WO2010036121A2 - Method and system for handling gas - Google Patents

Method and system for handling gas Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010036121A2
WO2010036121A2 PCT/NO2009/000317 NO2009000317W WO2010036121A2 WO 2010036121 A2 WO2010036121 A2 WO 2010036121A2 NO 2009000317 W NO2009000317 W NO 2009000317W WO 2010036121 A2 WO2010036121 A2 WO 2010036121A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
unit
gas
cooling
natural gas
lng
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2009/000317
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2010036121A3 (en
Inventor
Per Erik Christiansen
Tor Skogan
Roy Inge SØRENSEN
Tor Moxnes
Original Assignee
Moss Maritime As
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Moss Maritime As filed Critical Moss Maritime As
Publication of WO2010036121A2 publication Critical patent/WO2010036121A2/en
Publication of WO2010036121A3 publication Critical patent/WO2010036121A3/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/24—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of pipe-lines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/0002—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the fluid to be liquefied
    • F25J1/0022—Hydrocarbons, e.g. natural gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
    • F25J1/0035—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by gas expansion with extraction of work
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
    • F25J1/0035—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by gas expansion with extraction of work
    • F25J1/0037—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by gas expansion with extraction of work of a return stream
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0047—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using an "external" refrigerant stream in a closed vapor compression cycle
    • F25J1/005—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using an "external" refrigerant stream in a closed vapor compression cycle by expansion of a gaseous refrigerant stream with extraction of work
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/006—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the refrigerant fluid used
    • F25J1/007—Primary atmospheric gases, mixtures thereof
    • F25J1/0072—Nitrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0203—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a single-component refrigerant [SCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle
    • F25J1/0204—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a single-component refrigerant [SCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as a single flow SCR cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0228—Coupling of the liquefaction unit to other units or processes, so-called integrated processes
    • F25J1/0229—Integration with a unit for using hydrocarbons, e.g. consuming hydrocarbons as feed stock
    • F25J1/023—Integration with a unit for using hydrocarbons, e.g. consuming hydrocarbons as feed stock for the combustion as fuels, i.e. integration with the fuel gas system
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0228—Coupling of the liquefaction unit to other units or processes, so-called integrated processes
    • F25J1/0232—Coupling of the liquefaction unit to other units or processes, so-called integrated processes integration within a pressure letdown station of a high pressure pipeline system
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0257—Construction and layout of liquefaction equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J1/0275—Construction and layout of liquefaction equipments, e.g. valves, machines adapted for special use of the liquefaction unit, e.g. portable or transportable devices
    • F25J1/0277—Offshore use, e.g. during shipping
    • F25J1/0278—Unit being stationary, e.g. on floating barge or fixed platform
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0281—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc. characterised by the type of prime driver, e.g. hot gas expander
    • F25J1/0282—Steam turbine as the prime mechanical driver
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0281—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc. characterised by the type of prime driver, e.g. hot gas expander
    • F25J1/0284—Electrical motor as the prime mechanical driver
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0285—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0285—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings
    • F25J1/0287—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings including an electrical motor
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0285—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings
    • F25J1/0288—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings using work extraction by mechanical coupling of compression and expansion of the refrigerant, so-called companders
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2210/00—Processes characterised by the type or other details of the feed stream
    • F25J2210/06—Splitting of the feed stream, e.g. for treating or cooling in different ways
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2230/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for increasing the pressure of gaseous process streams
    • F25J2230/20—Integrated compressor and process expander; Gear box arrangement; Multiple compressors on a common shaft
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2245/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams
    • F25J2245/90—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams the recycled stream being boil-off gas from storage
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2270/00—Refrigeration techniques used
    • F25J2270/04—Internal refrigeration with work-producing gas expansion loop
    • F25J2270/06—Internal refrigeration with work-producing gas expansion loop with multiple gas expansion loops
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T70/00—Maritime or waterways transport

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and system for handling gas. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and system for liquefying, storing and transporting natural gas in an efficient way.
  • the production of hydrocarbons involves among other things separation and stabilization of the various hydrocarbon components which together with the crude oil is part of the feed-stream from the wellhead.
  • the feed stream consists of a high percentage of light hydrocarbons, which constitute what is called natural gas
  • the field is often classified as an "associated gas field".
  • the natural gas components from such fields must be handled one way or another.
  • the simplest and most traditional way is burning of the gas components in a flare at or close to the production facility.
  • flaring represents lost energy, possibly lost revenues and increased emissions to the atmosphere.
