ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won a contract worth about $223 million from Sonatrach, the Algerian oil and gas company, for three gas plants in Algeria.

Scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2012, the project includes new compressor trains, re-instrumentation of existing gas treatment plants and an integrated control system (ABB’s Extended Automation System 800xA) for both the new and existing facilities. New compressor trains are used to increase the gas flow rate in the pipelines. This improves production efficiency by recovering the amount of low-pressure gas that would otherwise be flared off.

ABB will also deliver related automation equipment, as well as medium- and low-voltage switchgear and transformers to the plants.

“ABB has delivered a number of projects for Sonatrach and our reputation for quality and reliability helped us to win this important order,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division. “The modernization of these installations will help to reduce both the cost and environmental impact of our customer’s operations.”

In addition to the environmental benefits, recovering the currently flared gas will improve production efficiency and lower operating costs.

ABB will be responsible for the engineering, procurement and commissioning of the project, while construction activities will be carried out by Sarpi, a joint-venture company owned by Sonatrach and ABB.