AU2014200191B2

AU2014200191B2 - LNG export terminal

Info

Publication number: AU2014200191B2
Application number: AU2014200191A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Theodore Johannes Bernardus Brinkel; Michael Wyllie
Original assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc
Current assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc
Priority date: 2014-01-13
Filing date: 2014-01-13
Publication date: 2019-11-21
Anticipated expiration: 2034-01-13
Also published as: AU2014200191A1

Abstract

A near shore liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal includes an LNG storage unit, a jetty and a converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel moored against the jetty. 5 The carrier-vessel includes a hull, at least one hydrocarbon storage tank and is provided with a natural gas processing system for liquefying natural gas. Onshore produced natural gas is supplied through a first pipeline to the natural gas processing plant on the carrier-vessel 10 and the LNG produced by the natural gas processing system is transferred from the carrier-vessel to the LNG storage unit via a second pipeline suitable for the transfer of cryogenic fluids. 15 [Figure 1] 5020311_1 (GHMatters) P95960.AU 13/01/14

Description

LNG export terminal

	Field of	the invention
	The	present invention relates to a near shore LNG
5	export terminal, comprising a floating natural gas processing system and an LNG storage unit.

Background

Such terminals have been described in the prior art. 10 US2940268, for example, teaches to liquefy of natural gas in a barge mounted liquefaction plant and to subsequent discharge the liquefied natural gas into suitably insulated storage tanks, preferably installed on a tank carrying vessel. The barges described in US2940268 are 15 often custom made in specialized wharfs and they mostly lack proper propulsion to reach their operational destination, so that they need to be towed or transported, sometimes over large distances. The risk of damage to the barge during the journey to the operational destination is 20 clear and present. Furthermore, the facilities provided on the barge are limited and it may be necessary to provide extensive facilities onshore. Providing facilities onshore is difficult and/or requires important investments on some operational sites.

It would be desirable to provide an improved liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal which reduces the disadvantages and limitations of the LNG export terminals, known from the prior art.

Summary of the invention

In first aspect, the invention provides a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal for export of onshore produced natural gas supplied by a source that is arranged

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- 2 on a shore, said source supplying the onshore produced natural gas to the liquefied natural gas LNG export terminal the liquefied natural gas LNG terminal comprising: a liquefied natural gas, LNG storage unit, a 5 jetty, a first pipeline that runs along the jetty, a converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel, spaced apart from the LNG storage unit and moored directly against the jetty, the jetty extending from shore and extending at a ninety degree angle to have a portion extending parallel 10 to the coastline to form an L-shape, the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel moored directly against the jetty on the shore side of the jetty with a length of the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel parallel to the jetty portion extending parallel to the coastline, and an outlet 15 to export the liquefied natural gas to a tanker, the outlet located on the jetty portion extending parallel to the coastline on a side of the jetty opposite the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel such that a vessel can moor to the jetty to receive liquefied natural gas 20 through the outlet; wherein the first pipe line runs on the jetty and is supported by the jetty in a lengthwise direction from the shore to the hydrocarbon carrier vessel, wherein the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel is a converted oil tanker or a converted liquefied natural 25 gas LNG carrier and comprises a hull, a natural gas processing system, and at least one hydrocarbon storage tank located within the hull, and a second pipeline suitable for the transfer of cryogenic fluids extending from the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel that is 30 moored to the jetty to the liquefied natural gas LNG storage unit, wherein the first pipeline is arranged for supplying the onshore produced natural gas from the source to the natural gas processing system on the converted

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- 3 hydrocarbon carrier-vessel and wherein the converted hydrocarbon carrier vessel is arranged to receive the onshore produced natural gas, liquefy the received onshore produced natural gas in the natural gas processing system 5 and to transfer the LNG produced by the natural gas processing system from the converted hydrocarbon carriervessel to the liquefied natural gas LNG storage unit or to the outlet via the second pipeline.

The inventors have observed that instead of using a 10 flat-top barge, as described in the prior art, the use of a converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel as a platform for the natural gas processing system for liquefying natural gas offers the advantage that some functionalities of the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel can be re-used and 15 have to be newly built on a flat-top barge, such as, but not limited to, a deckhouse for operational people on board, possibly only during dayshift, going home after work, supporting facilities for people on-board (drinking water, sewage treatment), safety systems in the accommodation area, boiler (to provide process heat and for start-up), and emergency power supply.

Other functionalities such as propulsion, for sailing on own power from the conversion/assembly yard to the final operational destination, are available as well. 25 Within the frame-work of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the term jetty-moored encompasses also quay-moored or any other near-shore mooring.

