KR20160058882A - Expandable LNG processing plant - Google Patents

Abstract

An LNG treatment facility disposed at a treatment site adjacent to a water body and an LNG treatment method using the LNG treatment facility are disclosed. The LNG treatment facility includes a first stage LNG treatment facility for treating the LNG of the initial facility capacity, the first stage LNG treatment facility includes a plurality of first stage facilities, Wherein at least one of the plurality of first stage facilities is located on a gravity based structure having a base that is settled on the seabed at a selected location within a body of water and wherein the gravity based structure It has decks placed above the surface of the water at the selected site, and the selected site is the ocean or the sea. Wherein at least one second stage facility is provided on the deck of the gravity type base structure to provide a second stage LNG treatment facility, said second stage LNG treatment facility having a maximum facility capacity greater than the initial facility capacity, The stage fixtures are provided to extend the facility capacity of the first stage treatment facility to one or more incremental stages and the deck of the structure provides a pre-allocated space for installing one or more second stage fixtures on the deck of the structure Size.

Description

Expandable LNG processing plant [0002]

The present invention relates to an expandable liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing facility. More specifically, some embodiments of the present invention relate to LNG production facilities. Other embodiments of the invention relate to natural gas regasification facilities.

Large volumes of natural gas (ie, mainly methane) are located in remote areas of the world. This gas has significant value if it can be transported economically to the market. Natural gas ("NG") is typically loaded in liquid form, such as liquefied natural gas ("LNG"), in cryogenic storage tanks of large cords, known as "LNG Carriers" Of LNG production facilities to another location. Because LNG accounts for approximately one-sixth of the volume of natural gas in the gaseous state, liquefaction of natural gas is more economical to transport. Prior to liquefaction, the raw natural gas as extracted from the oil wells undergoes a series of gas pretreatment processes including removal of acid gas and dehydration to remove contaminants. After liquefaction, LNG is typically stored at a temperature of approximately -160 ° C at atmospheric pressure or slightly above atmospheric pressure in a cryogenic storage tank at an LNG production facility.

Gas pretreatment, liquefaction and storage are generally performed at fixed land-based LNG production facilities, and LNG production facilities are associated with docks located at depths deep enough for LNG carriers to berth. A typical LNG carrier can have a length of 300 meters and a draft of 15 to 20 meters. Such docking of LNG carriers requires special conditions of depth and sea conditions. In some countries, it is necessary to build several kilometers of pipelines and piers to the ocean with sufficient water depths to allow access to LNG carriers. The costs associated with the construction and installation of the docks for berthing of LNG carriers are the main cost. For marine transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG), a method of transporting LNG between cryogenic storage tanks of land-based LNG production facilities and cryogenic storage tanks of LNG carriers is required. Traditionally, the means of transport has the form of an insulated pipe placed on a high support trestle structure between the onshore LNG production facility and the pier so that the insulated pipe is always kept above the surface of the water. This prior art transport facility includes a vapor recovery line to recover the vaporized gas to land-based LNG production facilities. After the LNG is loaded into the cryogenic storage tank of an LNG carrier for maritime transport, the LNG is regenerated to a temperature and pressure appropriate to the end-user's delivery request prior to distribution to end users via a pipeline or other distribution network.

The cost of traditional land-based LNG storage and handling facilities has continued to increase over the years and is now a very important component of the overall installation cost for LNG projects. Efforts to reduce this cost have focused on optimizing the size of the storage tanks and utilizing the economies of scale by increasing the size of the LNG train capacity and improving the berth utilization of the LNG. To avoid costs associated with the construction of ports for land-based LNG production facilities, it has been proposed to produce LNG at sea. In this regard, total LNG production is performed on floating LNG production vessels. Alternatively, gas pretreatment is carried out onshore and liquefaction has been suggested to be carried out on marine floating vessels with optimized equipment in size and placement to keep deck size to a minimum. Such gas pretreatment involves removal of moisture, sour gas species (CO ₂ and H ₂ S), and heavy hydrocarbons. The pretreated gas is sent to the floating liquefaction plant by pipeline. Due to their size and complexity, the costs associated with the implementation of complete LNG liquefaction facilities at sea are extremely high.

Land-based facilities used for the liquefaction of natural gas are generally constructed step by step as the supply of feed gas, ie the volume of natural gas and the amount of gas contracted for sale, increases. Each stage usually consists of separate, stand-alone units, which are commonly referred to as 'LNG trains'. The LNG train includes all of the individual components needed to liquefy the feed gas stream to the LNG and to send it to the cryogenic storage tank. As the supply of feed gas to the facility exceeds the capacity of a single stand-alone LNG train, additional stand-alone LNG trains are installed in the onshore facility, as needed, to handle the increased LNG production. On the other hand, as the available deck space is fully utilized and optimized to keep the overall size of floating LNG production vessels to a minimum, the throughput of LNG facilities on once-floored floating LNG production vessels will change I can not.

The cost of LNG storage and unloading facilities has continued to increase over the years and is now a very important component of the overall installation cost for LNG projects. Efforts to reduce this cost have focused on optimizing the size of the storage tanks and utilizing the economies of scale by increasing the size of the LNG train capacity and improving the berth utilization of the LNG.

There remains a need for alternative LNG processing facilities that can address one or more disadvantages of the conventional LNG processing facility described above.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an expandable LNG treatment facility disposed in a treatment site adjacent to a water body and a method of treating the LNG in the LNG treatment facility.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an LNG processing facility disposed at a processing site adjacent to a water body, the LNG processing facility comprising:

A) a first stage LNG treatment facility for treating an initial plant capacity of LNG, comprising a plurality of first stage facilities, each first stage facility having a predetermined A first stage LNG processing facility having facility equipment associated with the function; And

B) one or more second stage facilities provided on the deck of the structure to provide a second stage LNG processing facility having a maximum capacity greater than the initial facility capacity,

Wherein at least one of the plurality of first stage equipments is disposed on the deck of the structure and the deck is placed on the surface in a selected offshore or near-

Wherein said at least one second stage facility is provided for expanding facility capacity of said first stage LNG processing facility to one or more incremental stages, To provide a pre-allocated space for installation on the deck of the vehicle.

In one form, at least one of the plurality of first stage equipments is disposed on a first end side of the deck, and the preallocated space is disposed on a second opposite end side of the deck. In one form, at least one of the plurality of first stage equipments is disposed on a first side of the deck, and the pre-allocated space is disposed on a second opposite side of the deck.

In one form, the structure is a gravity based structure having a stationary structure or floating structure or a base that is fixed on the undersurface in the selected location.

In one form, the structure includes a first cryogenic storage tank for receiving and storing LNG. In one form, the first cryogenic storage tank is a prismatic storage tank or a membrane-type storage tank. In one form, the first cryogenic storage tank is one of a plurality of first cryogenic storage tanks. In one form, the first cryogenic storage tank has an LNG storage capacity of at least 160,000 m 3. In one form, the first cryogenic storage tank has an LNG storage capacity in the range of 160,000 m 3 to 520,000 m 3.

In one form, the structure has a length of up to 500 m and a width of up to 150 m. In one form, the structure has a depth of up to 50 m.

In one aspect, the initial facility capacity of the first stage LNG treatment facility is in the range of 0.5 to 7 million tonnes of LNG per year. In one aspect, the maximum capacity after expansion to provide the second stage LNG treatment facility is in the range of 2 million to 50 million tons of LNG per year. In one form, at least one of the plurality of first stage facilities is sized to process both the initial facility capacity and the maximum facility capacity.

In one form, at least one of the second stage equipment is located on a stationary platform, semi-submerged structure or jacket structure.

In one form, the one or more second stage equipment are modules having a weight greater than 7,000 tonnes. In one form, the modules have a weight of greater than 8,000 tonnes and up to 100,000 tonnes.

In one form, the gravity type base structure includes one or both of a condensate storage tank and an LPG storage tank.

In one aspect, the structure is configured to load LNG from a first cryogenic storage tank of the structure to a second cryogenic storage tank mounted on an LNG carrier, or to load the LNG from a second cryogenic storage tank of an LNG carrier, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > LNG < / RTI >

In one form, the structure is dried in a dry place and is floated into a first treatment site before being placed in the selected location. In one form, the structure is configured to provide a breakwater for the LNG carrier at the selected location.

In one form, the structure is transportable from a first processing location to a second processing location. In one form, the structure is a gravity based structure and the gravity based structure is disposed about the periphery of the gravity based structure for ballasting or a ballast storage disposed about the base of the gravity based structure Includes compartments. In one version, the ballast storage compartment is one of a plurality of ballast storage compartments.

In one aspect, the LNG processing facility is an LNG production facility configured to receive a feed stream of natural gas and to liquefy natural gas to produce a product stream of LNG.

In one aspect, the first stage LNG processing facility is configured to receive a hydrocarbon stream comprising a hydrocarbon gas and a liquid and to separate the condensate and free water from the hydrocarbon stream to produce a hydrocarbon feed gas stream for the gas pretreatment plant. and a first stage gas receiving facility for separating the liquid containing one or both of the free water and the free water. In one aspect, the first stage gas receiving facility is disposed on a deck of the structure. In one aspect, the first stage gas receiving facility is located in the ocean or seabed. In one aspect, the first stage gas receiving facility is located onshore.