  • the first one is to re-inject the gas into the reservoir, and the second one is to transport it to the market (in gaseous state) by means of a pipe line.
  • the sales potential will be significant if the gas can be commercialized instead of flared or re-injected.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide an alternative way of handling natural gas, namely by liquefying it to LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and to transport the LNG to the market. Moreover, the object of the invention is related to the utilization of a LNG carrier to liquefy, store and transport the natural gas from the gas production facility to the market.
  • LNG Liquefied Natural Gas
  • the present invention relates to a system for handling natural gas comprising a LNG carrier comprising a cargo handling system, LNG tanks and a propulsion system, where the LNG carrier receives the natural gas from an offshore facility or a land based facility, and where the system further comprises a LNG process plant provided on the LNG carrier comprising: a gas expanding unit for recovering work from natural gas and thereby providing initial cooling of said natural gas; a heat exchanging unit for cooling and liquefaction of the natural gas; a cooling unit for providing further cooling and for facilitating liquefaction and sub-cooling of the natural gas; an expansion valve for final cooling by reduction of the pressure of the liquefied gas before storing it in the LNG tanks by means of the cargo handling system; where the cooling unit comprises a closed Brayton cooling cycle unit comprising compressor units and at least one expander unit, where the compressor - and expander units are mechanically coupled to a gear box, thereby constituting a single compander unit.
  • the power recovered at the at least one shaft of the gas expanding unit is used to either drive an electric generator or to contribute mechanical power to the compander unit.
  • the gas expanding unit is mechanically connected to the gear box of the compander unit.
  • the pressure of the gas received from the offshore oil production facility is above 7500 kPa.
  • the pressure of the gas after the gas expansion unit is approximately 2000 - 300 kPa, typically 1000 kPa.
  • the heat exchanging unit comprises a plate-fin heat exchanger.
  • the heat exchanging unit is insulated.
  • the cooling fluid of the Brayton cooling cycle unit is nitrogen gas.
  • the Brayton cooling cycle unit comprises three compressor units with water-cooled intermediate coolers and an after-cooler.
  • the compander unit has one output shaft for each of the three compressor units and the expander unit respectively. In one aspect of the invention, the compander unit has one input shaft.
  • the input shaft is mechanically connected to the shaft of the gas expanding unit.
  • the input shaft of the compander unit is powered by a steam turbine supplied with steam from boilers of the LNG carrier propulsion system.
  • the compander unit comprise three compressor units and two expander units. In one aspect of the invention, the compander unit is supplied with cooling water from a cooling water system of the LNG carrier.
  • the present invention also relates to a method for handling natural gas, comprising the following steps: - providing a LNG carrier comprising a cargo handling system, LNG tanks and a propulsion system, where the LNG carrier is receiving the natural gas from an offshore facility or a land based facility, and where the method further comprises the steps of: expanding the gas by means of a gas expanding unit for recovering work from natural gas and thereby providing initial cooling of said natural gas; cooling liquefaction and sub-cooling of the natural gas by means of a heat exchanging unit; further cooling by means of a cooling unit for providing further cooling and for facilitating liquefaction and sub-cooling of the natural gas; - reducing the pressure of the gas by means of an expansion valve; storing the liquefied gas in the LNG carrier tanks by means of the cargo handling system.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic view of different ways of handling natural gas from an oil and gas field
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 3 illustrates details of the gas processing system of the LNG carrier in fig. 2;
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention; and
  • Fig. 5 illustrates the compander principle.
  • the process facility 1 can take many different forms, comprising a ship (so-called FPSO), an offshore platform (floating or gravity based) or another type of facility, including land based facilities.
  • the main product is oil, which can be transported to the market either by a ship or by a pipeline.
  • the light hydrocarbon components, also known as natural gas, can be flared, transported to market in a pipeline or re-injected into the well.
  • An alternative to the above is to handle the natural gas by means of a system and method according to the present invention as shown outlined by dashed lines and marked A in fig. 1.
  • the process facility 1 which in fig. 2 is an offshore floating production platform, is moored to the seabed over a subsea well 2, where a well stream of hydrocarbons, i.e. oil and associated natural gas, is piped to the facility 1 from the well 2 by means of a pipeline riser 3.
  • a well stream of hydrocarbons i.e. oil and associated natural gas
  • the feed stream is separated into the appropriate components such as crude oil, natural gas liquids (condensates), heavy gas components (LPG) and light gas components or so-called natural gas.
