Black & Veatch has been selected by NiQuan Energy to assess the cost, scope and schedule for completion of its Petrotrin gas-to-liquids (GTL) facility in Pointe-à-Pierre, Trinidad and Tobago, project officials announced Thursday.

 

The GTL process converts natural gas to longer-chain hydrocarbons that can be used for transportation or other liquid fuels. GTL is a leading refining process for the production of low-emission fuels.

 

“Our review will provide NiQuan with an analysis of Petrotrin’s assets. We will know what it will take to bring the facility online and help realize the potential for GTL-derived fuels,” said Doug Miller, vice president of Black & Veatch’s oil and gas business. “GTL fuels will provide low emissions and improve the resiliency of the fuel supply in Trinidad and Tobago.”

 

Petrotrin was about 85% completed before it was placed in receivership in 2009 and later acquired by NiQuan.

 Black & Veatch will perform a detailed review of plant engineering design and specifications, its structural and mechanical integrity and adherence to applicable codes. The company will provide design specification for completion of the facility, a project schedule and an overall cost estimate.

 

The review will involve the use of Black & Veatch alliance partner Emerging Fuels Technology’s (EFT) proprietary Advanced Fixed Bed Fischer-Tropsch catalyst. The synthesis catalyst maximizes production of transportation fuels and other high value products from natural gas in the GTL process. 

As alliance partners, Black & Veatch and EFT provide a comprehensive EPC solution for projects using the Fischer-Tropsch system.