The liquefaction process in the natural gas processing system involves removal of certain components, 30 such as dust, acid gases, helium, water, and heavy hydrocarbons, that could cause difficulty downstream. The natural gas is then condensed into a liquid at close to atmospheric pressure (maximum transport pressure set at

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- 4 around 25 kPa (4 psi) ) by cooling it to approximately -162°C (-260 °F).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the LNG storage unit comprises one or a plurality of 5 onshore LNG storage tanks.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the onshore LNG storage tank is connectable through a further pipeline to an LNG shuttle tanker.

	According	to	an	embodiment of	the	present	invention,
10	the LNG storage unit comprises an LNG storage tanker having storage tanks for containing LNG. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the storage tanks are spherical tanks. According to an embodiment of the present invention,
15	the LNG storage According	tanks to an	are membrane · embodiment of	tanks the	present	invention,
	the LNG storage	tanker is connectable	through	a further

pipeline to a further LNG shuttle tanker.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel further comprises one or more facilities selected from a group comprising living quarters, maintenance facilities, safety systems, emergency escape and evacuation systems, logistic systems

	and	power generation systems.
25		According to an embodiment of the present invention,
	the	converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel is a converted
	oil	tanker .
		According to an embodiment of the present invention,
	the	converted oil tanker is a converted very large crude
30	carrier (VLCC).
		According to an embodiment of the present invention,
	the	converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel is a converted

LNG carrier.

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- 5 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second and further pipelines are cryogenic hoses.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of forming a liquefied natural gas LNG export terminal 5 according to claim 1, along a jetty which extends from the shore at a first portion and substantially parallel to shore in a second portion to form an L-shape, the method comprising: converting an oil tanker or a liquefied natural gas LNG carrier into a converted hydrocarbon 10 carrier-vessel with a hull and a natural gas processing system; permanently mooring the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel directly against to the second portion of the jetty such that the converted hydrocarbon carriervessel extends substantially parallel to shore on a shore 15 side of the second portion of the jetty; extending a first pipeline from the shore to the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel on the jetty; arranging an outlet on the second portion of the jetty on a side opposite the side on which the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel is moored 20 for export of liquefied natural gas to a tanker moored on that side of the second portion of the jetty; and connecting the outlet to the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel and/or a liquefied natural gas storage unit

Advantageous embodiments are further defined by the 25 dependent claims.

Brief description of drawings

Presently preferred embodiments are described below in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein 30 like reference numerals refer to like elements in the various figures, and wherein:

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- 6 Figure 1 illustrates an LNG export terminal with a converted hydrocarbon carrier and an onshore placed LNG storage tank;

Figure 2 illustrates the LNG export terminal of 5 figure 1 with an LNG shuttle carrier moored against the jetty and receiving LNG from the onshore LNG storage tank;

Figure 3 illustrates an alternative LNG export terminal with a converted hydrocarbon carrier and an moored LNG storage vessel for storage of the produced LNG; 10 Figure 4 illustrates the alternative LNG export terminal of figure 3 with a moored LNG shuttle carrier receiving the produced and stored LNG from the LNG storage tanker .

Detailed description of embodiments

The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto. The drawings described are only schematic and are non20 limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description are used for distinguishing 25 between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. The terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention can operate in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. 30 Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate

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2014200191 30 Sep 2019 circumstances and the embodiments of the invention described herein can operate in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

The term comprising should not be interpreted as 5 being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It needs to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or 10 more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression a device comprising means A and B should not be limited to

	devices	consisting	of	only	components	A and B.	It	means
15	that with respect relevant components	to of	the present des the device are A	cription, and B .	the	only

Figure 1 schematically shows an LNG export terminal 1 with a converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel 100 and an onshore placed LNG storage tank 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The LNG export terminal 50 comprises a converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel 100, an LNG storage unit 20 and a jetty 10.

The converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel 100 is arranged in coastal water 1 of a sea or a lake and is 25 moored against the jetty 10, relatively close to shore 15.

The converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel 100 comprises a hull, and is provided with a natural gas processing system (liquefaction system) 101 for liquefying natural gas .

30	The	liquefaction system 101	typically comprises	at
	least one	hydrocarbon storage tank	102 .
	From	a source 20, onshore	produced natural gas	is
	supplied	through a first pipeline	25 to an input 21 of	the

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2014200191 30 Sep 2019 natural gas processing plant 101, 102 on the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel 100.

The converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel 100is arranged to receive the onshore produced natural gas,to produce LNG in the liquefaction system 101, 102 andto transfer from an output 31 of the liquefaction system, the LNG product to the onshore LNG storage unit 30 viaa second pipeline 35 suitable for the transfer of cryogenic fluids .

In an embodiment, both the first and second pipelines

25, 35, run along the jetty between the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel 100 and the shore 15.

It is noted that alternatively the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel could be spread-moored or 15 turret-moored.

In an embodiment the converted hydrocarbon carriervessel is either a converted oil tanker, or a converted very large crude carrier (VLCC) or a converted LNG carrier .

In an embodiment, the first and/or second pipelines

25, 35 may be embodied as cryogenic hoses.

Figure 2 schematically shows the LNG export terminal in accordance with a further embodiment.

In this embodiment the LNG export terminal is 25 configured to receive an LNG shuttle tanker or vessel 200 that functions as an offshore LNG storage unit and LNG carrier .

The LNG shuttle tanker 200 is arranged with LNG storage tanks 250 for storing LNG.

The LNG export terminal's jetty 10 is configured for mooring of the LNG shuttle tanker 200. Additionally, the second pipeline 25 is arranged with an LNG product outlet 32 that can be coupled to an input of the LNG shuttle

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- 9 tanker 200, in such a way that the LNG shuttle tanker can receive LNG from the onshore LNG storage tank 30.

In a further embodiment, the second pipeline 35 may be configured to allow direct transfer from output 31 of 5 the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel 100 to outlet 35 coupled to the LNG shuttle tanker 200.

Optionally, the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel 100 may be configured to have the LNG shuttle tanker 200 mooring along the hull.

Figure 3 schematically shows an LNG export terminal in an alternative embodiment.

In this embodiment, the onshore LNG storage tank 30 is omitted and replaced by a first LNG storage vessel 200 that functions as an LNG storage unit.

The first LNG storage vessel 200 may be an LNG shuttle tanker or an LNG storage tanker, and is arranged with LNG storage tanks 250 for storing LNG.

In this embodiment, the converted hydrocarbon

	carrier-vessel	100	is moored	against	the jetty	10 and	has
20	the capability	to	have the	first LNG storage	vessel	200
	mooring along	its	free side	of the	hull. Alternatively,

the first LNG storage vessel 200 may be moored against the jetty 10 with the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel mooring along a free side of the hull of the first LNG 25 storage vessel 200. In a further alternative, the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel 100 and the first LNG storage vessel 200 are arranged lengthwise in line (or in tandem), each moored against the same side of the jetty 10 .

From the source 20, onshore produced natural gas is supplied through the first pipeline 25 to the input 21 of the natural gas processing plant 101, 102 on the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel 100.

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- 10 The converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel 100 is arranged to produce LNG in the liquefaction system 101, 102 and to transfer from the liquefaction system, the LNG product directly to the LNG storage tanks 250 on the first 5 LNG storage vessel 200 via a second pipeline 33.

Additionally, the first LNG storage vessel 200 is equipped with a further pipeline 34 is arranged with an LNG product outlet 36 that can be coupled to an input of a further LNG shuttle vessel (not shown) that can moor along 10 the jetty 10. In this manner, the first LNG shuttle carrier vessel can function as an LNG storage tank, while the further LNG shuttle vessel is used a carrier for the LNG product. This can be advantageous in locations where it is difficult to construct an onshore LNG storage.

Figure 4 illustrates the alternative LNG export terminal of figure 3. A further LNG shuttle vessel 300 is moored at the jetty 10. The further LNG shuttle vessel 300 comprises LNG storage tanks 350 for storing LNG.

During loading, the LNG storage system on the further 20 LNG shuttle vessel 300 is coupled via the further pipeline 36 with the first LNG shuttle vessel 200 that functions as LNG storage.

In this manner the moored further LNG shuttle vessel 300 is arranged to receive the produced and/or stored LNG 25 either from the liquefaction system 101, 102 converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel 100 directly or from the first LNG shuttle vessel 200.

The pipelines as described above may be pipelines suitable for cryogenic substances or may be cryogenic 30 hoses.

Instead of a jetty 10, the LNG export terminal may comprise a quay or a breakwater type or a mooring arrangement with dolphin type mooring construction for

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2014200191 30 Sep 2019 mooring the converted hydrocarbon carrier vessel or in some embodiments, the first LNG storage vessel.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that no 5 matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention may be practiced in many ways. It should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being 10 re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated.

