GB2486036A - Process for liquefying natural gas using low-pressure feed stream - Google Patents

Process for liquefying natural gas using low-pressure feed stream Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2486036A
GB2486036A GB1110096.3A GB201110096A GB2486036A GB 2486036 A GB2486036 A GB 2486036A GB 201110096 A GB201110096 A GB 201110096A GB 2486036 A GB2486036 A GB 2486036A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
heat exchanger
expander
gas
feed
natural gas
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1110096.3A
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GB2486036B (en
GB201110096D0 (en
Inventor
Anthony Dwight Maunder
Geoffrey Frederick Skinner
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Gasconsult Ltd
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Gasconsult Ltd
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Publication date
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Priority to GB1110096.3A priority Critical patent/GB2486036B/en
Publication of GB201110096D0 publication Critical patent/GB201110096D0/en
Publication of GB2486036A publication Critical patent/GB2486036A/en
Priority to PCT/GB2012/000502 priority patent/WO2012172281A2/en
Priority to AU2012270148A priority patent/AU2012270148B2/en
Priority to CN201280027025.XA priority patent/CN103582792B/en
Priority to CA2836628A priority patent/CA2836628C/en
Priority to JP2014515273A priority patent/JP5984192B2/en
Priority to MYPI2013004100A priority patent/MY172653A/en
Priority to EP12733175.9A priority patent/EP2721358A2/en
Priority to MX2013014870A priority patent/MX346703B/en
Priority to US14/118,945 priority patent/US20140083132A1/en
Priority to KR1020137032633A priority patent/KR101820560B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2486036B publication Critical patent/GB2486036B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/0002—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the fluid to be liquefied
    • F25J1/0022—Hydrocarbons, e.g. natural gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J5/00—Arrangements of cold exchangers or cold accumulators in separation or liquefaction plants
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
    • F25J1/0035—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by gas expansion with extraction of work
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
    • F25J1/0035—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by gas expansion with extraction of work
    • F25J1/0037—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by gas expansion with extraction of work of a return stream
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
    • F25J1/004—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by flash gas recovery
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0201—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using only internal refrigeration means, i.e. without external refrigeration
    • F25J1/0202—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using only internal refrigeration means, i.e. without external refrigeration in a quasi-closed internal refrigeration loop
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0211—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0225—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using other external refrigeration means not provided before, e.g. heat driven absorption chillers
    • F25J1/0227—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using other external refrigeration means not provided before, e.g. heat driven absorption chillers within a refrigeration cascade
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0228—Coupling of the liquefaction unit to other units or processes, so-called integrated processes
    • F25J1/0229—Integration with a unit for using hydrocarbons, e.g. consuming hydrocarbons as feed stock
    • F25J1/023—Integration with a unit for using hydrocarbons, e.g. consuming hydrocarbons as feed stock for the combustion as fuels, i.e. integration with the fuel gas system
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0228—Coupling of the liquefaction unit to other units or processes, so-called integrated processes
    • F25J1/0235—Heat exchange integration
    • F25J1/0242—Waste heat recovery, e.g. from heat of compression
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0244—Operation; Control and regulation; Instrumentation
    • F25J1/0254—Operation; Control and regulation; Instrumentation controlling particular process parameter, e.g. pressure, temperature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0281—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc. characterised by the type of prime driver, e.g. hot gas expander
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0281—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc. characterised by the type of prime driver, e.g. hot gas expander
    • F25J1/0283—Gas turbine as the prime mechanical driver
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2220/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for the removal of impurities
    • F25J2220/60—Separating impurities from natural gas, e.g. mercury, cyclic hydrocarbons
    • F25J2220/62—Separating low boiling components, e.g. He, H2, N2, Air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2220/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for the removal of impurities
    • F25J2220/60—Separating impurities from natural gas, e.g. mercury, cyclic hydrocarbons
