There is a huge structure off the coast of Istanbul, Silivri and about 2 kilometers from the coast. We went and learned firsthand what this gigantic platform, which stores natural gas 2000 meters below the sea floor, does and how it works, we convey it with special images.
The formation of natural gas, one of today’s most common energy sources millions of years, to be discovered; to be removed from its location and used in our homes and industry. millions of dollars money and well-managed projects.
The efficiency of natural gas, which is distributed all over our country with lines controlled by BOTAŞ, is also of great importance. Off the coast of Silivri, Istanbul North Marmara Natural Gas Storage Project built by Kalyon Holding and here is one of them.
This is how the huge structure off Silivri looks like when you get a little closer…
The task of the structure, which extends to the sea floor at a depth of 45 meters, also extends from the sea floor. Into the void stretching down to 2000 meters Drilling boreholes to store natural gas.
Here is a photo taken about 10 months ago when the platform was placed:
So why do they get up and store natural gas somewhere in the middle of the sea, even under the seabed?
Millions of years ago, there was a natural gas source near the seabed that formed in this region. The gas here was extracted and used on time. The place where the gas was was now empty, it stood idle. Here is the Northern Marmara Natural Gas storage project that fills this gap. “A natural gas store” It was made for us to use.
Don’t say, “Isn’t there already natural gas coming from the source through pipes, what’s the point of storing it”, because this place actually serves as a ‘natural gas battery’:
Just as we use powerbanks to meet the electricity needs of our smartphones, this platform is like a battery that works to meet the natural gas needs of our country.
Let’s say we are in the winter months and a severe cold wave came to our country, natural gas consumption was higher than expected. In such a case, this the warehouse enters It pumps natural gas into pipelines, the crisis is resolved.
In the winter months when there is heavy use, natural gas interruptions may occur:
Due to the natural gas consumption that suddenly exceeds the expectations, the pressure in the natural gas lines of BOTAŞ may decrease. The high-pressure water heated in the natural gas combi boilers in our homes is transmitted through the plumbing pipes. similar to sending it to the honeycombs in our house this is a situation. If the water in your combi decreases and the pressure drops, the cores do not heat up.
You can solve this problem in your home by increasing the pressure of your boiler. However, for a pressure problem across the country, simple interventions as in combi boilers do not save the situation. in very large quantities high pressure natural gas needs. Kuzey Marmara Natural Gas Storage Facility was designed to step in during these sudden pressure drops and work to meet the needs of the citizens.
Natural reservoir under the sea 3.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas has volume. From here, 25 million cubic meters of natural gas can be recirculated daily:
In other words, this reservoir alone 10% of Turkey’s annual natural gas need can store:
There is another structure on the beach that you will rarely see in order to purify the natural gas under the sea and bring it back to the system, namely to the natural gas lines of BOTAŞ:
This facility on the coast, which communicates with the platform in the sea, is responsible for purifying the natural gas and making it ready for reuse. At the same time, the natural gas taken from the line of BOTAŞ is sent to the platform in the sea with this facility.
The target of the project is the amount of natural gas stored with the expansion works. 4.6 billion cubic metersincreasing the daily natural gas flow to 75 million cubic meters:
In other words, it is aimed to provide serious support to the system in order to meet Turkey’s daily and annual energy needs and to reduce the impact of possible energy crises. On the one hand, expansion works, on the other hand, storage and drilling works are carried out.
Everything is ok, but how does the team that manages such a feverish job work? There is a permanent team of 90 to 120 people on the platform, the number of employees with the facility on land 1200 people reaching:
First of all, it is necessary to talk about military discipline standards here. The first reason for this discipline is the fact that natural gas is a flammable substance, and the serious dangers that may occur because of high pressure. For this reason, everyone on the platform, from the engineer to the worker, works between 21 and 30 days and returns to work after taking that much leave. The daily working time is also divided into 2 shifts of 12 hours.
Despite the military discipline and the intense work schedule, morale is maintained:
In addition, due to the multinational environment on the platform, no one is alienated. Despite the very high discipline and intense work tempo, the employees have very comfortable living spaces. (including PlayStation)They have a very good restaurant. It was worth seeing the smiling faces and conversations of the employees during our visit.
During the pandemic process, the process was successfully managed with regular tests conducted on the platform, both in their countries and in Turkey, for employees returning from their countries.
A doctor also works in the infirmary at the facility, and the health conditions are kept at a high level. Also for use in emergencies 2 doctors constantly waiting at the facility, there is a helicopter. If the weather conditions will prevent the helicopter, the zodiac boats that are on standby come into play.
Other images of the facility:
The works in the Northern Marmara Natural Gas Storage Project continue to solve our energy needs without any problems:
Just like other warehouses in our country, this place is ready to meet the need in our country at a time when energy crises are shaking the world.
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