Neuquén (Argentina)
EPF Sierras Blancas / Cruz de Lorena
Client
Shell Upstream America Unconventionals
Scope
Conceptual, Basic and Detailed Engineering
+ EPC
Capacity
10,000 bbl/d of crude
Joint Venture
with Constructora SIMA
Investment amount
USD 40 million+
The Sierras Blancas EPF was Shell’s first shale oil processing unit in Argentina. Its start-up marked Shell’s transition from an exploratory phase to early development.
The facility handles crude oil dehydration and stabilization, gas compression and dehydration, and produced water treatment for reinjection. The unit is equipped for both pipeline and truck receipt and delivery, and includes all support systems in compliance with Shell UAU’s safety, instrumentation, and quality standards.
The design considered future expansions of both processing and storage, sizing pipelines and allocating space on site for higher flow rates.
Additionally, Hytech completed the engineering for the inclusion of crude oil desalting systems to meet sales specifications and ensure compatibility with the delivery pipeline.
Building on the original design, Hytech later developed the revamping engineering to increase the plant’s processing capacity to 12,000 barrels per day, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems and maintaining compliance with Shell’s standards.