    • F25J2220/64—Separating heavy hydrocarbons, e.g. NGL, LPG, C4+ hydrocarbons or heavy condensates in general
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2240/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for expanding of process streams
    • F25J2240/80—Hot exhaust gas turbine combustion engine
    • F25J2240/82—Hot exhaust gas turbine combustion engine with waste heat recovery, e.g. in a combined cycle, i.e. for generating steam used in a Rankine cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2270/00—Refrigeration techniques used
    • F25J2270/04—Internal refrigeration with work-producing gas expansion loop
    • F25J2270/06—Internal refrigeration with work-producing gas expansion loop with multiple gas expansion loops
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2270/00—Refrigeration techniques used
    • F25J2270/90—External refrigeration, e.g. conventional closed-loop mechanical refrigeration unit using Freon or NH3, unspecified external refrigeration
    • F25J2270/906—External refrigeration, e.g. conventional closed-loop mechanical refrigeration unit using Freon or NH3, unspecified external refrigeration by heat driven absorption chillers

Abstract

A process comprising: cooling natural gas with a heat exchanger D and a first expander E. The heat exchanger D cools the feed natural gas 9 to temperature higher than the outlet temperature of the expander E, reheating the expander outlet stream 11 in a first cold passage of the heat exchanger D to slightly below the temperature of the feed natural gas 9 to the heat exchanger D, passing the cold outlet stream 14 from the heat exchanger into a second expander F wherein it is partly liquefied, separating the outlet stream 15 of second expander F into liquid 16 and vapour 18 fractions, collecting the liquid fraction 16 for use as LNG product, reheating the vapour fraction 18 in a second cold side passage of the heat exchanger D to substantially the same temperature as the temperature of the feed natural gas 9 to the heat exchanger D, recycling the reheated vapour fraction 21 partly as feed 5 to the first expander E and partly as feed 4 to the heat exchanger D. A high pressure feed gas is not required so production of LNG from smaller offshore gas fields is facilitated; the process does not rely on storage and use of liquid refrigerants.

Description

Process for Liquefaction of Natural Gas
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a method for liquefying methane-rich gas and, more particularly but not exclusively, relates to a method for producing liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Background to the Invention
Liquefaction of natural gas can practically be achieved by: -evaporation of liquid refrigerants -work expansion of gases in expansion machines (expanders).
Evaporation of liquid refrigerants gives the lowest power requirement and is the basis of the widely used Cascade and Mixed Refrigerant LNG processes.
Expander-based LNG processes are simple, compact, low in weight and can avoid the importation/preparation/storage of liquid refrigerants. These characteristics are attractive for smaller scale applications, particularly offshore, where low hydrocarbon inventory is desirable from safety considerations.
However expander processes have certain drawbacks: -until recently, limited capacity and experience with expanders -higher power requirement -higher internal gas flowrates, requiring larger line diameters, etc. A, With most expander-based processes the working fluid (typically nitrogen) remains in the vapour phase at the expander outlet.
Partially liquefying the feed gas itself in an expander, having a two-phase discharge flow, can reduce internal (recycle) gas flows and reduce power requirement.
LNG production in a liquefying expander is not a new idea (USP 2,903, 858 -Bocquet).
The present inventors previously disclosed a process (GB Patent 2393504B, USP 7,234,321) with potentially lower power requirements, wherein a liquefying expander is combined with a precooling circuit which contains a simple mixed refrigerant generated from the feed natural gas.
Other recent disclosures comprise precooling by a parallel/recycle gas expander followed by a liquefying expander: -WO 01 /44735 (Minta et al) describing production of pressurised liquid natural gas (PLNG) at -112°C from feed gas compressed to a high pressure of "above 1600 psia".
-us 2006/0213222 (Whitesell) describing production of LNG from a feed gas entering the process at, or compressed within, the process to a pressure of "between about 1500 psig to about 3500 psig".
Summary of the Invention
Relative to the two above-mentioned patents, an inventive step in the present apphcation consists of identifying operating conditions for the two expanders (the precooling expander and the liquefying expander) which allow for practical production of atmospheric pressure LNG at about -161°C. Moreover, a very high pressure feed gas which is a feature of the above-mentioned patents, is no longer required.
This results in a simplified process with improved thermal efficiency having a wide range of potential applications where the raw feed gas has a pressure as low as 40 bar.
The present invention facilitates production of LNG from smaller gas fields, particularly offshore, due to its simple flow scheme, low power consumption and non-reliance on storage and use of liquid refrigerants. The liquefaction process itself generally does not require process columns, for instance for refrigerant preparation, which may be less easy to operate in these conditions.
