CNPC Gas Production Expert Nariman Jumayev Talks About the Realities of Gas Operations in a Demanding Environment
By: Trustvision
Natural gas extraction is a critical pillar of Turkmenistan’s economy, yet behind its contributions to the global energy market lie challenges that require precision, technical expertise, and resilience. In an exclusive interview with US Business News, Nariman Jumayev, an operations expert with over a decade of experience at China National Petroleum Corporation International (CNPC) in Turkmenistan, shares his insights into the complexities of gas extraction, maintenance, and safety in one of the world’s most resource-rich yet demanding environments.
USBN: Nariman, Turkmenistan, is one of the largest natural gas producers globally. What unique challenges does the region present for extraction and production operations?
Nariman Jumayev: Turkmenistan’s vast gas fields, such as Galkynysh, hold immense potential, but operating in these fields is far from simple. The biggest challenge is managing extreme weather conditions. Winters bring freezing temperatures, which significantly affect equipment like Gas Pumping Units (GPAs) and pipelines. Components freeze, efficiency drops and the risk of mechanical failure increases.
Another issue is equipment wear and tear. Gas production relies heavily on compressors, separators, and other machinery operating 24/7 under high pressure. Routine maintenance becomes critical to avoid breakdowns, but unexpected failures—like gas or oil leaks—can escalate quickly if not resolved.
USBN: What are the key operational difficulties faced on the ground during gas extraction?
Nariman Jumayev: One of the most demanding tasks is ensuring consistent flow rates and system reliability. As an operator, I worked with SCADA systems to monitor and regulate parameters like gas pressure and temperature. Small deviations can cause inefficiencies or risks of downtime, which are costly.
At the Gas Compression Stations (DCS) and Gas Separation Plants (GSP-Bereketli), we had to frequently perform preventive maintenance, such as replacing filters, lubricating components, or even swapping engines on critical units like GPA No. 3 and GPA No. 5. Any interruption, even for repairs, can affect the overall supply chain.
Another difficulty is managing aging infrastructure. While advancements have been made, older facilities require constant attention to prevent gas leaks, system corrosion, or environmental risks.
USBN: How do you and your team address safety concerns, especially in high-pressure operations?
Nariman Jumayev: Safety is a non-negotiable priority in gas production. High-pressure operations, combined with natural gas’s volatile nature, make safety protocols essential. My team regularly conducted emergency drills and fault simulation exercises to prepare for leaks, fires, or pressure surges.
We implemented real-time monitoring systems and adhered strictly to maintenance schedules. For example, during winter periods, we conducted additional inspections to detect minor leaks or equipment stress before they become major hazards. Being proactive rather than reactive is what ensures safety.
It’s also important to instill a culture of safety within the workforce. I always emphasized training team members to identify potential risks and respond efficiently.
USBN: You mentioned preventive maintenance as a critical factor. Can you share a specific example of overcoming a major technical challenge?
Nariman Jumayev: Absolutely. One of the most memorable challenges occurred when a compressor engine on GPA No. 5 needed replacement. The unit was operating at reduced efficiency, which could have caused a domino effect on the entire gas supply process. Working alongside representatives from SOLAR, we successfully managed the engine replacement while minimizing production disruptions.
Another example was dealing with filter-separator malfunctions. These filters are crucial for maintaining gas purity. Any contamination could have downstream consequences. We ensured uninterrupted operations by conducting a planned replacement schedule and closely monitoring equipment.
USBN: What role does technology play in addressing these operational difficulties?
Nariman Jumayev: Technology has been transformative. Systems like SCADA allow us to monitor operations remotely and make real-time adjustments. For example, if there’s a sudden drop in well pressure, SCADA systems send alerts that help us act quickly.
However, integrating advanced technology into older systems isn’t always seamless. Many facilities still require manual oversight, which means teams must combine digital tools with hands-on experience to maintain efficiency.
USBN: What strategies can companies adopt to overcome these challenges and maximize gas production efficiency?
Nariman Jumayev: The key strategies include:
- Regular preventive maintenance: Small issues can snowball into critical failures without proactive servicing of compressors, engines, and pipelines.
- Investing in workforce training: Skilled personnel who can operate equipment, analyze technical issues, and make real-time decisions are invaluable.
- Leveraging technology: Integrating advanced monitoring systems like SCADA and predictive analytics ensures better control over operations.
- Emergency preparedness: Regular safety drills and incident response training must become part of the culture.
These strategies, when combined, create a robust framework to address operational difficulties while improving long-term sustainability.
USBN: Looking forward, what opportunities do you see for Turkmenistan’s gas sector, and what lessons can the global industry learn?
Nariman Jumayev: Turkmenistan has the potential to become a major player in global energy supply, especially as demand for cleaner fuels like natural gas grows. The focus should be on modernizing infrastructure, adopting sustainable technologies, and prioritizing environmental safety to reduce emissions.
The global industry can learn from Turkmenistan’s ability to operate under challenging conditions. The importance of preventive maintenance, safety-driven operations, and skilled workforce development are lessons that resonate worldwide.
USBN: Finally, what motivates you to continue in this challenging field?
Nariman Jumayev: Gas production is not just about extracting resources—it’s about contributing to energy security, ensuring operational safety, and solving daily complex challenges. I’m motivated by the opportunity to combine my technical expertise with innovation to make operations smoother, safer, and more efficient.
There’s a lot of potential in this field, and I look forward to applying my decade of experience to larger, global energy projects where I can continue to make an impact.
Published by Zane L.