In one aspect, the first stage LNG processing facility is configured to receive a hydrocarbon feed gas stream from a gas receiving facility and to remove contaminants from the hydrocarbon feed gas stream to produce a stream of pre- And a first stage gas pretreatment facility. In one aspect, the first stage gas pretreatment facility is disposed on the deck of the structure. In one aspect, the first stage gas pretreatment facility is located onshore. In one aspect, the first stage gas pretreatment facility is located in the ocean. In one aspect, the first stage LNG treatment facility includes a first stage LNG liquefaction facility for receiving a stream of pretreated gas from a gas pretreatment facility and liquefying natural gas to produce a product stream of LNG .

In one aspect, the first stage LNG liquefaction plant is disposed on the deck of the structure. In one aspect, the first stage LNG liquefaction plant is located onshore. In one aspect, the first stage LNG liquefaction plant is located in the ocean. In one aspect, the structure includes an evaporation gas reliquefaction facility for liquefying at least a portion of the evaporated gas generated in the first cryogenic storage tank.

In one aspect, the LNG processing facility is an LNG regasification facility configured to receive a feed stream of LNG and to vaporize the LNG to produce a product stream of natural gas. In one form, the first stage LNG regeneration facility includes a first stage power plant for generating power to be supplied using the natural gas first stage product stream as a fuel source for generating electricity. In one aspect, the first stage power plant is located on a deck of the structure. In one aspect, the first stage power plant is located in the ocean. In one aspect, the first stage power plant is located onshore. In one aspect, the first stage power plant is an existing offshore power plant.

In one aspect, the first stage LNG reglication facility comprises a first stage vaporization unit configured to receive a stream of natural gas vapor from a first stage regeneration facility and to deliver a first stage product stream of vaporized natural gas, Gas receiving facilities. In one aspect, the first stage vaporized gas receiving facility is disposed on a deck of the structure. In one aspect, the first stage vaporized gas receiving facility is located in the ocean. In one aspect, the first stage vaporized gas receiving facility is located onshore. In one aspect, the first stage LNG regasification facility is configured to vaporize a first stage feed stream of LNG to produce a first stage stream of vaporized natural gas delivered to a first stage vaporization gas receiving facility RTI ID = 0.0 > regeneration < / RTI > In one aspect, the first stage regeneration facility is disposed on a deck of the structure. In one aspect, the first stage regeneration facility is located in the ocean. In one aspect, the first stage regenerator is located onshore.

In one aspect, the initial facility capacity is at least 0.5 million tonnes per year and the maximum feed treatment capacity is at least 2 million tonnes per year. In one form, the initial facility capacity is at least 0.5 million tonnes per year and the maximum feed treatment capacity is not greater than 50 million tonnes per year. In one form, the initial facility capacity is at least 0.5 million tonnes per year and the maximum feed treatment capacity is not greater than 70 million tonnes per year.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating LNG in an LNG treatment facility disposed at a treatment site adjacent to a body of water,

A) providing a first stage LNG treatment facility for treating an LNG of initial facility capacity, comprising a plurality of first stage facilities, each first stage facility having associated with a predetermined function associated with the treatment of LNG Providing a first stage LNG processing facility having facility equipment; And

B) providing at least one second stage facility on the deck of the structure to provide a second stage LNG treatment facility having a maximum facility capacity greater than the initial facility capacity, thereby increasing the facility capacity of the first stage LNG treatment facility to one or more Expanding to incremental stages,

Wherein at least one of the plurality of first stage equipments is disposed on the deck of the structure and the deck is placed on the surface in a selected offshore or near-

The deck of the structure is sized to provide a pre-allocated space for installing the one or more second stage equipment on the deck of the structure.

In one form, the method includes processing the LNG from the first stage LNG processing facility during step B). In one aspect, at least one of the plurality of first stage facilities is disposed on a first end side of the deck, and the preallocated space is disposed on a second opposite end side of the deck. In one aspect, the method includes placing at least one of the plurality of first stage equipment on a first side of the deck and placing the preallocated space on a second opposite side of the deck.

In one aspect, the initial facility capacity of the first stage LNG treatment facility is in the range of 0.5 to 7 million tonnes of LNG per year. In one aspect, the maximum capacity after the expansion step to the second stage LNG treatment facility is in the range of 2 to 70 million tonnes of LNG per year. In one aspect, the method includes providing at least one of the plurality of first stage facilities for processing both the initial facility capacity and the maximum facility capacity.

In one aspect, the method includes placing at least one of the second stage equipment on a fixed platform, semi-submerged structure or jacket structure. In one aspect, the method includes providing the at least one second stage facility as modules having a weight greater than 7,000 tonnes. In one form, the modules have a weight of greater than 8,000 tonnes and up to 100,000 tonnes.

In one aspect, the method includes the step of drying the structure in a dry location and floating the structure into the first treatment site to place the structure at the selected location. In one aspect, the method includes constructing the structure to provide a breakwater for the LNG carrier at the selected location. In one aspect, the method includes moving the structure from a first processing location to a second processing location. In one aspect, the LNG processing facility is an LNG production facility configured to receive a feed stream of natural gas and to liquefy natural gas to produce a product stream of LNG. In one aspect, the LNG processing facility is an LNG regasification facility configured to receive a feed stream of LNG and to vaporize the LNG to produce a product stream of natural gas.

In one form, the initial facility capacity is at least 0.5 million tonnes per year and the maximum feed treatment capacity is not greater than 50 million tonnes per year. In one form, the initial facility capacity is at least 2 million tonnes per year and the maximum feed treatment capacity is not greater than 50 million tonnes per year.

In order that the nature of the invention may be more readily understood, several embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 is a schematic plan view of a first embodiment showing that the first stage LNG processing facility shown by the solid line and the LNG processing facility having the second stage LNG processing facility shown by the dotted line expand to one incremental stage;
2 is a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of a LNG processing facility having a first stage LNG processing facility as shown by the solid line and a second stage LNG processing facility as shown by the solid line;
Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of an LNG processing facility showing a submarine pipeline extending from land to gravity based structure;
Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of an LNG processing facility showing a trestle extending from land to gravity base structure;
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a second processing site (or processing station) for de-ballasting and re-ballasting at a first processing site, In which: Fig.
6 shows that the LNG processing facility having a first stage LNG processing facility shown by a solid line and a second stage LNG processing facility shown by a dotted line and all the facilities are arranged on a deck of a structure is extended to one increasing step Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of a second embodiment;
7 is a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of an LNG processing facility having a first stage LNG processing facility as shown by the solid line and a second stage LNG processing facility as shown by the solid line and in which all the facilities are located on the deck of the structure;
FIG. 8 shows that the LNG processing facility having the first stage LNG processing facility shown by the solid line and the second stage LNG processing facility shown by the dotted line and all the facilities are located on the deck of the structure, 1 is a schematic plan view of a third embodiment;
FIG. 9 shows that the LNG processing facility having a first-stage LNG processing facility shown by a solid line and a second-stage LNG processing facility shown by a dotted line and one of the facilities being located outside the deck of the structure is extended to one incremental stage 1 is a schematic plan view of a third embodiment;
10 shows a first stage LNG treatment facility shown by a solid line and a second stage LNG treatment facility shown by a dotted line, in which one of the facilities is extended to an incremental stage of an LNG treatment facility located onshore 3 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment;
FIG. 11 shows that the LNG processing facility having the first-stage LNG processing facility shown by the solid line and the second-stage LNG processing facility shown by the dotted line is extended to one incremental stage where all of the facilities are located on the deck of the structure A schematic plan view of a fourth embodiment;
12 shows that the LNG processing facility having a first stage LNG processing facility shown by a solid line and a second stage LNG processing facility shown by a dotted line and one of the facilities being located outside the deck of the structure is extended to one incremental stage A schematic plan view of a fourth embodiment;
13 shows a first stage LNG treatment facility shown by a solid line and a second stage LNG treatment facility shown by a dotted line, in which one of the facilities is extended to an incremental stage of an LNG treatment facility located onshore 4 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment;
14 is a schematic plan view of a fifth embodiment showing that the LNG processing facility with the first stage LNG processing facility shown by the solid line and the LNG processing facility with the second stage LNG processing facility shown by the dotted line extend into three incremental steps;
15 is a schematic plan view of a fifth embodiment of an LNG processing facility having a first stage LNG processing facility as shown by the solid line and a second stage LNG processing facility as shown by the solid line after the addition of the first incremental step;
FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view of a fifth embodiment of an LNG processing facility having a first stage LNG processing facility shown in solid lines and a second-stage LNG processing facility shown in solid lines, after addition of primary and secondary incremental steps;
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a fifth stage LNG processing facility having a first stage LNG processing facility as shown by the solid line and a second stage LNG processing facility as shown by the solid line, after the addition of the first, second, A schematic plan view;
FIG. 18 shows that the LNG processing facility having the first-stage LNG processing facility shown by the solid line and the second-stage LNG processing facility shown by the dotted line is extended to three incremental steps by adding units or facilities installed on the stationary structure Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 6 < / RTI >
19 is a schematic plan view of a sixth embodiment of an LNG processing facility having a first stage LNG processing facility shown in solid lines and a second stage LNG processing facility shown in solid lines after the addition of the first incremental step;
20 is a schematic plan view of a sixth embodiment of an LNG processing facility having a first stage LNG processing facility shown in solid lines and a second stage LNG processing facility shown in solid lines after addition of primary and secondary incremental steps;
FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of the first stage LNG processing facility shown by the solid line and the second embodiment of the LNG processing facility having the second stage LNG processing facility shown by the solid line, after the addition of the primary, secondary, A schematic plan view;
Figure 22 is a schematic side view of a sixth embodiment of an LNG processing facility showing a trestle extending from land to floating structure;
Figure 23 is a schematic side view of a sixth embodiment of an LNG processing facility showing a subsea pipeline extending from land to a fixed structure.
It should be understood that the drawings are merely illustrative of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, and may allow other equally effective embodiments. The same reference numerals denote the same parts. The components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, all figures are intended to convey concepts, wherein the relative sizes, shapes and other detailed features may be schematically depicted rather than completely or accurately.

