To produce liquefied natural gas for transportation or storage. The process is adequate for base-load facilities, as well as for peak shaving units. The design is highly modularized, making it appropriate for remote sites or offshore applications. It is also a viable option to monetize stranded gas reserves.
This process uses a hybrid technical approach for the liquefaction of natural gas. Specifically, it is a propane pre-cooled turbo-expander cycle. After being treated to remove contaminants and water that will affect the cryogenic process conditions, the feed gas is liquefied in a cold box. A side stream of the inlet gas is expanded to low pressure to generate refrigeration. The expanded gas is then sent to the cold box to supply refrigeration, and is boosted to a medium-pressure level. It is then recycled to the front end of the plant. The liquefied gas stream is expanded in a flash vessel or series of flash vessels, depending on product specifications. The liquid product is LNG, which is sent to storage. The flashed gas is sent back to provide refrigeration, and is then recycled to the front end of unit via recycle compression. This recycle stream becomes a supplementary refrigeration stream.
This process scheme achieves energy consumption comparable with the world-class base load facilities. Energy usage is within 0.19 to 0.25 hp/lb of LNG product depending on gas sources and compositions.
Operating conditions: Ample range of pressures, temperatures and compositions. Depending on the inlet gas pressure, an inlet gas compressor could be required, but its influence is minor on energy consumption.
Licensors: Randall Gas Technologies, ABB Lummus Global Inc.