Description of the Invention
According to the invention, there is provided a process for liquefying natural gas or other methane-rich gases. The feed gas, generally at a pressure of from 40 to 100 bar, is liquefied to give LNG product at approx 1 bar / -161°C by the expander-based plant configuration described above and comprising: -cooling the feed gas and part of the recycle gas (mentioned below) in a first step by means of a first heat exchanger and cooling the balance of the recycle gas in a first work expander; the heat exchanger having an outlet temperature in the range of -50° to -80°C, preferably -60° to -70°C; the expander operating on the balance of the recycle gas having a lower outlet temperature than that of the heat exchanger; the expander having its outlet stream reheated in a cold passage of the said heat exchanger and then recompressed to form part of the above mentioned recycle gas.
-passing the cooled outlet stream from the said first heat exchanger partly into a hot passage in a second heat exchanger, wherein it is essentially condensed, and partly in a second work expander, the said second expander having a lower outlet temperature than the cold outlet of the second heat exchanger, the second expander outlet stream containing a significant amount of liquid (typically 10-15% wt); the expander outlet being separated into a vapour fraction and a liquid fraction; the vapour fraction being reheated in cold passages in said second and first heat exchangers; then recompressed and returned to the front of the process as part of the above mentioned recycle gas.
-reducing the pressure of the above mentioned separated liquid and of the condensed liquid from the hot passage from second heat exchanger (both typically around -120°C) to around to atmospheric pressure; reheating the flashed gas evolved in further cold passages in the above heat exchangers; removing the liquid for use as LNG product.
It has been found that the lowest requirement for recycle gas compression power results from concentrating the extraction of mechanical work into the pressure range above 10 bar approx at the outlet of the second expander, wherein most of the feed hydrocarbon is condensed in a temperature range around -120°C. An advantage of this is that the outlet pressures from the two expanders can be equalized at around 10 bar, reducing the first heat exchanger to a three-passage configuration.
Whereas most existing LNG production relies on evaporation of liquid refrigerants to cool and condense the natural gas so as to form LNG product in a heat exchanger, the invention comprises a liquefaction process with moderate power requirement in which the necessary refrigeration is largely supplied by work expansion of the feed gas itself. Cryogenic liquid refrigerants or other secondary working fluids such as nitrogen are therefore not required.
In this way energy is extracted at a low temperature level which results in improved thermodynamic efficiency. As a result, a significant proportion of the LNG is formed directly in the work extracting expander, in addition to that formed by condensation in an exchanger which is cooled by the reheating of the cold gas from the work expander.
Description of Preferred Embodiments
The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figures 1 and 2 represent flow diagrams illustrating processes in accordance with the invention.
Figure 1 shows the operating features of the invention. The exact flow sheet will depend upon the feed gas specification, but will generally contain these basic elements. Where pressures are stated as "bar" these are bar absolute.
The feed natural gas (Stream 1)is passed through a pretreatment stage A in which components that would solidify or otherwise interfere with the downstream liquefaction process, such C02, H2S, water vapour and mercury vapour, are removed to the extent necessary to give appropriate and conventional concentrations in the pretreated gas (Stream 2). Stream 2 is mixed with part (Stream 4) of the recycle gas (Stream 3) to form Stream 6, which is passed through a passage in heat exchanger B, from which it exits as Stream 7 at a temperature typically in the range -20° to -60°C, preferably -30° to -50°C. This temperature is typically low enough to condense sufficient NGL to meet the specification for the final LNG product. Any condensed hydrocarbons in separator C are removed as Stream 8. The outlet vapour from C (Stream 9) is further cooled in a passage in heat exchanger D, exiting as Stream 10 at a temperature in the range -50° to -80°C, preferably -60° to -70°C.
CooUng the remaining part of the recycle gas (Stream 5) in gas expander E having an outlet Stream 11 with a temperature lower than the temperature of Stream 10. The pressure of Stream 11 will typically be around 15 bar. Stream 11 enters a first cold passage in heat exchanger D, leaving as Stream 12., which then passes through a first cold passage in heat exchanger B, emerging (Stream 13) at a temperature close to the temperature of Stream 6.
The ratio of the flow rate of Stream 4 to the flow rate of Stream 5 is controlled so that the temperature approach between the composite hot and cold sides of heat exchangers B and D are substantially uniform throughout their lengths.