Specific embodiments of the present invention are now described. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

The abbreviation 'LNG' refers to liquefied natural gas. The abbreviation 'LPG' represents liquefied petroleum gas. The term 'LNG carrier' refers to a maritime transport vessel capable of carrying liquefied natural gas cargo at sea.

The term " onshore facility " as used in the description and claims refers to a facility entirely disposed on the ground, preferably near the coastline.

The term " offshore facility " as used in the description and claims refers to a facility entirely placed underwater or above water, whereby the facility is surrounded by seawater in all directions. As used in the description and claims, the term "near-shore facility" refers to offshore installations located in shallow water. As used in the description and claims, the term " shallow water " refers to a sea having a depth less than 50 m or less than 15 m, or less than 10 m or less than 5 m.

The distance between land equipment and marine equipment connected by the pipeline can vary. The distance is preferably 5 km or more, or 10 km or more, or 15 km or more, or 20 km or more, or 30 km or more, or 200 km or more.

The phrase 'LNG processing plant' as used herein and in the claims means any processing facility that produces a product that has been altered in some way from the feed, and the feed or product becomes an LNG. An example of an LNG processing facility is an LNG production facility for producing LNG. Another example of an LNG treatment facility is a LNG vaporization or regasification facility where the feed is LNG.

The phrase " liquefaction facility " as used herein and in the claims refers to a facility for treating a feed stream comprising methane in gaseous form into a product stream comprising liquid methane it means. The LNG liquefaction facility includes at least one cryogenic heat exchanger and at least one refrigerant compression system.

The phrase " gas pre-treatment facility " as used herein and in the claims is intended to include a feedstock stream comprising at least methane, ethane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulphide, ≪ / RTI > means a plant that produces a pretreated gas stream containing other non-methane species. The gas pretreatment facility may include equipment for the removal of hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide and moisture. The gas pretreatment facility may optionally include equipment for the removal of mercury. The gas pretreatment facility may include equipment for the removal of heavy hydrocarbons. The term " heavy hydrocarbon " refers to a hydrocarbon compound having more than three carbon atoms in the chain.

Using the method and system of the present invention, LNG is treated in an LNG treatment facility disposed at a treatment site adjacent to the body of water, the method comprising:

A) providing a first stage LNG treatment facility for treating an LNG of initial facility capacity, comprising a plurality of first stage facilities, each first stage facility having associated with a predetermined function associated with the treatment of LNG Providing a first stage LNG processing facility having facility equipment; And

B) providing at least one second stage facility on the deck of the structure to provide a second stage LNG treatment facility having a maximum facility capacity greater than the initial facility capacity, thereby increasing the facility capacity of the first stage LNG treatment facility to one or more Expanding to incremental stages,

Wherein at least one of the plurality of first stage equipments is disposed on the deck of the structure and the deck is placed on the surface in a selected offshore or near-

The deck of the structure is sized to provide a pre-allocated space for installing the one or more second stage equipment on the deck of the structure.

To facilitate expansion, the deck of the structure is designed and dimensioned to provide pre-allocated space on the deck for installing the one or more second stage equipment on the deck. Advantageously, the processing of the LNG from the first stage LNG processing facility can continue during the expansion phase. The first stage LNG processing facility is located on the deck of the structure in such a way as to provide easy access to pre-allocated space.

The LNG processing facility is a facility for receiving a feed stream of natural gas and liquefying the natural gas to produce a product stream of LNG, as described in detail below with respect to the first to sixth embodiments of the present invention The LNG production facility. Alternatively, the LNG processing facility may be an LNG regasification facility configured to receive a feed stream of LNG and produce a product stream of natural gas, as described in detail below with respect to the seventh embodiment.

1 to 4, a first embodiment of the present invention is described in the context that the LNG processing facility is an LNG production facility. More specifically, there is provided a first stage LNG production facility for producing LNG of an initial facility capacity, wherein the first stage LNG production facility comprises a plurality of spaced plants, each of which is associated with a liquefaction- It is equipped with facilities related to the specified functions. The first stage LNG production facility includes at least the following facilities.

a) separating a liquid comprising one or both of condensate and free water from the hydrocarbon stream to receive a hydrocarbon stream comprising hydrocarbon gas and liquid and produce a hydrocarbon feed gas stream for the gas pretreatment plant; A gas receiving facility for;

b) a gas pretreatment facility for receiving the hydrocarbon feed gas stream from the gas receiving facility and for removing contaminants from the hydrocarbon feed gas stream to produce a stream of pretreated gas;

c) a liquefaction facility for receiving a stream of pretreated gas from a gas pretreatment facility and liquefying natural gas to produce a product stream of LNG;

d) a storage facility operatively associated with the transfer means for receiving the product stream of the LNG from the liquefaction plant and for receiving and storing the LNG in the first cryogenic storage tank; And

e) LNG transfer facilities for transferring LNG from the first cryogenic storage tank of the storage facility to a second cryogenic storage tank mounted on the LNG carrier as needed.

1 to 4, an LNG treatment facility 10 is disposed in a first treatment site 12 adjacent to a water body 14, in the form of an LNG production facility. The LNG production facility 10 includes a first stage LNG production facility 16 for producing LNG having an initial facility capacity shown by a solid line in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a second stage LNG production facility 18 A pre-allocated space is provided on the deck of the structure for future expansion of the LNG processing facility 10 into one or more incremental stages to provide the LNG processing facility 10 with the initial facility capacity And has a larger maximum capacity. The second stage LNG production facility 18 is shown in dashed lines in Fig. 1 and solid lines in Fig. In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the capacity of the first stage LNG production facility 16 is increased by installing one or more second stage facilities to provide the second stage production facility . This extension can be performed without interrupting the processing of the LNG by the first stage LNG production facility.

1 to 4, the first stage LNG production facility 16 includes a first stage gas receiving facility 20 (hereinafter referred to as a 'slug catcher'), , Wherein the first stage gas receiving facility (20) receives a hydrocarbon stream (21) comprising a hydrocarbon gas and a liquid and a liquid (21) containing one or both of condensate and free water from the hydrocarbon stream To produce a first stage hydrocarbon feed gas stream 23. The LNG production facility 10 includes a first stage marine gas pretreatment facility 22 for producing a first stage stream 25 of pretreated gas. In this embodiment, the first stage LNG production facility 16 receives the first stage stream 25 of the pretreated gas from the gas pretreatment facility 22 and the first stage pretreated gas stream 25, Stage liquefaction facility 24 for liquefying the LNG to produce a first stage product stream 26 of LNG. The first stage product stream of LNG is produced at a rate determined by the initial capacity of the LNG in the first stage LNG production facility 16.

By way of example only, the initial capacity of the first stage LNG production facility is in the range of 0.5 to 7 million tons of LNG per year. The maximum capacity after expansion to provide the second stage LNG production facility is in the range of 2 million to 50 million tons per year.

The first stage gas pretreatment facility 22 includes equipment for the removal of acidic gases, dehydration and, optionally, removal of mercury in the type known in the art and removal of heavy hydrocarbons. Liquefaction is accomplished using any liquefaction process, generally involving compression, expansion and cooling, established in the art within the first stage liquefaction facility 24. [ These prior art liquefaction processes include processes based on the nitrogen cycle, the C3 / MR ^占 or Split MR ^占 or AP-X ^占 processes of APCI, the Optimized Cascade process of Philips, the Linde A Mixed Fluid Cascade process, a Shell Double Mixed Refrigerant or a Parallel Mixed Refrigerant process, or the Axens LIQUEFIN ^™ process.

1 to 4, the LNG production facility 1 comprises a gravity type base (not shown) having a base 30 which is fixed on a seabed 32 at a selected location 34 in a water body 14, The gravity based structure having a deck 38 disposed on the water surface 40 at a selected location 34. The deck 38 is a water- The selected site is offshore or near-shore. The shoreline is designated by reference numeral 29.

By way of example, when the structure is in the form of a gravity based structure, the gravity type base structure may be dried using lightweight or semi-lightweight concrete (having a density of less than about 2000 Kg / m3) . Alternatively or additionally, the gravity base structure may be dried with a hybrid comprising steel or a combination of steel and concrete or synthetic material. Advantageously, the gravity based structure can be dried and commissioned in a dry location, such as a shipyard, where skilled and cost-effective labor can be utilized, and then, before being placed in the selection location 34, (12). Optionally, the structure may be dried in the form of one or more modules that are suspended in barges or in a substructure having an upper structure weight of up to 100,000 tons.

