Petrobras Achieves Highest Pre-Salt Gas Processing at Caraguatatuba Unit (UTGCA)

Record Processing of Pre-Salt Gas in Caraguatatuba Reinforces Adaptation Potential of UTGCA. Petrobras Highlights Investments in Asset as Motivators for Result.

As disclosed last Thursday, (08/24), by the state-owned company, the Caraguatatuba Gas Processing Unit (UTGCA), operated by Petrobras, reached a historic milestone by achieving 73% processing in the pre-salt layer in July. Initially intended for post-salt gas processing, the UTGCA adapted to accommodate the growing production of pre-salt gas, resulting in a blend of 50% rich gas and 50% poor gas. Thanks to the relaxation of natural gas specifications and operational improvements, this achievement demonstrates the potential of innovation in the energy industry.

UTGCA Hits Record of 73% Processing of Pre-Salt Gas in July 

In July, UTGCA, owned by Petrobras, achieved an impressive milestone in the energy sector.

This unit reached the highest daily processing rate in the pre-salt layer, achieving an index of 73%.

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UTGCA showcased its operational excellence by receiving and processing 13.3 million m3/d of unprocessed gas, providing the market with a considerable amount of 12.7 million m3/d of specified natural gas.

This achievement is a testament to the significant advancements in gas processing in the region, resulting from Petrobras’ constant investments in operational quality.

Processing units play a crucial role in transforming non-marketable gas from offshore platforms into high-value products.

These products include Natural Gas, the lighter portion of the mix; LPG (bottled gas), widely used; and C5+, the heavier portion that undergoes further processing at Petrobras’ REVAP Refinery, located in São José dos Campos (SP).

Thus, the state-owned company managed to achieve great feats in the fuel sector just during the month of July.

Petrobras Reinforces Quality of Adaptation of UTGCA Processing in Caraguatatuba

UTGCA, initially planned to process gas from post-salt wells, underwent a remarkable adaptation to accommodate the growing export of gas from pre-salt platforms.

This resulted in an effective blend of approximately 50% rich gas (pre-salt) and 50% poor gas (post-salt), demonstrating its versatility and strategic importance.

The special authorization 836/2020 granted by the National Agency of Petroleum (ANP), along with operational improvements, allowed the unit to increase the proportion of methane in natural gas, boosting the processing of rich gas.

This joint effort resulted not only in a historic milestone but also in a concrete example of how innovation and flexibility can lead to remarkable achievements in the gas industry.

Willian França, Director of Industrial Processes and Products at Petrobras, expressed his satisfaction with the results.

He emphasized that the increase in the proportion of pre-salt gas in the unit’s processing brought significant advantages to production.

Since the special authorization from ANP until July 2023, improvements implemented at the Caraguatatuba Unit resulted in a substantial increase of around 2.4 billion m³ of natural gas and 617 thousand m³ of LPG, demonstrating the positive impact of these initiatives on the market and the economy as a whole.

The expert concluded his remarks by highlighting Petrobras’ investments in operational improvements at the plant.

About UTGCA

UTGCA is an essential facility in the energy industry. With a daily processing capacity of up to 20 million m³ of natural gas, UTGCA receives gas from various platforms. The transfer of the product is carried out through a gas pipeline, highlighting the importance of this unit in treating natural resources to meet energy demands.