  • the natural gas shall be processed in such a way that it is ready for liquefaction. This means that impurities, carbon dioxide content and humidity content have been removed or reduced to acceptable levels for direct liquefaction.
  • the crude oil is exported by means of a subsea pipeline 4 or to a shuttle tanker via a loading buoy.
  • a gas handling system or LNG process plant 10 is provided on a LNG carrier 11.
  • the LNG carrier 11 is moored adjacent to the oil production facility 1.
  • the LNG carrier comprises a cargo handling system, LNG tanks and a LNG carrier propulsion system and other auxiliary systems, such as a cooling water system and other systems.
  • the LNG process plant 10 receives natural gas from the production facility 1 by means of a pipeline 12. It is now referred to fig. 3, which coarsely corresponds to the dashed lines marked A in fig. 1.
  • the LNG process plant 10 is illustrated together with other relevant parts of the LNG carrier.
  • the LNG process plant 10 comprises a gas expanding unit 20 for initial cooling of the gas and to extract mechanical work or power from it, a heat exchanging unit 30 for cooling, liquefying and subcooling the gas and a cooling unit 40 which supplies cold streams to the heat exchanging unit for further cooling and liquefaction of the gas.
  • the gas expanding unit 20 is fed with the natural gas from the facility 1. After processing at the production facility the natural gas will in many cases be at an elevated pressure, typically above 7500 kPa.
  • the gas expanding unit 20 comprises two expanders 20a and 20b in series, as shown in fig. 3.
  • the pressure of the gas downstream the gas expansion unit is approximately 2000 - 300 kPa, typically 1000 kPa.
  • the expansion process in the gas expanding unit 20 results in a power recovery and gas temperature drop.
  • the power recovered at the expander shafts can be used to drive an electric generator or can be used as power input to the cooling unit 40, as will be described more in detail below.
  • the heat exchanging unit 30 comprises a plate-fin heat exchanger where the cold gas from the expanding unit enters.
  • the heat exchanger is insulated to limit heat influx from the surroundings.
  • a 4-pass plate/fin heat exchanger is used.
  • the cooling unit 40 in the present embodiment comprises a closed type cooling system such as a closed Brayton cooling cycle, where the cooling fluid is nitrogen gas.
  • the cooling unit 40 is also denoted as a Brayton cooling cycle unit.
  • the Brayton cooling cycle unit has three compressor units each defining a compressor stage with water-cooled intermediate coolers and an after-cooler.
  • the Brayton cooling cycle unit comprises an expander unit defining an expanding stage.
  • the natural gas which enters the heat exchanging unit is split into two streams, one main stream which is cooled and liquefied and which constitutes the LNG product, and one secondary stream which will be heated and used as fuel gas needed to generate the mechanical power for operating the Brayton cooling cycle unit.
  • the two remaining passages in the heat exchanging unit 30 is used to convey the Brayton cooling cycle units primary and secondary cooling streams (nitrogen gas).
  • the three compressor units and one expander unit of the Brayton cooling cycle are formed as one so-called “compander” unit (compression and expansion unit).
  • the principle of the compander unit is shown in fig. 5.
  • the compander unit comprises a central common gear box 52 having output shafts for each compressor unit and expander unit respectively and one input shaft 55.
  • the compander unit comprises three compressor units and one expander unit for the Brayton cycle cooler mechanically connected to the common gear box.
  • the input shaft of the compander unit is driven by a driving unit 55, either being a steam turbine driven by steam from the LNG carrier steam boilers 66, being a part of the LNG carrier propulsion system, or an electric motor powered by electrical power generated onboard the LNG carrier.
  • expander units of the gas expanding unit 20 may also be mechanically connected to the gear box 52, as shown in fig. 5. It should be noted that the expander units of the gas expanding unit 20 and the expander units of the cooling unit 40 together with the driving unit 55 supply power to the common gear box 52, while the compressor units of the cooling unit 40 extract power from the common gear box 52.
  • the gas expanding unit 20 may not be connected to the gear box 52. If the gas expanding unit 20 is not connected to the gear box 52, it may be connected to a power generator for production of electric energy. This electric energy can be used on the ship, saving fuel and steam consumption.
  • the compander unit will consist of the cooling unit 40 and the driving unit 55.
  • the gas expanding unit 20 will be a separate unit and the compander with the cooling unit 40 and the driving unit 55 will be a separate unit.
  • the Brayton cooling cycle unit is described further in NO 305525, which are hereby incorporated by reference.