The structure 28 receives the LNG from the first stage liquefaction facility 24 and is connected to a first cryogenic storage tank 24 operatively associated with the first stage liquefaction facility 24 for storing the first stage product stream of the LNG. (42). Preferably, the first cryogenic storage tank 42 is one of a plurality of first cryogenic storage tanks illustrated as two storage tanks in Fig. 3 by way of example only. The first cryogenic storage tank 42 may be a double containment, full containment with a primary tank of, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, and / or 9% , Prismatic or membrane type systems. The first cryogenic storage tank may include a pre-tensioned concrete to provide structural resistance to stored LNG, pressure loading of the evaporative gas, and external hazards. The structure 28 further includes an LNG transfer facility 44 for transferring the LNG from the first cryogenic storage tank 42 to a second cryogenic storage tank 46 mounted on the LNG carrier 48. Advantageously, the structure 28 acts as a breakwater for the LNG carrier 48 to reduce the environmental loads imposed on the LNG carrier.

5, the structure 28 is transported from the drying station 50 to the first processing station 12 by being towed or floated on a float barge or from the assembly station 52 to the first processing station 12 ). ≪ / RTI > The drying station 50 may be one of a plurality of drying stations shown in Figure 3 by way of example only. Advantageously, testing or pre-commissioning of the structure 28 can be performed prior to transporting the structure 28 to the treatment site 14. [ This feature is advantageous not only to allow the structure to be disposed where it is needed but also to require maintenance or improvement. The structure may later be relocated to other locations in accordance with LNG supply and demand as, for example, the capacity of the LNG production facility is changed or the gas field expires. Thus, referring to FIG. 5, the structure may be moved from the first processing location 12 to the second processing location 13.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first stage feed gas stream is delivered from the slug catcher 20 to the gravity based structure 28 via a subsea pipeline 33. Referring to FIG. 4, the first stage feed gas stream is delivered from the slug catcher 20 to the gravity based structure 28 via a pipeline 35 disposed on the platform 37. The selected location 34 is measured from the water surface 40 to the seabed surface 32 to a depth of between 15 and 50 meters so as to allow sufficient depth for the LNG carrier 48 to dock next to the gravity- It has depth.

When the structure 28 is in the form of a gravity type base structure, the gravity type base structure may be disposed around the periphery of the gravity type base structure, preferably for the ballasting, 56). The ballast storage compartment 56 is provided, by way of example only, with four ballast storage compartments in Figures 1 and 2, to allow flexibility in the leveling of the ballasting to suit the condition of the seabed at a given selection location 34 Is one of a number of ballast storage compartments shown. The gravity based structure 28 is towed from a drying or assembly location (50 or 52, respectively) to a first processing location 12 and then placed at a selection location 34 where the gravity type base structure 28 By adding ballasting material to the ballast storage compartment 56 until the base 30 of the gravity based structure 28 is anchored on the underside surface 32 to secure the position of the gravity base structure 28 ). This provides a more stable gravity based structure than a floating structure. The amount of ballasting material required to anchor the gravity based structure to the seabed at the selected site includes, but is not limited to, the shear strength of the underlying clay or sediment material found at the bottom of the water body at the selected site Depending on a number of related factors. If necessary, the gravity based structure 28 may include a piling system 58 to secure the gravity based structure 28 inside the underside surface 32. The ballasting material may be a solid ballasting material or a liquid ballasting material. As an example, one or both of iron ore and sand may be used as a solid ballast material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid ballasting material is water, condensate, monoethylene glycol (MEG), methanol, diesel, demineralized water, LPG or a combination thereof. The liquid ballasting material may be stored in a non-cryogenic storage tank.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the first stage LNG production facility 16 is provided for producing the LNG of the initial facility capacity. The first stage LNG production facility 16 is equipped with all the equipment necessary for producing the LNG of the initial facility capacity, and the produced LNG is stored in the first cryogenic storage tank installed in the structure 28. In use, the LNG carrier 48 is docked to the structure 28 to receive the LNG carrier. When the LNG carrier is docked to the structure 28, the first stage product stream 26 of the LNG may be introduced into the second cryogenic storage tank mounted on the LNG carrier. When there is no LNG carrier tethered to the gravity base structure 28, the first stage product stream 26 of LNG is directed to a first cryogenic storage tank installed in gravity based structure 28 for storage.

The structure 28 is designed so that the LNG carrier 48 can approach the structure from both directions according to the prevailing weather conditions. One side of the structure protected from the dominant weather conditions is represented as "lee side". Advantageously, the structure 28 has a downwind side 60 so that, in use, the LNG carrier 48 approaches the structure 28 from the downwind side 60. The structure 28 is of a sufficient size to allow the LNG carrier 48 to dock along the sides of the structure 28 without any portion of the LNG carrier 48 projecting beyond the end 61 of the gravity base structure. And at least one side 68 having a length. The structure 28 is configured to provide a substantial portion of the load generated by the structure and any impact of the LNG carrier 48 during transport of the LNG from the first cryogenic storage tank 32 to the second cryogenic storage tank 46 And fendering equipment (not shown) for absorption.

The first cryogenic storage tank 42 disposed below the deck of the structure 28 is operatively associated with the first stage liquefaction plant 24 and is operatively associated with the first stage liquefier 24 of the LNG from the first stage liquefaction plant 24, Stream 26. < / RTI > The integrated LNG transfer facility 44 disposed on the structure 28 includes a fixed or rotatable joint loading arm or a flexible hose on the water surface 40 and preferably includes a loading arm or one end And an emergency release system. During the transfer operation, the LNG transfer facility 44 can be kept cool by recirculation of a small amount of LNG. The LNG transfer facility 44 can be quickly, safely and controlled by closing a shut-off valve on the LNG transfer line, if necessary, or by stopping the cargo pump associated with the second cryogenic storage tank 46 mounted on the LNG carrier 48 Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > and / or < / RTI > such that loading can be stopped. The emergency safety system is designed such that the LNG transport can be restarted with minimal delay after the corrective action is performed.

In a preferred embodiment, the structure 28 is formed in the first cryogenic storage tank 42 of the structure 28 or the second cryogenic storage 42 of the LNG transport 48 from the first cryogenic storage tank 42, And an evaporative gas remelting facility (63) for liquefying at least a portion of the evaporated gas generated during the transfer of the LNG to the tank (46). The re-liquefied evaporated gas may be recovered into the first cryogenic storage tank for storage. Evaporation gases are provided below: a) cooling of the inner surface of the second cryogenic storage tank mounted on the LNG carrier; b) the influx of heat from the outside through the outer surface of the second cryogenic storage tank mounted on the LNG carrier; c) heat from a cryogenic pump used to transfer the LNG from the first cryogenic storage tank to the second cryogenic storage tank; d) entry of heat from the transfer hose or loading arm of the LNG transfer facility; e) flashing due to temperature rise during the transfer operation; And f) flashing due to pressure drop during transfer of LNG from liquefaction to storage; ≪ / RTI > Optionally or additionally, a portion of the evaporative gas may be used as a fuel source for the first stage power generation system 62 disposed on the deck of the structure 28. The first stage power generation system 62 may be configured to provide power to the first stage LNG liquefaction plant 24, as well as to an electrical utility system, a crew and cargo system, a pump associated with liquefaction and gas pretreatment facilities, Or other utility or utility of the structure 28, including other equipment, lighting systems, accommodation units, communication systems, inert gas and nitrogen production systems, air supply systems, water supply systems, and waste treatment .

The first stage LNG production facility 16, described above and shown in solid line in FIG. 1, is provided with initial facility capacity, commissioned and operated. Using the method and system of the present invention, the facility capacity of the first stage LNG production facility 16 is expanded to one or more incremental stages by installing one or more second stage facilities to provide a second stage LNG production facility, The second stage LNG production facility has a maximum capacity greater than the initial facility capacity. 1, the first stage gas pretreatment facility 22 and the first stage liquefaction facility 24 are located on the first end 70 side of the structure 28, It is contemplated that a preallocated space 71 may be provided on the deck 32 of the structure 28 in anticipation of the later addition of one or more processing units for providing the second stage gas pretreatment facility 122 and the second stage liquefaction facility 124. [ Lt; / RTI > The second stage gas pretreatment facility 122 and the second stage liquefaction facility 124 are disposed on the second opposite end 72 side of the structure 28 when installed. Thus, while undertaking the installation and commissioning phase of the second stage LNG production facility 18 for extending the overall facility capacity from the initial facility capacity to the largest facility capacity, the LNG production facility 16, within the first stage LNG production facility 16, It is possible to continue the processing of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 2, after expansion, the second stage LNG production facility 18 is configured to receive a second stage hydrocarbon feed gas stream 123 from a second stage gas receiving facility 120 located onshore. In this embodiment, the second stage gas receiving facility 120 receives a second stage hydrocarbon stream 121 comprising hydrocarbon gas and liquid, and one or both of the condensate and free water from the second stage hydrocarbon stream To separate the containing liquid and produce a second stage hydrocarbon feed gas stream 123. In this embodiment, after expansion, the LNG production facility 10 includes a second stage marine gas pretreatment facility 122 for producing a second stage stream 125 of pretreated gas, Stage product stream 126 of the LNG by receiving a second-stage stream 125 of the pretreated gas from the second-stage pretreated gas stream 22 and liquefying the second-stage pretreated gas stream 125 from the second- And an ocean liquefaction facility 124. Using the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the second stage product stream of the LNG is combined with the first stage product stream of the LNG, Facility capacity expands from initial facility capacity to maximum facility capacity in one incremental phase.

