gas project in Western Australia, shut down production from its Train 1 Oct. 9 due to high vibration levels and a loss of oil in the propane compressor, said the company Oct. 11.
The unscheduled shut down of LNG Train 1 Monday coincides with a planned 22-day maintenance shut down of LNG Train 2. The shut down of Train 2 includes a 100,000-hour service of the five gas turbines, Woodside said Wednesday.
Woodside staff and specialist technical advisers are working to determine the cause of the problem and extent of damage to the compressor equipment on LNG Train 1. The results of their investigations won't be known for several days.
If repairs can be made using the existing spare part inventory, Train 1's shutdown will last around 12 days and affect two scheduled LNG cargoes. The shutdown could last longer if replacement parts must be made. The North West Shelf Venture said it's working with customers to maintain its delivery schedule.
The six equal participants in the North West Shelf LNG Venture are: Woodside Energy Ltd.; BHP Petroleum (North West Shelf) Pty. Ltd; BP Developments Australia Pty. Ltd; Chevron Australia Pty. Ltd; Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty. Ltd; and Shell Development (Australia) Pty. Ltd.