  • cold nitrogen produced by the Brayton cycle circulates between the heat exchanging unit 30 and the cooling unit 40.
  • the natural gas is further cooled and liquefied and finally sub-cooled through heat exchange with the nitrogen.
  • an expansion valve unit 50 is provided for reducing the pressure of the liquefied gas before piping it to the LNG tanks by means of the cargo handling system of the LNG carrier.
  • the gas is transported from the valve 50 to the LNG tank 60 via pipe 62.
  • the cooling unit 40 is supplied with cooling water from a cooling water system 64 of the LNG carrier.
  • Natural gas from the production facility 1 can be used as fuel gas in the LNG carrier steam boilers 66 for generation of steam which will power driving unit 55 when the LNG carrier is in the LNG production mode, as shown in figure 2.
  • the fuel gas line is indicated by pipe 68 in figure 3.
  • the LNG carrier steam boilers 66 provide the necessary mechanical input to the drive 55 of the compander unit.
  • a method for handling natural gas comprising the following steps: providing a LNG carrier comprising a cargo handling system, LNG tanks and a propulsion system, where the LNG carrier is receiving the natural gas from an offshore facility or a land based facility, and where the method further comprises the steps of: expanding the gas by means of a gas expanding unit for recovering work from natural gas and thereby providing initial cooling of said natural gas; cooling liquefaction and sub-cooling by means of heat exchanging unit; further cooling by means of a cooling unit for providing further cooling and for facilitating liquefaction and sub-cooling of the natural gas; reducing the pressure of the gas by means of an expansion valve; storing the liquefied gas in the LNG carrier tanks by means of the cargo handling system.
  • the recovered energy from the gas expansion is utilized in the process plant total energy balance, or in the energy balance of the LNG carrier itself.
  • a LNG carrier with an onboard LNG process plant 10 can be used to handle, i.e. to receive, liquefy and transport natural gas from the facility 1.
  • several parts of the LNG carrier is reused.
  • Most conventional LNG carriers are equipped with a steam propulsion plant consisting of two gas fired steam boilers that supply superheated steam to a steam turbine which drive the ship propeller.
  • the steam is instead supplied to the steam turbine drive 55 for the compander.
  • the drive 55 can be an electric motor that is driven by the LNG carrier electric power system.
  • LNG carriers that has installed an electric propulsion plant driven by medium speed gas engines.
  • the LNG carrier will then disconnect from the mooring and proceed to a LNG receiving terminal for LNG offloading.
  • the carrier will then return to the production facility and reconnect for a new cycle of gas liquefaction and LNG storage and transport.
  • the gas can be flared or re-injected at the production facility.
  • a synergy effect is also obtained by utilizing parts of the seawater cooling system for the propulsion turbine condenser as a part of the cooling system for the plant 10.
  • the process plant is installed and integrated in the LNG carrier's auxiliary systems. This means that all the significant auxiliary inputs which are required for operation of the process plant is provided by the existing ship systems. These inputs are for example steam power, electrical power, cooling water as well as existing LNG piping. This integration can be carried out without disrupting the LNG carrier's normal functions such as passage at full speed, berthing, mooring and cargo offloading. It is now referred to fig. 4.
  • the LNG carrier 11 with the LNG process plant 10 in fig. 4 corresponds to the LNG carrier 11 and the LNG process plant 10 described above. In fig.
  • the facility 1 is a land based gas export facility with a harbor.
  • the LNG process plant 10 is connected to the facility 1 by means of a pipe 12A, for transfer of natural gas from the facility to the LNG carrier. Consequently, the present invention can be used for handling any type of natural gas, both associated natural gas from oil fields, and for handling natural gas from gas fields or gas export facilities.
  • the LNG carrier receives gas from a land-based facility, the gas pressure may not be elevated, but can be close to atmospheric pressure. In that case the expanders in the process system may be omitted or replaced by a compressor.
  • the cooling unit 40 should be designed based on the technical requirements it is being used for.
  • the Brayton cooling cycle unit could comprise more than or fewer than three compressor units, more than one expander unit, etc. Further, one of the intermediate coolers could be omitted. Consequently, this will have impacts on the design of the compander unit.
  • steam boilers 66 could be replaced with gas engine generators etc.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for handling natural gas comprising a LNG carrier (11) comprising a cargo handling system, LNG tanks and a propulsion system, where the LNG carrier receives the natural gas from an offshore facility or a land based facility, and where the system further comprises a LNG process plant (10) provided on the LNG carrier (11).