1 to 4, the first cryogenic storage tank 42 is operatively associated with both the first stage LNG production facility 16 and the second stage LNG production facility 18 Both the first stage LNG product stream and the second stage LNG product stream are stored in either the first cryogenic storage tank (42) or the first plurality of cryogenic storage tanks. By way of example, the second cryogenic storage tank may have an LNG storage capacity in the range of 125,000 m 3 to 260,000 m 3. The first cryogenic storage tank 32 has an LNG capacity of at least 160,000 m 3. The upper limit of the LNG capacity of the at least one first cryogenic storage tank installed in the gravity base structure is approximately 400,000 m 3 to 520,000 m 3. The LNG transfer facility 44 provides the LNG transport function from the first cryogenic storage tank 42 to the second cryogenic storage tank 46 installed in the LNG transport line 48 when the LNG transport line is tethered to the structure 28. Continue.

After expansion, in use, the LNG carrier 48 enters into the structure 28 to receive the LNG carrier. The first stage product stream 26 of LNG and the second stage product stream 126 of LNG are introduced into one or more first and second stages of the gravity type base structure 28 when the LNG carrier 48 rides on the structure 28. [ May be introduced into a second cryogenic storage tank 46 mounted on the LNG carrier 48 using a transfer facility 44 that is introduced into or integrated into the cryogenic storage tank 42. The first stage product stream 26 of LNG and the second stage product stream 126 of LNG are fed to a first cryogenic storage (not shown) installed in the structure 28 for storage when there is no LNG carrier tethered to the structure 28. [ And is led to the tank 42.

The first cryogenic storage tank 42 or the plurality of cryogenic storage tanks 42 may be initially installed at the maximum capacity of the LNG processing facility, And is sized to accommodate the storage of LNG. In addition, the second stage LNG production facility 16 has all the equipment needed to produce the second stage product stream of LNG, and the produced LNG is stored in a first cryogenic storage tank installed in the gravity type base structure 28 . To accommodate the expansion, the structure is designed to have sufficient space on its deck 38 to allow installation of one or more second stage equipment to provide the second stage LNG production facility 18, do. By way of example, the deck 38 of the structure may have a length up to 370 m and a width up to 150 m. The depth of the structure may be up to 50 m.

Now, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts. 1 and 2, the first stage LNG production facility 16 is shown in solid lines in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second stage LNG production facility 18 is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 6, And is shown by a solid line indicating that the expansion is completed. The dashed line in FIG. 6 represents the pre-allocated space 71 provided on the deck 38 of the structure 28 for future expansion. In this embodiment, the first stage gas receiving facility 20 is disposed on the deck 38 of the structure 28 and includes a second stage gas receiving facility 120 A preallocated space 71 is provided on the deck 38 of the structure 28 in anticipation of the future addition of the structure 28. The preallocated space 71 is disposed on the first side 81 side of the structure 28 and the preallocated space is disposed on the second opposite side 83 side of the structure.

A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 8-10, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts. Similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first stage LNG production facility 16 is shown in solid lines in FIGS. 8-10 and the second stage LNG production facility 18 is shown in dashed lines. The dashed lines in Figures 8-10 show the pre-allocated space 71 provided on the deck 38 of the structure 28 for future expansion. In this embodiment, the first stage gas receiving facility 20 is designed with sufficient capacity to produce both the first stage hydrocarbon feed gas stream 23 and the second stage hydrocarbon feed gas stream 123, . In other words, the first stage gas receiving facility 20 is not only capable of operating at the initial facility capacity before expansion, but also after the addition of one or more additional units to provide the second stage LNG production facility 18, Lt; / RTI > In FIG. 8, the first stage gas receiving facility 20 is disposed on a deck 38 of the structure 28. In FIG. 9, the first stage gas receiving facility 20 is located in a subsea location 78 in the ocean or offshore. In Figure 10, the first stage gas receiving facility 20 is located onshore. In each of the embodiments shown in Figures 8-10, the first stage gas facility 20 is designed to perform the functions of both the first stage gas facility 20 and the second stage gas facility 120 Size.

Now, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 11 to 13, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts. Similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first stage LNG production facility 16 is shown in solid lines in FIGS. 11-13 and the second stage LNG production facility 18 is shown in dashed lines. The dashed lines in Figures 11-13 show pre-allocated space 71 provided on the deck 38 of the structure 28 for future expansion. In this embodiment, the first stage gas pretreatment facility 22 is designed with sufficient capacity to produce both the first stage pretreated gas stream 25 and the second stage pretreated gas stream 125, do. In other words, the first stage gas pretreatment facility 22 can operate not only at the initial facility capacity before the expansion, but also after the addition of one or more additional units to provide the second stage LNG production facility 18, Capacity. 11, the first stage gas receiving facility 20 and the first stage gas pretreatment facility 22 are disposed on the deck 38 of the structure 28. Both are designed and sized to handle the maximum installed capacity, but operate at the initial installed capacity before expansion. In Figure 12, the first stage gas receiving facility 20 and the first stage gas pretreatment facility 22 are located onshore. Like Figure 11, both are designed and sized to handle the maximum installed capacity, but operate at the initial installed capacity prior to expansion. 13, the first stage gas pretreatment facility 22 is disposed on a structure 28 and the first stage gas receiving facility 20 is located in a subsea location 78. The first- Like Figure 11, both are designed and sized to handle the maximum installed capacity, but operate at the initial installed capacity prior to expansion.

In each of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 6 to 13, the facility capacity of the first stage LNG processing facility is expanded from the initial facility capacity to the maximum facility capacity in one incremental step. However, the facility capacity of the first stage LNG treatment facility can be equally extended from the initial facility capacity to the largest facility capacity in more incremental steps. Now, a fifth embodiment with three incremental steps will be described with reference to Figs. 14-17, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts. As with FIGS. 1 and 2, the first stage LNG production facility 16 is shown in solid lines in FIG. 14, and each of the three incremental stages of the second stage LNG production facility 18 is shown in dashed lines. It will be appreciated that any number of incremental steps may be added to the expandable LNG processing facility of the present invention to achieve the desired maximum facility capacity, wherein only one and three incremental steps are shown and described in the Figures do. For clarity, the LNG carrier is not shown in Figures 14-17. In FIG. 15, the primary incremental step 80 is added to the facility to increase the facility capacity from the initial facility capacity of the first stage LNG processing facility to the first selected increased facility capacity. In FIG. 16, a secondary incremental step 82 is added to the facility to increase the facility capacity from the first selected increased facility capacity to the second increased facility capacity. In Fig. 17, a tertiary final incremental step 84 is added to the facility to increase the facility capacity from the second selected increased facility capacity to the maximum facility capacity. 14-17, the first stage equipments 16 are disposed on the first end 70 side of the structure 28 and the space 71 is divided into a first incremental step 80, Is pre-assigned on the deck 38 of the structure 28 for the installation of additional units for the car increment step 82 and the third final increment step 84. [

Now, in the sixth embodiment described with reference to Figs. 18-23, the same reference numerals denote the same parts, and by way of example only, three incremental steps of expansion are shown, as in Figs. 14-17. The dashed lines in Figures 18-21 represent the pre-allocated space 71 provided on the deck 38 of the structure 28 for future expansion. In this embodiment, the first stage gas receiving facility 20 is designed and sized to handle each incrementally increased capacity up to the initial facility capacity and the maximum facility capacity. For the sake of clarity, the LNG carrier is not shown in Figures 18-21. The first stage gas receiving facility 20 may be located onshore, seabed or on the deck of the structure. In this embodiment, the facility capacity of the first stage LNG production facility 16 is expanded into three incremental stages by installing one or more second stage facilities on the deck of the structure. In this embodiment, in the incremental steps for providing the second stage LNG production facility, the one or more second stage plants are in the form of one or more additional gas pretreatment plants 122, 222 and 322. The second stage LNG production facility has a maximum capacity greater than the initial facility capacity. It is clear from Figures 18 to 21 that the deck of the structure is sized to provide sufficient space for installing one or more additional gas pretreatment facilities 122, 222 and 322 in the pre-allocated space 71.

Depending on the demand of the LNG, the final incremental stage may not require installation at the first treatment site, may require installation at the second treatment site, or may require installation. In any case, sufficient pre-allocated space is provided to be extendable on the deck of the structure, and the first stage LNG production facility allows optimal access for further installation of additional units on the deck of the gravity base structure As shown in FIG.

In the sixth embodiment shown in FIGS. 18-21, in addition to the one or more additional gas pretreatment plants 122, 222 and 322, one or more additional LNG liquefaction plants 124, 224, and 324 are also added in succession in incremental steps. 22 and 23, one or more additional LNG liquefaction utilities 124, 224 and 324 may be mounted on a stationary platform, a tension-leg platform or "SPAR" Quot;) semi-submersible platforms or "jacket" structures. This embodiment has many advantages. First, liquefaction plants can be installed as modules up to 100,000 tonnes at a weight greater than the maximum size of the modules that can be installed onshore, since these modules can be installed on floating structures and floating, There is no limit to the size associated with lifting heavy objects for installation. The on-shore module installation is limited in size by the possible crane capability, and the maximum possible size of the onshore module is approximately 7,000 tons. Secondly, the liquefaction plant can be installed at a safe working distance away from the gravity base structure, which is particularly advantageous when the liquefaction plant is dependent on propane for cooling as part of the liquefaction process. Power is supplied from the first stage power plant 62 installed in the structure 28 to the liquefaction modules via a submarine power cable, which is driven by an electric motor. As each of the one or more additional LNG liquefaction plants 124, 224, and 324 is added during expansion, one or more additional second stage power plants (not shown) may be installed on the deck of the gravity based structure. This allows for a more compact design of one or more additional LNG liquefaction plants 124, 224 and 324. [ Alternatively, as shown in Figures 18-21, the first stage power plant 62 is designed to anticipate power demand when the expandable LNG processing plant is operating in both initial capacity and maximum capacity, .

