Abu Dhabi Gas Development Company (ADGDCL) said it has selected Honeywell to help achieve safe and efficient production at its Shah Gas Development Project, which is expected to significantly increase the emirate’s domestic gas supply.

New Jersey-based Honeywell is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials.

ADGDCL, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), said the site is expected to yield some 1 billion cubic feet of gas per day once it reaches full production capacity in 2014.

Although the Shah Gas field was discovered more than 40 years ago, dangerously high levels of hydrogen sulfide have prevented Adnoc from extracting the gas, which is critical to domestic and industrial growth in the region, said a statement from Honeywell.

To help reduce the risk of safety incidents, Honeywell is providing its Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) and Safety Manager technologies, which can be integrated to give personnel a complete view of process and safety information across the site, it stated.

This approach helps operators more-effectively manage the safety systems throughout the plant. In addition to this core system, Honeywell will design, engineer and implement a broad array of new technologies and advanced applications that will help the plant operate as efficiently as possible from the first day of production, the statement added.

“This is a highly strategic project for the Emirate and it was imperative for us to select the right partners,” said Saif Al-Ghafli, chief executive officer of ADGDCL.

“Honeywell’s reputation for successfully executing complex mega-projects was a significant factor in our selection. Its Integrated-Main Automation Contractor methodology and Operations Readiness approach using consultancy and workshops have been a perfect fit for us as we strive to seamlessly integrate our unique work processes with a fit-for-purpose automation infrastructure,” he remarked.

Norm Gilsdorf, president, Honeywell Process Solutions, said, “This is the biggest gas development project for years in the UAE, and designing and delivering this solution would not have been possible even just five years ago.”

“Today, new technology combined with deep consulting expertise and a proven methodology means we are able to help ADGDCL make this essential project a success from day one,” he noted.

"For example, Honeywell will provide its OneWireless industrial wireless network both inside the plant and at the gathering field well pads to track key personnel and assets during both construction and operational phases. Operations staff will be equipped with wireless gas detectors that will transmit alerts when dangerous gases are detected."

"They will also have Honeywell’s wireless Dolphin handheld and Webpad computers that will allow them to develop consistent and safe operating rounds and procedures and view and manage key control parameters, he added.-TradeArabia News Service