Magnetic bearings to support LNG turboexpanders in Australia

SKF today announced it will supply magnetic bearings to two new major gas projects in Australia. SKF’s S2M magnetic bearings will equip the natural gas treatment turbo expanders for the Ichthys Gas Field project and the Prelude first FLNG barge. 

The Ichthys Gas Field is located at a depth of 280 m in the Timor Sea, some 200 km off the coast of Western Australia. Development costs are expected to be in the region of USD 34 billion. At its peak, the field will produce 8 million tonnes per year of LNG. Liquefaction will take place onshore at a specially constructed facility at Blaydin Point, Australia.

The Prelude FLNG (floating liquefied natural gas) barge, involves extraction and liquefaction of natural gas at a depth of 250 m from the Browse Basin, Western Australia. Once operational, the Prelude FLNG facility will produce at least 3.6 million tonnes per year of LNG.

SKF manufactures and markets the oil-free, frictionless and virtually maintenance-free S2M magnetic bearings used in oil and gas exploration and production, often in extreme weather conditions and remote locations.