In use of any of the embodiments described above, the structure 28 may include one or both of a condensate storage tank and an LPG storage tank. By way of example, the condensate storage tank may be up to 130,000 m 3 and the LPG storage tank may be up to 90,000 m 3. Suitable vessels may berth in gravity based structures to unload either or both of the condensate or LPG as required.

All of the above embodiments have been described in the context in which the LNG processing facility is used for LNG liquefaction. When the LNG treatment facility is used for LNG regasification, the present invention provides a system and method for vaporizing LNG in an LNG regasification facility disposed at a treatment site adjacent to a water body. The method comprising:

A) providing a first stage LNG regasification facility for vaporizing LNG of an initial facility capacity, comprising a plurality of spaced apart first stage installations, each first stage installation comprising a pre-stage LNG regeneration facility associated with re- Providing a first stage LNG regasification facility with facility equipment associated with the prescribed function; And

B) providing at least one second stage facility on the deck of the gravity type base structure to provide a second stage LNG regasification facility having a maximum capacity greater than the initial facility capacity, Expanding the capacity to one or more incremental steps,

Wherein at least one of the plurality of spaced apart first stage equipments is disposed on a gravity based structure having a base that is fixed on the undersurface at a selected location within a body of water, Have a deck deployed.

In a manner similar to the embodiments for the LNG liquefaction plant described above, in order to facilitate expansion, the deck of the structure may be pre-assigned on the deck to install the one or more second- It is designed and dimensioned to provide space. Advantageously, regeneration of the LNG from the first stage LNG regasification facility can continue during the expansion phase. The first stage LNG regeneration facility is located on the deck of the gravity type base structure in a manner that provides easy access to the preallocated space.

In the context of the LNG processing facility being an LNG liquefaction facility, any of the embodiments shown in Figures 1-23 and described above may be equally modified for use as an LNG re-gasification facility via the following alternatives.

a) the first stage gas receiving facility comprises a first stage power plant (20) for generating electric power (21) to be supplied using a natural gas first stage product stream (23) as a fuel supply source for generating electricity ).

b) The second stage gas receiving facility is replaced by a second stage power generation facility 120 for generating electricity using a second stage stream of natural gas (designated by reference numeral 123) as a fuel source.

c) the first stage gas pretreatment facility is configured to receive the vaporized natural gas stream (25) from the first stage regasification facility (24) and to deliver the vaporized natural gas first stage product stream (25) The first stage vaporized gas receiving facility 22 is replaced.

d) the second stage gas pretreatment facility comprises a second stage, configured to receive a stream of natural gas vapor from the second stage regasification facility (124) and to discharge a second stage product stream (125) of vaporized natural gas, And is replaced with a vaporized gas receiving facility 122.

e) said first stage liquefaction plant comprises a first stage feed stream (26) of LNG to produce a first stage stream (25) of vaporized natural gas conveyed to said first stage vaporization gas receiving facility (22) The first stage regeneration facility 24 configured to vaporize the first stage regeneration facility 24.

f) the second stage liquefaction plant comprises a second stage feed stream 126 of LNG to produce a second stage stream 125 of vaporized natural gas delivered to the second stage vaporization gas receiving facility 122 The second stage regeneration facility 124 configured to vaporize the second stage regeneration facility 124.

The first cryogenic storage tank 42 of the structure 28 is used to store the LNG for the LNG regasification facility in the same manner as used to store the LNG for the LNG liquefaction facility. When used for regasification, the LNG transfer facility 44 transfers the LNG from the second cryogenic storage tank 46 mounted on the LNG carrier 48 to the first storage tank 42 of the structure 28 .

Now, referring to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail in the context that the LNG processing facility is an LNG regasification facility, and the same reference numerals denote the same parts or alternatives . Referring to Figures 1-4, an LNG treatment facility 10 is located in a first treatment site 12 adjacent to a water body 14, in the form of an LNG regasification facility. The LNG regasification facility 10 includes a first stage LNG regasification facility 16 for producing LNG having an initial facility capacity shown by a solid line in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a second stage LNG regeneration facility 18 Assigned space (71) provided on the deck (38) of the structure (28) for future expansion of the LNG processing facility (10) into one or more incremental stages to provide the LNG treatment facility The second stage LNG regasification facility has a maximum capacity greater than the initial facility capacity. The second stage LNG regasification facility 18 is shown in dashed lines in Fig. 1 and in solid lines in Fig. 1 and 2, the facility capacity of the first stage LNG regeneration facility 16 may be increased by installing one or more second stage facilities to provide the second stage regeneration facility Of the population. This extension can be performed without interrupting the processing of LNG by the first stage LNG regasification facility.

1 to 4, the first stage LNG regeneration facility 16 includes a first stage power generation facility 20 for producing electricity using natural gas as a fuel supply source, . The LNG production facility 10 includes a first stage vaporized gas receiving facility 22 configured to receive a stream 25 of vaporized natural gas from a first stage regeneration facility 24. In this embodiment, the first stage LNG reglaterization facility 16 comprises a first stage feed stream 26 of LNG to vaporize the first stage feed stream 26 to produce a first stage stream 25 of vaporized natural gas, And a regasification facility (24), wherein the vaporized natural gas first stage stream (25) is transferred to the first stage vaporization gas receiving facility (22). The first stage feed stream of the LNG is vaporized at a rate determined by the initial facility capacity of the LNG of the first stage LNG regasification facility 16. The initial facility capacity of the first stage LNG regasification facility 16 is in the range of 0.5 to 7 million tons of LNG per year. The maximum capacity after expansion to provide the second stage LNG reglater 18 is in the range of 2 to 20 million tons of LNG per year.

Vaporization of the LNG is accomplished using any regeneration process established in the art within the first stage regeneration facility 24. This prior art regeneration process involves the use of various heat sources for the vaporization of LNG. However, the use of forced or naturally ventilated ambient air as the primary source of heat for the LNG vaporization is the main source of heat for vaporization, as compared to other regeneration techniques that rely on the use of seawater or the combustion of liquid fuels, .

1 to 4, the LNG regasification facility 10 includes a gravity type base structure 30 having a base 30 that is fixed on a seabed surface 32 at a selected location 34 within a body of water 36. In this embodiment, The gravity type base structure having a deck 38 disposed on the water surface 40 at a selected location. The selected place is marine or offshore. The gravity base structure 28 has a first cryogenic storage tank 42 for storage of LNG. The first cryogenic storage tank 42 is preferably one of a plurality of cryogenic storage tanks, and only one is shown in the figures for clarity. The gravity based structure 28 further includes an LNG transfer facility 44 for transferring the LNG from the second cryogenic storage tank 46 mounted on the LNG carrier 48 to the first cryogenic storage tank 42 . The LNG is delivered to the first stage regasification facility 24 as a first stage feed stream from the first cryogenic storage tank for vaporization.

Referring to FIG. 3, the natural gas first stage product stream 23 is transferred from the gravity based structure 28 to the first stage power plant 20 via a submarine pipeline 33. 4, the natural gas first stage product stream 23 is passed through the pipeline 35 disposed on the platform 37 from the gravity base structure 28 to the first stage power plant 20 ).

In a first embodiment of the present invention, the first stage LNG regasification facility 16 is provided to vaporize the LNG of the initial facility capacity. The first stage LNG regasification facility 16 is equipped with all the equipment necessary to vaporize the LNG of the initial facility capacity and the LNG is stored in the first cryogenic storage tank installed in the gravity type base structure. In use, the LNG carrier 48 is docked to the gravity based structure 28 to deliver LNG. A first stage feed stream 26 of LNG from a second cryogenic storage tank mounted on the LNG carrier when the LNG carrier is docked in the gravity base structure 28 is supplied to one or more first cryogenic storage tanks 42 ). The first stage feed stream 26 of LNG is fed from the LNG stored in the first cryogenic storage tank of the gravity type base structure 28 when there is no LNG carrier tethered to the gravity base structure 28. Given the large capacity of the first cryogenic storage tank 42, the first stage power plant 20 can be continuously supplied with natural gas as fuel for producing electricity between the transfer of the cargo from the LNG carrier .

The first stage LNG regasification facility 16, described above and shown in solid line in FIG. 1, is provided with initial facility capacity, commissioned and operated. Using the method and system of the present invention, the facility capacity of the first stage LNG reglaterization facility 16 may include one or more incremental stages by providing one or more second stage facilities to provide a second stage LNG reglication facility And the second stage LNG regeneration facility has a maximum facility capacity greater than the initial facility capacity.

