Enterprise to expand NGL, pipeline capacity

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, Jan. 18 -- Enterprise Products Partners LP, Houston, plans to expand its 210,000 b/d (NGL) fractionator at Mont Belvieu, Tex., by 15,000 b/d and will build a 60,000 b/d fractionator at the site to accommodate increased natural gas liquids (NGL) production in the Rocky Mountain area.

Construction has begun to increase capacity and reduce energy costs of the existing fractionator. The capacity increase is expected to be complete in the fourth quarter.

The partnership has completed initial engineering and design on the new fractionator.

This project would facilitate increased NGL volumes available to Mont Belvieu as the partnership expands capacity of the Rocky Mountain segment of the Mid-America pipeline system.

The Mid-America Rocky Mountain pipeline segment operates at nearly full capacity, transporting as much as 225,000 b/d of NGL from major producing basins in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. The western expansion project would increase the segment's capacity to 275,000 b/d with looping and additional compression. Permitting, engineering, and design work are under way.

Pipeline construction could begin as early as the fourth quarter after permits and regulatory approvals are received. Incremental capacity on the pipeline can be placed into service as work is completed throughout the construction period.