Description

Method and system for handling gas
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and system for handling gas. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and system for liquefying, storing and transporting natural gas in an efficient way.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The production of hydrocarbons involves among other things separation and stabilization of the various hydrocarbon components which together with the crude oil is part of the feed-stream from the wellhead. When the feed stream consists of a high percentage of light hydrocarbons, which constitute what is called natural gas, the field is often classified as an "associated gas field". The natural gas components from such fields must be handled one way or another. The simplest and most traditional way is burning of the gas components in a flare at or close to the production facility. However, flaring represents lost energy, possibly lost revenues and increased emissions to the atmosphere.
There are two well known ways of handling the associated gas other than flaring it. The first one is to re-inject the gas into the reservoir, and the second one is to transport it to the market (in gaseous state) by means of a pipe line. In cases where the natural gas constitutes a high percentage of the feed-stream, the sales potential will be significant if the gas can be commercialized instead of flared or re-injected.
The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative way of handling natural gas, namely by liquefying it to LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and to transport the LNG to the market. Moreover, the object of the invention is related to the utilization of a LNG carrier to liquefy, store and transport the natural gas from the gas production facility to the market.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for handling natural gas comprising a LNG carrier comprising a cargo handling system, LNG tanks and a propulsion system, where the LNG carrier receives the natural gas from an offshore facility or a land based facility, and where the system further comprises a LNG process plant provided on the LNG carrier comprising: a gas expanding unit for recovering work from natural gas and thereby providing initial cooling of said natural gas; a heat exchanging unit for cooling and liquefaction of the natural gas; a cooling unit for providing further cooling and for facilitating liquefaction and sub-cooling of the natural gas; an expansion valve for final cooling by reduction of the pressure of the liquefied gas before storing it in the LNG tanks by means of the cargo handling system; where the cooling unit comprises a closed Brayton cooling cycle unit comprising compressor units and at least one expander unit, where the compressor - and expander units are mechanically coupled to a gear box, thereby constituting a single compander unit.
In one aspect of the invention, the power recovered at the at least one shaft of the gas expanding unit is used to either drive an electric generator or to contribute mechanical power to the compander unit. In one aspect of the invention, the gas expanding unit is mechanically connected to the gear box of the compander unit.
In one aspect of the invention, the pressure of the gas received from the offshore oil production facility is above 7500 kPa.
In one aspect of the invention, the the pressure of the gas after the gas expansion unit is approximately 2000 - 300 kPa, typically 1000 kPa.
In one aspect of the invention, the heat exchanging unit comprises a plate-fin heat exchanger.
In one aspect of the invention, the heat exchanging unit is insulated.
In one aspect of the invention, the cooling fluid of the Brayton cooling cycle unit is nitrogen gas.
In one aspect of the invention, the Brayton cooling cycle unit comprises three compressor units with water-cooled intermediate coolers and an after-cooler.
In one aspect of the invention, the compander unit has one output shaft for each of the three compressor units and the expander unit respectively. In one aspect of the invention, the compander unit has one input shaft.
In one aspect of the invention, the input shaft is mechanically connected to the shaft of the gas expanding unit.
In one aspect of the invention, the input shaft of the compander unit is powered by a steam turbine supplied with steam from boilers of the LNG carrier propulsion system.
In one aspect of the invention, the compander unit comprise three compressor units and two expander units. In one aspect of the invention, the compander unit is supplied with cooling water from a cooling water system of the LNG carrier.
The present invention also relates to a method for handling natural gas, comprising the following steps: - providing a LNG carrier comprising a cargo handling system, LNG tanks and a propulsion system, where the LNG carrier is receiving the natural gas from an offshore facility or a land based facility, and where the method further comprises the steps of: expanding the gas by means of a gas expanding unit for recovering work from natural gas and thereby providing initial cooling of said natural gas; cooling liquefaction and sub-cooling of the natural gas by means of a heat exchanging unit; further cooling by means of a cooling unit for providing further cooling and for facilitating liquefaction and sub-cooling of the natural gas; - reducing the pressure of the gas by means of an expansion valve; storing the liquefied gas in the LNG carrier tanks by means of the cargo handling system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, where:
Fig. 1 is a schematic view of different ways of handling natural gas from an oil and gas field;
Fig. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 3 illustrates details of the gas processing system of the LNG carrier in fig. 2; Fig. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 5 illustrates the compander principle.