The first stage vaporizing gas receiving facility 22 and the first stage regenerating facility 24 are disposed on the first end 70 side of the structure 28, as seen from the arrangement of the solid line and the dashed line in FIG. And a preallocated space 71 is formed in the upper portion of the structure 28 in anticipation of a further addition of one or more processing units for providing the second stage vaporized gas receiving facility 122 and the second stage regenerating facility 124. [ Is provided on the deck (32). The second stage vaporizing gas receiving facility 122 and the second stage regenerating facility 124 are disposed on the second opposite end 72 side of the structure 28 when installed. Thus, while commencing the installation and commissioning phase of the second stage LNG regasification facility 18 for extending the total facility capacity from the facility capacity to the maximum capacity, the first stage LNG regasification facility 16 It becomes possible to continue vaporization of LNG.

Referring to FIG. 2, after expansion, the second stage LNG regeneration facility 18 includes a second stage natural gas product stream 123 for use as a fuel source to the second stage power plant 120 located onshore ). 1 and 2, when the second stage feed stream 126 of the LNG is combined with the first stage feed stream 26 of the LNG, the LNG The total facility capacity of regasification facility 10 expands from initial facility capacity to maximum facility capacity in one incremental step. The number and arrangement of the gas turbines used in the first stage power plant 20 and the second stage power plant 120 depends on the capacity of the LNG regenerator. Using this embodiment of the invention, the first stage power plant 20 is operated based on the initial capacity of the first stage LNG reglication facility and later expanded to the maximum capacity of the second stage LNG reglication facility.

In a similar manner, the second through sixth embodiments described in detail above can be applied to the vaporization of LNG using the above-described substitute to change the LNG processing facility from the liquefaction facility to the re-gasification facility.

When using any of the LNG regeneration embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-23, the first stage power plant 20 and the second stage power plant 120 can power the natural gas product streams (23 and 123 respectively) And is used as a fuel supply source for generating. By way of example, the power plant 20 comprises one or more gas-fired power generation units, in which the gas turbine is configured to use deodorized natural gas vaporized from LNG stored in the first cryogenic storage tank as a source of fuel gas do. The natural gas generated during LNG vaporization is "unodorized " in that the sulfur compounds are removed from the well gas prior to liquefaction. In contrast, the natural gas supplied through the pipeline from the off-shore gas distribution facility contains sulfur containing odorant intentionally added to the gas used by the consumer prior to dispensing for the purpose of facilitating the detection of leakage do. Using deodorized vaporized LNG reduces the amount of sulfur dioxide produced in the exhaust gas from the gas turbine of the present invention. LNG also does not contain heavy hydrocarbons (which are removed during gas conditioning prior to liquefaction), which is comparable to the gas of the present invention compared to a gas turbine operated using natural gas exploited from onshore gas turbine plants Thereby reducing particles in the exhaust gas produced by the turbine. The deodorized natural gas is used as one of the fuel sources for the gas turbine of the power plant and is derived from one or more of the following sources. a) natural evaporation gas from the first cryogenic storage tank; b) forced evaporation gas from the first cryogenic storage tank; And c) natural gas vaporized from the LNG using the first stage or second stage regenerator.

Each gas turbine produces energy by combustion of a fuel gas source mixed with intake air from an air compressor. High temperature combustion gases are directed to flow across the wings (not shown) of the gas turbine, thereby rotating the turbine and rotating the mechanical shaft to drive the first generator. Additional thrust can be provided by the acceleration of the combustion gases passing through the nozzle. During combustion of any fuel gas, contaminants are produced and are contained in the exhaust gas. The amount and type of contaminants in the exhaust gas depends on the combustion efficiency, the degree of air compression, the air-to-fuel ratio, the inlet temperature of compressed air and fuel gas, the humidity of the intake air, the ignition timing, And the type of fuel gas being supplied. Advantageously, the power plant of the present invention uses deodorized natural gas vaporized from LNG as a source of fuel gas, which is less than produced by burning oil and coal to operate a burner of a conventional prior art steam turbine Generate low levels of emissions and pollutants.

The fuel gas regulating unit may be equipped with a temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of the gasification gas to improve the combustion efficiency of the gas turbine, if necessary. Heat is supplied to the thermostat by using electrical heating, steam heating, or circulating a warm intermediate fluid.

It is clear from the embodiments shown in Figs. 1-23 that the first power generation facility 20 can be installed as a separate installation on the land, on the deck of the gravity basement of the ocean, or offshore. The first stage power generation facility 20 may be an existing offshore power generation facility or may be specifically constructed as one of a plurality of facilities of the first stage LNG regeneration facility 16.

Although various embodiments have been described above in the context that the structure 28 is a gravity based structure, the structure 28 may be in the form of a floating structure, as shown by way of example only in FIG. The deck of the structure may comprise one or more second stage equipment on the deck of the structure so that the facility capacity of the first stage LNG treatment facility can easily be expanded to one or more incremental stages to form a second stage LNG treatment facility And is given a size to provide pre-allocated space for installation. Alternatively, the structure may be a stationary platform, a semi-submerged platform (such as a tension leg platform or "SPAR") or a "jacket" structure, , The deck of the structure being adapted to facilitate the expansion of the facility capacity of the first stage LNG processing facility to one or more incremental stages to form a second stage LNG processing facility, A size is given to provide a pre-allocated space for installation in the network.

The various embodiments of the present invention provide at least the following advantages over the prior art.

a) It is possible to extend the capacity of the first stage treatment facility to the second stage treatment facility using larger process units than are acceptable during the expansion of the land treatment facility. When carrying out an extension work onshore, the size of the modules that can be moved using the crane and the ground transportation vehicle is limited to approximately 2500 to 7000 tons. In contrast, using the present invention, process units and modules of up to 30,000 to 40,000 tons and up to 100,000 tons can be floated without ground lifting or transport.

b) The size of the first cryogenic storage tank installed in the structure to accommodate the initial facility capacity and the maximum facility capacity makes it possible to add second stage liquefaction facilities that do not require their own LNG storage. As a result, the size of the second stage liquefaction plants can be larger than can be achieved onshore.

c) The present invention provides an expandable marine LNG production option with capacity that is not possible using the prior art 'floating LNG' option, which depends on the deck space fully filled with processing equipment.

d) The fixed or floating structures of the present invention provide docking facilities for LNG carriers and serve as breakwaters so that the costs associated with dredging and construction of port facilities can be avoided to provide a dock for berthing of LNG carriers .

e) The structure can be floated and moved to the first treatment site after it is manufactured in the shipyard, which significantly reduces costs compared to the field construction of long docks and breakwaters that reduce construction and installation costs.

f) Furthermore, when the structure is a gravity type base structure, the gravity type base structure may be de-ballasted, transported from the first processing location to the second processing location, re-balusted at the second processing location, The costs associated with the construction of the piers and the breakwaters at both the site and the second treatment site can be avoided.

g) The structure may be used as a liquefaction facility, regasification facility, or offshore or offshore power plant, whereby the cost of capital is lower than the cost of a separate land liquefaction facility, regasification facility or power plant.

h) The structure may be provided with a first cryogenic storage tank having a very large storage capacity which allows continuous operation of the LNG processing facility, even if transmission to or from the LNG transport is intermittent , And more importantly, can be sized to accommodate the largest extra large tanks.

i) Using the present invention, substantial savings in the overall operation of the process at maximum capacity can be achieved and the process is augmented incrementally.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the basic inventive concept, as several embodiments of the invention have been described in detail. All such modifications and variations are considered within the scope of the present invention, the nature of which will be determined from the foregoing description and the appended claims.

Even though a number of prior art publications have been mentioned here, it should be clear that none of these documents are relevant to the recognition that they form part of common sense in the art in Australia or any other country It will be understood. The word "comprise" or "comprises" or "comprising", unless the context otherwise requires by language or expressions of necessity, in the Summary of the Invention and in the claims that follow, Quot; is used in its broadest sense, that is, to specify the presence of stated features, but not to preclude the presence or addition of additional features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims (72)

