The smaller pipelines that quietly connect Ntorya’s wells to the Central Processing Facility — and why they matter for investors.
When investors picture Ntorya, they often think of the big pieces — the wells and the 30 km export line to Madimba. But the flowlines — the smaller pipelines that run from each well to the Central Processing Facility (CPF) — are just as vital. Without them, gas can’t move from the ground into the plant that prepares it for market.
What are flowlines?
Flowlines are short, steel pipelines laid mostly underground. Each one links a wellhead (NT-1, NT-2, CH-1 and the future drilling programme) to the CPF. At the CPF, the streams are combined, processed, and sent onwards through the export pipeline.
Think of them as the capillaries of the system: not as big or visible as the main artery to Madimba, but essential for delivering every molecule of gas to the plant.
How do they tie in?
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At the wellhead: each producing well has a “Christmas tree” — the set of valves and fittings on the surface. From there, a flowline connection carries the gas into the ground and runs toward the CPF.
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At the CPF: the lines converge into a small gathering manifold. From this header, gas enters the first separator at the CPF where liquids, water, and impurities are removed.
In some developments, nearby wells can be “clustered” into a shared line before reaching the CPF. At Ntorya, with up to 14 wells planned over the licence life, that decision will depend on final well locations and drilling sequence.
How big are the flowlines?
For individual wells producing in the 8–20 million cubic feet per day (MMscf/d) range:
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Flowlines are typically 4 to 6 inches in diameter.
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Over short distances (2–6 km), this size keeps pressure loss small and allows for internal inspection (“pigging”).
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At the CPF, the combined flows enter a slightly larger 6–8 inch gathering header before processing.
For context, the main export pipeline to Madimba will be much larger — designed to carry 140 to 280 MMscf/d over 30 km.
How are flowlines installed?
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Surveying & Right-of-Way: pegging a safe route across farmland and bush.
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Trenching: digging a narrow trench, usually 1–1.5 m deep.
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Stringing & Welding: laying out pipe sections, welding, inspecting, and coating.
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Lowering & Backfilling: placing the welded line into the trench and carefully covering it over.
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Testing: filling with water and pressure-testing before first gas.
This is the same method used worldwide for gathering systems, adapted for local conditions in southern Tanzania.
Why this matters for investors
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Scalability: Each new well drilled can be tied in with its own flowline, building toward the 14-well, 140–280 MMscf/d target.
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Visibility: Installation of flowlines is one of the most visible signs of progress — a physical link between the subsurface resource and the CPF.
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Low risk technology: Flowline construction is proven, straightforward engineering with limited execution risk compared to drilling or CPF build.
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Cost efficiency: Smaller lines keep costs controlled, while future connections can be phased in as production ramps up.
Closing thought
Flowlines don’t often make headlines. But they are the practical step that brings every new Ntorya well into the system. As more wells are drilled, each flowline tied into the CPF is another visible sign that Ntorya is moving steadily from promise to production.
For investors, watching the progression of well → flowline → CPF → export pipeline is the clearest way to track momentum toward first gas.