Petrobras has begun start-up procedures for Brazil’s largest natural gas processing unit, UPGN, in Itaborai, near Rio de Janeiro. The company has received authorization for industrial operations from Brazil’s National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Biofuels.
The facility will process gas from the pre-salt layer of the Santos Basin, transported via the new Route 3 gas pipeline. The project is strategic for Petrobras, which has said it wants to increase natural gas supply to the Brazilian market. Currently in its final preparation phase, the UPGN is undergoing process and equipment calibration, and commercial operations are expected to commence in early October.
The project will enable the flow of up to 635 MMscf/d (18 x 106 m3/d) and processing of up to 742 MMscf/d (21 x 106 m3/d) of gas, reducing Brazil’s dependence on imports.
Future plans for the complex include two gas-fired thermoelectric plants and additional refining units for fuels and lubricants. Once completed, the facility will have production capacities of 12,000 barrels/day for Group II lubricating oils, 75,000 barrels/day for S-10 diesel, and 20,000 barrels/day for aviation kerosene, operating in synergy with the Duque de Caxias Refinery.