It is now referred to fig. 1, illustrating an overview of different ways gas produced at a process facility 1 can be handled. The process facility 1 can take many different forms, comprising a ship (so-called FPSO), an offshore platform (floating or gravity based) or another type of facility, including land based facilities. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the main product is oil, which can be transported to the market either by a ship or by a pipeline. The light hydrocarbon components, also known as natural gas, can be flared, transported to market in a pipeline or re-injected into the well. An alternative to the above is to handle the natural gas by means of a system and method according to the present invention as shown outlined by dashed lines and marked A in fig. 1.
It is now referred to fig. 2. The process facility 1, which in fig. 2 is an offshore floating production platform, is moored to the seabed over a subsea well 2, where a well stream of hydrocarbons, i.e. oil and associated natural gas, is piped to the facility 1 from the well 2 by means of a pipeline riser 3. At the production facility the feed stream is separated into the appropriate components such as crude oil, natural gas liquids (condensates), heavy gas components (LPG) and light gas components or so-called natural gas. The natural gas shall be processed in such a way that it is ready for liquefaction. This means that impurities, carbon dioxide content and humidity content have been removed or reduced to acceptable levels for direct liquefaction. In fig. 2 the crude oil is exported by means of a subsea pipeline 4 or to a shuttle tanker via a loading buoy.
In fig. 2, a gas handling system or LNG process plant 10 is provided on a LNG carrier 11. The LNG carrier 11 is moored adjacent to the oil production facility 1. The LNG carrier comprises a cargo handling system, LNG tanks and a LNG carrier propulsion system and other auxiliary systems, such as a cooling water system and other systems. The LNG process plant 10 receives natural gas from the production facility 1 by means of a pipeline 12. It is now referred to fig. 3, which coarsely corresponds to the dashed lines marked A in fig. 1. Here, the LNG process plant 10 is illustrated together with other relevant parts of the LNG carrier. The LNG process plant 10 comprises a gas expanding unit 20 for initial cooling of the gas and to extract mechanical work or power from it, a heat exchanging unit 30 for cooling, liquefying and subcooling the gas and a cooling unit 40 which supplies cold streams to the heat exchanging unit for further cooling and liquefaction of the gas.
The gas expanding unit 20 is fed with the natural gas from the facility 1. After processing at the production facility the natural gas will in many cases be at an elevated pressure, typically above 7500 kPa. In the present embodiment, the gas expanding unit 20 comprises two expanders 20a and 20b in series, as shown in fig. 3. The pressure of the gas downstream the gas expansion unit is approximately 2000 - 300 kPa, typically 1000 kPa. The expansion process in the gas expanding unit 20 results in a power recovery and gas temperature drop. The power recovered at the expander shafts can be used to drive an electric generator or can be used as power input to the cooling unit 40, as will be described more in detail below. The heat exchanging unit 30 comprises a plate-fin heat exchanger where the cold gas from the expanding unit enters. The heat exchanger is insulated to limit heat influx from the surroundings. In the present embodiment, a 4-pass plate/fin heat exchanger is used.
The cooling unit 40 in the present embodiment comprises a closed type cooling system such as a closed Brayton cooling cycle, where the cooling fluid is nitrogen gas. In the following, the cooling unit 40 is also denoted as a Brayton cooling cycle unit. The Brayton cooling cycle unit has three compressor units each defining a compressor stage with water-cooled intermediate coolers and an after-cooler. Moreover, the Brayton cooling cycle unit comprises an expander unit defining an expanding stage.
The natural gas which enters the heat exchanging unit is split into two streams, one main stream which is cooled and liquefied and which constitutes the LNG product, and one secondary stream which will be heated and used as fuel gas needed to generate the mechanical power for operating the Brayton cooling cycle unit. The two remaining passages in the heat exchanging unit 30 is used to convey the Brayton cooling cycle units primary and secondary cooling streams (nitrogen gas).
In the present embodiment, the three compressor units and one expander unit of the Brayton cooling cycle are formed as one so-called "compander" unit (compression and expansion unit). The principle of the compander unit is shown in fig. 5. The compander unit comprises a central common gear box 52 having output shafts for each compressor unit and expander unit respectively and one input shaft 55.
As mentioned above, the compander unit comprises three compressor units and one expander unit for the Brayton cycle cooler mechanically connected to the common gear box. The input shaft of the compander unit is driven by a driving unit 55, either being a steam turbine driven by steam from the LNG carrier steam boilers 66, being a part of the LNG carrier propulsion system, or an electric motor powered by electrical power generated onboard the LNG carrier.
