ABB wins $8.2 million order in e-houses for new natural gas plant in Bolivia

2013-3-31

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth $8.2 million from Initec (Técnicas Reunidas Group) to deliver in June 2013 the electric equipment for a new natural gas processing plant in Gran Chaco, Bolivia. The order was booked in the fourth quarter 2012.

The new plant owned by Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB), will process up to 27.7 million standard cubic meters of natural gas daily. YPFB has entrusted the construction of the plant to Initec - a Tecnicas Reunidas Group company - leader in engineering, design and construction of industrial installations, with wide expertise in large turnkey projects.

The electrical balance of plant (eBoP) consists of three e-houses including the air conditioning system, fire detection equipment, building infrastructures, and lighting system. Each e-house will contain all necessary electrical equipment for the successful operation of the plant, like medium and low voltage switchgear, transformers, the motors control center, and the electrical control system.

ABB e-houses represent an innovative approach to the electrification of industrial plants, especially in the oil and gas sector with its demanding safety requirements. All electrical and control equipment for the industrial plant are located inside a single prefabricated steel building. Each e-house is manufactured according to the specific needs of the plant, and tested prior to the installation. Among the advantages of e-houses are its adaptability to different types of projects, enhanced safety, and shorter construction times.