By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, Aug. 15 -- Statoil ASA said it expects to bring production from Gullfaks field in the North Sea back to normal "soon."
Oil production from A and B platforms has been reduced by half to 90,000 b/d because Statoil is testing a new chemical for desulphurization. Statoil said, "Two gas coolers and associated pipe systems and tanks on the platforms have been blocked following trials."
The date for full resumption depends on whether the substance has reached the compressors. If not, normal production is expected Friday; if so, full production is expected next Thursday.
"The chemicals which were tested cause less environmental damage and are more easily biodegradable than the substances which have been used up to now," says Øivind Reinertsen, senior vice-president for the Tampen area.
Before production is fully restored, the processing equipment will be cleaned.