Moreover, expander units of the gas expanding unit 20 may also be mechanically connected to the gear box 52, as shown in fig. 5. It should be noted that the expander units of the gas expanding unit 20 and the expander units of the cooling unit 40 together with the driving unit 55 supply power to the common gear box 52, while the compressor units of the cooling unit 40 extract power from the common gear box 52. By designing an integrated compander unit as described above, the unit will be compact, reducing costs and required space for installation on the LNG carrier. Due to mechanical restrictions and speed restrictions, the gas expanding unit 20 may not be connected to the gear box 52. If the gas expanding unit 20 is not connected to the gear box 52, it may be connected to a power generator for production of electric energy. This electric energy can be used on the ship, saving fuel and steam consumption. In this case the compander unit will consist of the cooling unit 40 and the driving unit 55. Thus in this case the gas expanding unit 20 will be a separate unit and the compander with the cooling unit 40 and the driving unit 55 will be a separate unit.
It should be noted that the Brayton cooling cycle unit is described further in NO 305525, which are hereby incorporated by reference. As shown in fig. 3, cold nitrogen produced by the Brayton cycle circulates between the heat exchanging unit 30 and the cooling unit 40. As a result of this circulation, the natural gas is further cooled and liquefied and finally sub-cooled through heat exchange with the nitrogen. Downstream the LNG process plant 10 an expansion valve unit 50 is provided for reducing the pressure of the liquefied gas before piping it to the LNG tanks by means of the cargo handling system of the LNG carrier. As shown in fig. 3 the gas is transported from the valve 50 to the LNG tank 60 via pipe 62.
Moreover, the cooling unit 40 is supplied with cooling water from a cooling water system 64 of the LNG carrier. Natural gas from the production facility 1 can be used as fuel gas in the LNG carrier steam boilers 66 for generation of steam which will power driving unit 55 when the LNG carrier is in the LNG production mode, as shown in figure 2. The fuel gas line is indicated by pipe 68 in figure 3. Hence the LNG carrier steam boilers 66 provide the necessary mechanical input to the drive 55 of the compander unit. Hence, a method for handling natural gas is also provided, comprising the following steps: providing a LNG carrier comprising a cargo handling system, LNG tanks and a propulsion system, where the LNG carrier is receiving the natural gas from an offshore facility or a land based facility, and where the method further comprises the steps of: expanding the gas by means of a gas expanding unit for recovering work from natural gas and thereby providing initial cooling of said natural gas; cooling liquefaction and sub-cooling by means of heat exchanging unit; further cooling by means of a cooling unit for providing further cooling and for facilitating liquefaction and sub-cooling of the natural gas; reducing the pressure of the gas by means of an expansion valve; storing the liquefied gas in the LNG carrier tanks by means of the cargo handling system.
The recovered energy from the gas expansion is utilized in the process plant total energy balance, or in the energy balance of the LNG carrier itself.
According to the invention a LNG carrier with an onboard LNG process plant 10 can be used to handle, i.e. to receive, liquefy and transport natural gas from the facility 1. As described above, several parts of the LNG carrier is reused. Most conventional LNG carriers are equipped with a steam propulsion plant consisting of two gas fired steam boilers that supply superheated steam to a steam turbine which drive the ship propeller. When the LNG process plant is in operation, the steam is instead supplied to the steam turbine drive 55 for the compander. Alternatively, the drive 55 can be an electric motor that is driven by the LNG carrier electric power system. Such an alternative is possible for LNG carriers that has installed an electric propulsion plant driven by medium speed gas engines. When the LNG cargo tanks are full, the gas transfer from the production facility through the pipeline 12 will be stopped. The LNG carrier will then disconnect from the mooring and proceed to a LNG receiving terminal for LNG offloading. The carrier will then return to the production facility and reconnect for a new cycle of gas liquefaction and LNG storage and transport. When the LNG carrier is not connected to the pipeline 12, the gas can be flared or re-injected at the production facility.