An LNG treatment facility disposed at a treatment site adjacent to a water body, said LNG treatment facility comprising:
A) a first stage LNG treatment facility for treating an initial plant capacity of LNG, comprising a plurality of first stage facilities, each first stage facility having a predetermined A first stage LNG processing facility having facility equipment associated with the function; And
B) one or more second stage facilities provided on the deck of the structure to provide a second stage LNG processing facility having a maximum capacity greater than the initial facility capacity,
Wherein at least one of the plurality of first stage equipments is disposed on the deck of the structure and the deck is placed on the surface in a selected offshore or near-
Wherein said at least one second stage facility is provided for expanding facility capacity of said first stage LNG processing facility to one or more incremental stages, Wherein the pre-allocated space is sized to provide pre-allocated space for installation on a deck of the LNG processing facility. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein at least one of the plurality of first stage equipment is disposed on a first end side of the deck and the preallocated space is disposed on a second opposite end side of the deck. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein at least one of the plurality of first stage equipment is disposed on a first side of the deck and the pre-allocated space is disposed on a second opposite side of the deck. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the structure is a gravity base structure having a stationary structure or a floating structure or a base that is fixed on the undersurface in the selected location. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
Said structure comprising a first cryogenic storage tank for receiving and storing LNG. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the first cryogenic storage tank is a prismatic storage tank or a membrane type storage tank. The method according to claim 5 or 6,
Wherein the first cryogenic storage tank is one of a plurality of first cryogenic storage tanks. The method according to claim 5 or 6,
Wherein the first cryogenic storage tank has an LNG storage capacity of at least 160,000 cubic meters. The method according to claim 5 or 6,
Wherein the first cryogenic storage tank has an LNG storage capacity in the range of 160,000 m 3 to 520,000 m 3. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
The structure has a length of up to 500 m and a width of up to 150 m. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
Said structure having a depth of up to 50 m. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
The initial facility capacity of the first stage LNG treatment facility is in the range of 0.5 to 7 million tonnes per year of LNG. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
The LNG processing facility has an expanded maximum capacity to provide the second stage LNG processing facility is in the range of 2 million to 50 million tons of LNG per year. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein at least one of said plurality of first stage facilities is sized to process both said initial capacity and said maximum capacity. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein at least one of the second stage equipment is located on a stationary platform, a semi-submerged structure or a jacket structure. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the at least one second stage facility is a module having a weight greater than 7,000 tonnes. 16. The method of claim 15,
These modules have a weight of greater than 8,000 tonnes and weighing up to 100,000 tonnes. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein the gravity base structure comprises one or both of a condensate storage tank and an LPG storage tank. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
The structure may be used to load LNG from the first cryogenic storage tank of the structure to a second cryogenic storage tank mounted on the LNG carrier or from a second cryogenic storage tank of the LNG carrier to a first cryogenic storage tank LNG processing facility, including LNG transfer facility for unloading LNG. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein the structure is dried in a dry place and is floated into a first treatment site before being placed at the selected location. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein the structure is configured to provide a breakwater for the LNG carrier at the selected location. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein the structure is transportable from a first processing location to a second processing location. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein the structure is a gravity based structure and the gravity based structure comprises a ballast storage compartment disposed about the periphery of the gravity based structure for ballasting or disposed at a base side of the gravity based structure, Treatment facilities. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein the ballast storage compartment is one of a plurality of ballast storage compartments. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
Wherein the LNG processing facility is an LNG production facility that receives a feed stream of natural gas and is configured to liquefy natural gas to produce a product stream of LNG. 26. The method of claim 25,
The first stage LNG treatment facility is configured to receive a hydrocarbon stream comprising hydrocarbon gas and liquid and one or more of condensate and free water from the hydrocarbon stream to produce a hydrocarbon feed gas stream for the gas pretreatment plant. And a first stage gas receiving facility for separating the liquid containing both. 27. The method of claim 26,
Wherein the first stage gas receiving facility is disposed on a deck of the structure. 27. The method of claim 26,
Wherein said first stage gas receiving facility is located in the ocean or seabed. 27. The method of claim 26,
Wherein said first stage gas receiving facility is located onshore. 30. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 29,
The first stage LNG processing facility includes a first stage gas pretreatment facility for receiving the hydrocarbon feed gas stream from the gas receiving facility and for removing contaminants from the hydrocarbon feed gas stream to produce a stream of pretreated gas Including, LNG processing facilities. 31. The method of claim 30,
Wherein the first stage gas pretreatment facility is disposed on a deck of the structure. 31. The method of claim 30,
Wherein said first stage gas pretreatment facility is located onshore. 31. The method of claim 30,
Wherein said first stage gas pretreatment facility is located in the ocean. 34. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 33,
Wherein said first stage LNG processing facility comprises a first stage LNG liquefaction facility for receiving a stream of pretreated gas from a gas pretreatment facility and for liquefying natural gas to produce a product stream of LNG. 35. The method of claim 34,
Wherein the first stage LNG liquefaction plant is disposed on a deck of the structure. 35. The method of claim 34,
Wherein said first stage LNG liquefaction plant is located onshore. 35. The method of claim 34,
The first stage LNG liquefaction plant is located in the ocean. 37. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 37,
Wherein the structure comprises an evaporative gas reliquefaction facility for liquefying at least a portion of the evaporated gas generated in the first cryogenic storage tank. 25. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 24,
Wherein the LNG processing facility is an LNG regeneration facility configured to receive a feed stream of LNG and to vaporize the LNG to produce a product stream of natural gas. 40. The method of claim 39,
The first stage LNG regasification facility comprises a first stage power generation facility for generating a power supply using a first stage product stream of natural gas as a fuel source for generating electricity. 41. The method of claim 40,
Wherein the first stage power plant is located on the deck of the structure. 41. The method of claim 40,
The first stage power plant is located in the ocean, an LNG processing facility. 41. The method of claim 40,
Wherein said first stage power plant is located onshore. 41. The method of claim 40,
The first stage power generation facility is an existing LNG processing facility, which is a land power plant. 45. The method according to any one of claims 39 to 44,
The first stage LNG reglication facility includes a first stage vaporization gas receiving facility configured to receive a stream of natural gas vapor from a first stage regeneration facility and to deliver a first stage product stream of vaporized natural gas , LNG treatment facility. 46. The method of claim 45,
Wherein the first stage vaporized gas receiving facility is disposed on a deck of the structure. 46. The method of claim 45,
Wherein the first stage vaporized gas receiving facility is located in the ocean. 46. The method of claim 45,
Wherein said first stage vaporized gas receiving facility is located onshore. 49. The method according to any one of claims 39 to 48,
The first stage LNG regasification facility comprises a first stage regeneration unit configured to vaporize the first stage feed stream of LNG to produce a first stage stream of vaporized natural gas delivered to the first stage vaporization gas receiving facility, LNG treatment facility, including the liquefaction facility. 50. The method of claim 49,
Wherein the first stage regeneration facility is disposed on a deck of the structure. 50. The method of claim 49,
The first stage regeneration facility is located in the ocean. 50. The method of claim 49,
Wherein said first stage regeneration facility is located onshore. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims,
The initial facility capacity is at least 0.5 million tonnes per year and the maximum feed treatment capacity is at least 2 million tonnes per year. 58. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 52,
The initial facility capacity is at least 0.5 million tonnes per year and the maximum feed treatment capacity is not greater than 50 million tonnes per year. 58. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 52,
The initial facility capacity is at least 0.5 million tonnes per year and the maximum feed-through capacity is not greater than 70 million tonnes per year. A method of treating an LNG in an LNG treatment facility disposed at a treatment site adjacent to a water body, said LNG treatment method comprising:
A) providing a first stage LNG treatment facility for treating an LNG of initial facility capacity, comprising a plurality of first stage facilities, each first stage facility having associated with a predetermined function associated with the treatment of LNG Providing a first stage LNG processing facility having facility equipment; And
B) providing at least one second stage facility on the deck of the structure to provide a second stage LNG treatment facility having a maximum facility capacity greater than the initial facility capacity, thereby increasing the facility capacity of the first stage LNG treatment facility to one or more Expanding to incremental stages,
Wherein at least one of the plurality of first stage equipments is disposed on the deck of the structure and the deck is placed on the surface in a selected offshore or near-
Wherein the deck of the structure is dimensioned to provide a pre-allocated space for installing the one or more second stage equipment on the deck of the structure. 57. The method of claim 56,
Treating the LNG from the first stage LNG processing facility during step B). 57. The method of claim 56 or 57,
Placing at least one of the plurality of first stage equipment on a first end side of the deck and placing the preallocated space on a second opposite end side of the deck. 57. The method of claim 56 or 57,
Placing at least one of the plurality of first stage equipment on a first side of the deck and placing the preallocated space on a second opposite side of the deck. 60. The method according to any one of claims 56 to 59,
Wherein the initial facility capacity of the first stage LNG processing facility is in the range of 0.5 to 7 million tonnes per year of LNG. A method according to any one of claims 56 to 60,
Wherein the maximum facility capacity after the expansion step to the second stage LNG processing facility is in the range of 2 million to 70 million tonnes of LNG per year. 62. The method according to any one of claims 56 to 61,
Wherein at least one of the plurality of first stage facilities is sized to process both the initial facility capacity and the maximum facility capacity. 62. The method according to any one of claims 56 to 62,
Placing at least one of the second stage equipment on a fixed platform, semi-submerged structure or jacket structure. 64. The method of claim 63,
Wherein said at least one second stage equipment is provided as modules having a weight greater than 7,000 tonnes. 65. The method of claim 64,
Wherein said modules have a weight of greater than 8,000 tonnes and up to 100,000 tonnes. 65. The method according to any one of claims 56 to 65,
And drying the structure at a dry location and floating the structure into a first processing location to place the structure at the selected location. 66. The method according to any one of claims 56 to 66,
And constructing the structure to provide a breakwater for the LNG carrier at the selected location. 67. The method according to any one of claims 56 to 67,
And moving the structure from a first processing location to a second processing location. 69. The method according to any one of claims 56 to 68,
Wherein the LNG processing facility is an LNG production facility configured to receive a feed stream of natural gas and to liquefy natural gas to produce a product stream of LNG. 69. The method according to any one of claims 56 to 68,
Wherein the LNG processing facility is an LNG regeneration facility configured to receive a feed stream of LNG and to vaporize the LNG to produce a product stream of natural gas. A method according to any one of claims 56 to 70,
Wherein said initial facility capacity is at least 0.5 million tons per year and maximum feed processing capacity is not greater than 50 million tons per year. A method according to any one of claims 56 to 70,
Wherein the initial facility capacity is at least 2 million tonnes per year and the maximum feed treatment capacity is not greater than 50 million tonnes per year.

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