May 29 2008
URS Corporation today announced that the Company has been awarded a contract by ExxonMobil to provide detailed engineering, procurement and construction management services for a commercial demonstration plant that will use ExxonMobil's Controlled Freeze Zone(TM) (CFZ(TM)) technology. CFZ(TM) seeks to expand the use of carbon capture and storage by reducing the cost of removing carbon dioxide from natural gas.
Developed by ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, the CFZ™ process accomplishes low-cost, energy-efficient separation of high-purity methane from CO2 and H2S in a single step. Process and mechanical features establish a controlled freezing environment that overcomes the typical solidification barrier for methane-CO2 separation by distillation. The technology is a significant advancement for removing CO2 and other contaminants from highly sour gas resources around the world and facilitates their reinjection either for geosequestration or enhanced recovery purposes.
Construction on the treatment facility, which will be located at ExxonMobil’s Shute Creek Treating Facility near LaBarge, Wyoming, will commence this summer, and operational startup is expected in late 2009.
Commenting on the contract award, Tom Zarges, President of URS’ Washington Division, said: “We have worked very closely with ExxonMobil in the conceptual and detailed engineering for this innovative plant and are very pleased to have been awarded this assignment. The award underscores the strength of URS in the oil and gas market, including our ability to provide the full range of E&C services to support our clients on critical and complex projects. We look forward to helping ExxonMobil build this important facility.”