A synergy effect is also obtained by utilizing parts of the seawater cooling system for the propulsion turbine condenser as a part of the cooling system for the plant 10. The process plant is installed and integrated in the LNG carrier's auxiliary systems. This means that all the significant auxiliary inputs which are required for operation of the process plant is provided by the existing ship systems. These inputs are for example steam power, electrical power, cooling water as well as existing LNG piping. This integration can be carried out without disrupting the LNG carrier's normal functions such as passage at full speed, berthing, mooring and cargo offloading. It is now referred to fig. 4. The LNG carrier 11 with the LNG process plant 10 in fig. 4 corresponds to the LNG carrier 11 and the LNG process plant 10 described above. In fig. 4, the facility 1 is a land based gas export facility with a harbor. As shown, the LNG process plant 10 is connected to the facility 1 by means of a pipe 12A, for transfer of natural gas from the facility to the LNG carrier. Consequently, the present invention can be used for handling any type of natural gas, both associated natural gas from oil fields, and for handling natural gas from gas fields or gas export facilities. When the LNG carrier receives gas from a land-based facility, the gas pressure may not be elevated, but can be close to atmospheric pressure. In that case the expanders in the process system may be omitted or replaced by a compressor.
It should be noted that the cooling unit 40 should be designed based on the technical requirements it is being used for. For example, the Brayton cooling cycle unit could comprise more than or fewer than three compressor units, more than one expander unit, etc. Further, one of the intermediate coolers could be omitted. Consequently, this will have impacts on the design of the compander unit.
Moreover, it should be noted that the steam boilers 66 could be replaced with gas engine generators etc.
Further modifications and variations will be obvious for a skilled man when reading the description above. The scope of the invention will appear from the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. System for handling natural gas comprising: a LNG carrier (11) comprising a cargo handling system, LNG tanks and a propulsion system, where the LNG carrier receives the natural gas from an offshore facility or a land based facility, and where the system further comprises
- a LNG process plant (10) provided on the LNG carrier (11) comprising: a gas expanding unit (20) for recovering work from natural gas and thereby providing initial cooling of said natural gas; - a heat exchanging unit (30) for cooling and liquefaction of the natural gas;
- a cooling unit (40) for providing further cooling and for facilitating liquefaction and sub-cooling of the natural gas; an expansion valve (50) for final cooling by reduction of the pressure of the liquefied gas before storing it in the LNG tanks by means of the cargo handling system; where the cooling unit (40) comprises a closed Brayton cooling cycle unit comprising compressor units and at least one expander unit, where the compressor- and expander units are mechanically coupled to a gear box, thereby constituting a single compander unit.
2. System according to claim 1, where power recovered at the at least one shaft of the gas expanding unit is used to either drive an electric generator or to contribute mechanical power to the compander unit.
3. System according to claim 1 or 2, where the gas expanding unit (20) is mechanically connected to the gear box of the compander unit.
4. System according to claim 1, where the pressure of the gas received from the offshore oil production facility is above 7500 kPa.
5. System according to claim 4, where the pressure of the gas after the gas expansion unit is approximately 2000 - 300 kPa, typically 1000 kPa.
6. System according to claim 1, where the heat exchanging unit comprises a plate- fin heat exchanger.
7. System according to claim 1, where the heat exchanging unit is insulated.
8. System according to claim 1, where the cooling fluid of the Brayton cooling cycle unit is nitrogen gas.
9. System according to claim 1, where the Brayton cooling cycle unit comprises three compressor units with water-cooled intermediate coolers and an after-cooler.
10. System according to claim 9, where the compander unit has one output shaft for each of the three compressor units and the expander unit respectively.
11. System according to claim 10, where the compander unit has one input shaft.
12. System according to claim 11, where the input shaft is mechanically connected to the shaft of the gas expanding unit.
13. System according to claim 11 or 12, where the input shaft of the compander unit is powered by a steam turbine supplied with steam from boilers of the LNG carrier propulsion system.
14. System according to claim 1, where the compander unit comprise three compressor units and two expander units.
15. System according to claim 1, where the compander unit is supplied with cooling water from a cooling water system of the LNG carrier.
16. Method for handling natural gas, comprising the following steps: providing a LNG carrier (11) comprising a cargo handling system, LNG tanks and a propulsion system, where the LNG carrier is receiving the natural gas from an offshore facility or a land based facility, and where the method further comprises the steps of: - expanding the gas by means of a gas expanding unit (20) for recovering work from natural gas and thereby providing initial cooling of said natural gas; cooling liquefaction and sub-cooling of the natural gas by means of a heat exchanging unit (30); further cooling by means of a cooling unit (40) for providing further cooling and for facilitating liquefaction and sub-cooling of the natural gas; reducing the pressure of the gas by means of an expansion valve (50); storing the liquefied gas in the LNG carrier tanks by means of the cargo handling system.
PCT/NO2009/000317 2008-09-24 2009-09-10 Method and system for handling gas WO2010036121A2 (en)

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US9981608P 2008-09-24 2008-09-24
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