The World of Energy

Chapter 28 LNG Technology (Introduction)

What is LNG?

28.4. How LNG Is Made?

Ch. 28 - 29
LNG Process is Simple
It uses exactly the same principles of our Refrigerator
or Air Conditioners at home

It has the same basic components:

Compressors (B)
Condensers (D)
Expansion Valves (C)
Evaporators (A)

But . . . much larger size & colder temperature

Our typical AC compressor is 1 ~ 2 HP
LNG Plant compressors are 80,000 HP
Our refrigerator cools to minus 10 Deg. C
LNG Plant liquefy the gas to minus 160 Deg. C
D

Our Refrigerator/AC use Freon, LNG Plant uses

mixture of Propane, Ethane, Methane & Nitrogen

Ch. 28 - 30
The Basic Refrigeration Cycle
Q out

Log pressure
C B
Condenser
p2 C Condensation B
Liquid
Receiver Motor
Expansion Compression
Compressor

p1 Vaporization
A D A
D Evaporator Gas and Gas
Liquid
Expansion valve
Specific enthalpy
Q in
Cooled
stream out

(Dossat, 1991)

Ch. 28 - 31
 LNG Plant is a Big Air Conditioner
EXPANSION VALVE

COMPRESSORS

EVAPORATOR

CONDENSERS

Ch. 28 - 32
Of Course, It is not that simple
Very low temperature requires special knowledge on
structural material, metalurgy, heat transfer and
thermodynamics
Very large and high speed machineries requires special
knowledge on machineries efficiency, precision &
fabrication techniques
Hydrocarbon environment requires adequate
knowledge and commitment on safety
Thousands of equipments and machineries requires
complicated control system

LNG Engineer is a little bit more than just Air

Conditioner technician

Ch. 28 - 33
Peakshaving LNG Plant

Gas Demand

LNG Rate

BASELOAD LNG
PLANT DOES NOT HAVE
THIS VAPORIZER

BASELOAD LNG PLANT HAS

10 ~ 14 DAYS STORAGE,
PEAKSHAVING LNG PLANT
100 ~ 120 DAYS STORAGE

Ch. 28 - 34
 Typical LNG Process Block Diagram

PRODUCTION GAS
PLATFORMS WELLS

PIPELINES
CO2
H2S
H2O

GAS LNG
RECEIVING
FACILITIES
TREATING
UNIT
LIQUEFACTION
UNIT
LNG

Hg

CONDENSATE FRACTIONATION
STABILIZER UNIT

CONDENSATE
CONDENSATE

Ch. 28 - 35
How is LNG Transported by Sea?

Specially-designed double-hulled tankers

The double-hull provides increased structural safety
The liquefying process allows for efficient transport in bulk
about 3.0 billion cubic feet of gas per tanker
Insulation allows the ships to act like thermos bottles to
keep the LNG cold

Holding tanks

Ch. 28 - 36