A large part of Stream 10 is then passed (Stream 14) through a second gas expander F from which it emerges as Stream 15 at a pressure between 3 bar and 20 bar, preferably between 5 bar and 15 bar and in a partly liquefied state.
Stream 15 then enters vapour-liquid separator G. The liquid phase from Separator G (Stream 16) is then typically let down in pressure reduction device H such as a valve or a turbine. The outlet from H (Stream 17), which is typically at or close to atmospheric pressure, is delivered into the LNG Tank 1. lf desired to reduce the nitrogen content of the product LNG a convenUonal nitrogen stripping column (not shown) may be used, typically employing the sensible heat of Stream 16 for reboiling.
Optionally and preferably a part of Stream 10 flows as Stream 23 through a hot side passage in heat exchanger J, wherein it is liquefied by indirect heat exchange with the vapour from separator G (Stream 18), emerging as Stream 24. This is then typically let down in pressure through pressure reduction device K, such as a valve or a turbine. The outlet from K is routed either to vapour-liquid separator G, shown in broken line as Stream 25a, or preferably as Stream 25b to the LNG tank I. This second option helps to reduce accumulation of nitrogen in the recycle gas. Stream 18, having been heated in a first cold passage in heat exchanger J, emerges as Stream 19. it is then further heated in a second cold passage in heat exchanger D, emerging as Stream 20, which is then further heated in a second cold passage in heat exchanger B, emerging as Stream 21 at a temperature slightly be'ow the temperature of Stream 6.
Streams 13 and 21 (but see below) are compressed in recycle compressor N, from which the outlet Stream 34 is cooled typically with cooling water in cooler 0. Compressor N may consist of more than one stage with intercoolers.
Streams 13 and 21 will not have the same pressure and may enter at different compressor stages. The outlet stream from 0 forms the above-mentioned recycle gas Stream 3.
The flashing of Stream 16 across H and to a lesser extent the flashing of Stream 24 across K will result in the evolution of vapour comprising mainly methane together with most of the nitrogen content of the feed gas. Typically this vapour (Stream 26) optionally combined with boil-off vapour resulting from heat leak into tank I, is heated in a second cold passage in heat exchanger J to form Stream 27, then in a third cold passage in heat exchanger D to give Stream 28 and finally in a third cold passage in heat exchanger B, emerging as Stream 29 at a temperature slightly below the temperature of Stream 6. A conventional booster blower (also not shown) may be provided in Stream 26 to ensure that the pressure of Stream 29 does not fall below atmospheric pressure. Stream 29 may typically be used as fuel gas.
Part or all of Stream 29 optionally may be compressed (Stream 30) for return to the recycle gas in a low pressure compressor L, leaving as Stream 31. This stream is cooled in cooler M, from which the outlet (Stream 32) joins Stream 21 to form Stream 22, which then enters the suction of recycle compressor N instead of Stream 21 alone if this option were not used. A further option is to withdraw recycle gas (Stream 33) at a convenient point from compressor N for use as gas turbine fuel.
Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention in which expanders E and F have essenllaUy the same ouliet pressure of between 3 bar and 20 bar, preferably between 5 bar and 15 bar. The outlet stream from expander E (Stream 11) is then combined with Stream 19 to form Stream 19a, which enters heat exchanger D in place of Stream 19 in Fig.1. The heat exchangers B and D then have only three passages, simplifying the construction of the exchanger and the operation of the plant.
Although in most applications it is expected that the Streams 2 and 3 will have temperatures close to ambient temperature, cooling below this level may be advantageous. lt is feasible to cool those streams, and optionally the outlet streams from compressor intercoolers, by means of an absorption refrigeration system typically using lithium bromide (LiBr). This could receive its heat supply from the exhaust of a gas turbine, gas engine or combined cycle or anything
else suitable.

Claims (5)

  1. Claims 1. A process for Uquefying natural gas or other methane-rich gases comprising: -coong the feed natural gas to a temperature of -50° to -80°C, preferably 600 to -70°C, by means of a heat exchanger and a first gas expander, the heat exchanger receiving the feed natural gas and having an outlet temperature higher than the outlet temperature of the expander; To -reheating the expander outlet stream n a first cold passage of said heat exchanger to just below the inlet temperature of the feed natural gas to said heat exchanger, compressing and recycling.-passing part or all of the cold outlet stream from said heat exchanger into a second expander in which it is partly liquefied; -separating the outlet stream of said second expander into vapour and liquid fractions; -collecting the liquid fraction for use as LNG product, -reheating the vapour fraction in a second cold side passage of said heat exchanger to just below the inlet temperature of the feed natural gas to said heat exchanger; -recychng the said reheated vapour fraction after compression in part to the said first expander and in part to the said heat exchanger.