While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the invention 15 as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the technology without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of 20 the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding 25 description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word comprise or variations such as comprises or comprising is used in an inclusive sense,

i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but 30 not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not

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2014200191 30 Sep 2019 constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A liquefied natural gas, LNG, export terminal for export of onshore produced natural gas supplied by a source that is arranged on a shore, said source, supplying the onshore produced natural gas to the liquefied natural gas LNG export terminal, the liquefied natural gas LNG terminal comprising:

a liquefied natural gas, LNG, storage unit;

a jetty;

a first pipeline that runs along the jetty;

a converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel, spaced apart from the LNG storage unit and moored directly against the jetty, the jetty extending from shore and extending at a ninety degree angle to have a portion extending parallel to the coastline to form an L-shape, the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel moored directly against the jetty on the shore side of the jetty with a length of the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel parallel to the jetty portion extending parallel to the coastline; and an outlet to export the liquefied natural gas to a tanker, the outlet located on the jetty portion extending parallel to the coastline on a side of the jetty opposite the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel such that a vessel can moor to the jetty to receive liquefied natural gas through the outlet, wherein the first pipe line runs on the jetty and is supported by the jetty in a lengthwise direction from the shore to the hydrocarbon carrier vessel, wherein the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel is a converted oil tanker or a converted liquefied natural gas LNG carrier and comprises a hull, a natural gas processing system, and

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- 14 at least one hydrocarbon storage tank located within the hull; and a second pipeline suitable for the transfer of cryogenic fluids extending from the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel that is moored to the jetty to the liquefied natural gas LNG storage unit, wherein the first pipeline is arranged for supplying the onshore produced natural gas from the source to the natural gas processing system on the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel and wherein the converted hydrocarbon carrier vessel is arranged to receive the onshore produced natural gas, liquefy the received onshore produced natural gas in the natural gas processing system and to transfer the LNG produced by the natural gas processing system from the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel to the liquefied natural gas LNG storage unit or to the outlet via the second pipeline.
2. The LNG export terminal according to claim 1, wherein the LNG storage unit is an LNG storage tanker having storage tanks for the produced LNG and which is moored directly against the jetty or against the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel.
3. The LNG export terminal according to claim 2, wherein the storage tanks are spherical tanks.
4. The LNG export terminal according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the LNG storage tanks are membrane tanks.
5. The LNG export terminal according to claim 2, wherein the LNG storage tanker is connectable through a further

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- 15 cryogenic pipeline or hose to one of a group consisting of :

i) a LNG shuttle tanker that is temporary moored against the jetty;

ii) the LNG storage tanker; and iii) the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel.
6. The LNG export terminal according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the converted hydrocarbon carriervessel further comprises one or more of living quarters, maintenance facilities, safety systems, emergency escape and evacuation systems, logistic systems and power generation .
7. The LNG export terminal according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the converted oil tanker is a converted very large crude carrier, VLCC.
8. The LNG export terminal according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the second pipeline is a cryogenic hose .
9. The liquefied natural gas export terminal according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel is moored against the jetty with a longitudinal axis of the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel parallel to a portion of the first pipe line which runs along the jetty.
10. The liquefied natural gas LNG export terminal according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein mooring lines connect the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel to the portion of the jetty extending from the coastline and the

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- 16 portion of the jetty extending substantially parallel to the coastline.
11. The liquefied natural gas LNG export terminal according to any one of claims 1-10,wherein the liquefied natural gas, LNG, storage unit is permanently moored directly against the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel on a side of the hydrocarbon carrier-vessel opposite the j etty.
12. A method of forming a liquefied natural gas LNG export terminal according to any one of claims 1-11, along a jetty which extends from the shore at a first portion and substantially parallel to shore in a second portion to form an L-shape, the method comprising:

converting an oil tanker or a liquefied natural gas LNG carrier into a converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel with a hull and a natural gas processing system;

permanently mooring the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel directly against to the second portion of the jetty such that the converted hydrocarbon carriervessel extends substantially parallel to shore on a shore side of the second portion of the jetty;

extending a first pipeline from the shore to the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel on the jetty;

arranging an outlet on the second portion of the jetty on a side opposite the side on which the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel is moored for export of liquefied natural gas to a tanker moored on that side of the second portion of the jetty; and connecting the outlet to the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel and/or a liquefied natural gas storage unit.

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13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of permanently mooring the converted hydrocarbon carriervessel to the second portion of the jetty such that the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel extends substantially parallel to shore on a shore side of the second portion of the jetty comprises connecting stern mooring lines between the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel and the first portion of the jetty and connecting mooring lines between the converted hydrocarbon carrier-vessel and the second portion of the jetty.