  2. 2. A process as claimed in claim 1 in which the said first and second gas expanders have essentially the same outlet pressure of between 3 bar and 20 bar, preferably between 5 bar and 15 bar, and the outlet streams from both expanders are combined prior to final reheating, compression and recyde.
  3. 3. A process as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2 in which any part or all of the feed and/or compressor discharge and/or recycle streams are cooled, typically by use of an absorption refrigeration cycles such as lithium bromide (LiBr).
  4. 4. A process as claimed in any preceding claim in which the heat requirement for an absorption refrigeration system is supplied by gas engine or gas turbine exhaust heat, such gas engines or turbines which may be used for supplying power to the process compressors.
  5. 5. A process as claimed in any preceding claim wherein such cooling of either feed and/or recycle streams is combined with removal of carbon dioxide and/or other impurities from the feed gas.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1. A process for liquefying natural gas or other methane-rich gases comprising: -cooling the feed natural gas to a temperature of 5O0 to -80°C by means of a heat exchanger and a first gas expander, the heat exchanger receiving the feed natural gas and having an outlet temperature higher than the outlet temperature of the expander; -reheating the expander outlet stream in a first cold passage of said heat exchanger to just below the inlet temperature of the feed natural gas to said heat exchanger, compressing and recycling.-passing part or all of the cold outlet stream from said heat exchanger into a second expander in which it is partly liquefied; -separating the outlet stream of said second expander into vapour and liquid fractions; -collecting the liquid fraction for use as LNG product, : 20 -reheating the vapour fraction in a second cold side passage of said heat exchanger to just below the inlet temperature of the feed natural gas to said heat exchanger; * 00.00S-recycling the said reheated vapour fraction after compression in part to the said first expander and in part to the said heat exchanger.2. A process as claimed in claim I in which the feed natural gas is cooled to a temperature of -60° to -70°C.3. A process as claimed in claim I in which the said first and second gas expanders have essentially the same outlet pressure of between 3 bar and 20 bar, preferably between 5 bar and 15 bar, and the outlet streams from both expanders are combined prior to final reheating, compression and recycle.4. A process as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which any part or all of the feed andlor compressor discharge andlor recycle streams are cooled, typically [5 by use of an absorption refrigeration cycles such as lithium bromide (LiBr).5. A process as claimed in any preceding claim in which the heat requirement for an absorption refrigeration system is supplied by gas engine or gas turbine exhaust heat, such gas engines or turbines which may be used for :° 20 supplying power to the process compressors. * UUU* S....S6. A process as claimed in any preceding claim wherein such cooling of either feed and/or recycle streams is combined with removal of carbon dioxide andfor other impurities from the feed gas. * I * * IIIIII,.. * I II..I I... I. * I * I..S*S III * I
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KR1020137032633A KR101820560B1 (en) 2011-06-15 2012-06-11 Process for liquefaction of natural gas
JP2014515273A JP5984192B2 (en) 2011-06-15 2012-06-11 Natural gas liquefaction process
MX2013014870A MX346703B (en) 2011-06-15 2012-06-11 Process for liquefaction of natural gas.
CN201280027025.XA CN103582792B (en) 2011-06-15 2012-06-11 Method for natural gas liquefaction
CA2836628A CA2836628C (en) 2011-06-15 2012-06-11 Process for liquefaction of natural gas
PCT/GB2012/000502 WO2012172281A2 (en) 2011-06-15 2012-06-11 Process for liquefaction of natural gas
MYPI2013004100A MY172653A (en) 2011-06-15 2012-06-11 Process for liquefaction of natural gas
EP12733175.9A EP2721358A2 (en) 2011-06-15 2012-06-11 Process for liquefaction of natural gas
AU2012270148A AU2012270148B2 (en) 2011-06-15 2012-06-11 Process for liquefaction of natural gas
US14/118,945 US20140083132A1 (en) 2011-06-15 2012-06-11 Process for liquefaction of natural gas

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