WO2019110770A1 - Method of operating a liquefied natural gas production facility - Google Patents
Method of operating a liquefied natural gas production facility Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2019110770A1 WO2019110770A1 PCT/EP2018/083889 EP2018083889W WO2019110770A1 WO 2019110770 A1 WO2019110770 A1 WO 2019110770A1 EP 2018083889 W EP2018083889 W EP 2018083889W WO 2019110770 A1 WO2019110770 A1 WO 2019110770A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- lng production
- building blocks
- production train
- train
- lng
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 250
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 248
- 239000003949 liquefied natural gas Substances 0.000 title claims description 198
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 205
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 52
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 26
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 claims description 20
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 claims description 19
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 58
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 48
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 40
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 34
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- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 28
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 description 21
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- FEBLZLNTKCEFIT-VSXGLTOVSA-N fluocinolone acetonide Chemical compound C1([C@@H](F)C2)=CC(=O)C=C[C@]1(C)[C@]1(F)[C@@H]2[C@@H]2C[C@H]3OC(C)(C)O[C@@]3(C(=O)CO)[C@@]2(C)C[C@@H]1O FEBLZLNTKCEFIT-VSXGLTOVSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 5
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- 238000010992 reflux Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 3
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 101000841267 Homo sapiens Long chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 102100029107 Long chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase Human genes 0.000 description 2
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
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- JJYKJUXBWFATTE-UHFFFAOYSA-N mosher's acid Chemical compound COC(C(O)=O)(C(F)(F)F)C1=CC=CC=C1 JJYKJUXBWFATTE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
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- RWSOTUBLDIXVET-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dihydrogen sulfide Chemical compound S RWSOTUBLDIXVET-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000282412 Homo Species 0.000 description 1
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- 238000011049 filling Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000013505 freshwater Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000001307 helium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052734 helium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N helium atom Chemical compound [He] SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000002706 hydrostatic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011068 loading method Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000002808 molecular sieve Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- QJGQUHMNIGDVPM-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitrogen group Chemical group [N] QJGQUHMNIGDVPM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000011017 operating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005457 optimization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008520 organization Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 238000004540 process dynamic Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 230000008929 regeneration Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 230000011218 segmentation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- -1 shale gas Chemical compound 0.000 description 1
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 1
- URGAHOPLAPQHLN-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium aluminosilicate Chemical compound [Na+].[Al+3].[O-][Si]([O-])=O.[O-][Si]([O-])=O URGAHOPLAPQHLN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 238000003786 synthesis reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010792 warming Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- 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
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H5/00—Buildings or groups of buildings for industrial or agricultural purposes
- E04H5/02—Buildings or groups of buildings for industrial purposes, e.g. for power-plants or factories
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- 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
- F25J1/0052—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 vaporising a liquid refrigerant 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
- F25J1/0052—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 vaporising a liquid refrigerant stream
- F25J1/0055—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 vaporising a liquid refrigerant stream originating from an incorporated cascade
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- 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
- F25J1/008—Hydrocarbons
- F25J1/0087—Propane; Propylene
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
- F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
- F25J1/0211—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle
- F25J1/0214—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as a dual level refrigeration cascade with at least one MCR cycle
- F25J1/0215—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as a dual level refrigeration cascade with at least one MCR cycle with one SCR cycle
- F25J1/0216—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as a dual level refrigeration cascade with at least one MCR cycle with one SCR cycle using a C3 pre-cooling cycle
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
- F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
- F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
- F25J1/0244—Operation; Control and regulation; Instrumentation
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
- F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
- F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
- F25J1/0244—Operation; Control and regulation; Instrumentation
- F25J1/0245—Different modes, i.e. 'runs', of operation; Process control
- F25J1/0247—Different modes, i.e. 'runs', of operation; Process control start-up of the process
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
- F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
- F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
- F25J1/0244—Operation; Control and regulation; Instrumentation
- F25J1/0245—Different modes, i.e. 'runs', of operation; Process control
- F25J1/0248—Stopping of the process, e.g. defrosting or deriming, maintenance; Back-up mode or systems
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
- F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
- F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
- F25J1/0244—Operation; Control and regulation; Instrumentation
- F25J1/0256—Safety aspects of operation
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- 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
- F25J1/0259—Modularity and arrangement of parts of the liquefaction unit and in particular of the cold box, e.g. pre-fabrication, assembling and erection, dimensions, horizontal layout "plot"
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- 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
- F25J1/0269—Arrangement of liquefaction units or equipments fulfilling the same process step, e.g. multiple "trains" concept
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- 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
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
- F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
- F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
- F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
- F25J1/0281—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc. characterised by the type of prime driver, e.g. hot gas expander
- F25J1/0283—Gas turbine as the prime mechanical driver
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- 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.
- F25J1/0296—Removal of the heat of compression, e.g. within an inter- or afterstage-cooler against an ambient heat sink
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J2220/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for the removal of impurities
- F25J2220/60—Separating impurities from natural gas, e.g. mercury, cyclic hydrocarbons
- F25J2220/64—Separating heavy hydrocarbons, e.g. NGL, LPG, C4+ hydrocarbons or heavy condensates in general
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
- F25J2290/00—Other details not covered by groups F25J2200/00 - F25J2280/00
- F25J2290/42—Modularity, pre-fabrication of modules, assembling and erection, horizontal layout, i.e. plot plan, and vertical arrangement of parts of the cryogenic unit, e.g. of the cold box
-
- 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
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P80/00—Climate change mitigation technologies for sector-wide applications
- Y02P80/10—Efficient use of energy, e.g. using compressed air or pressurized fluid as energy carrier
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to a method of operating a liquefied natural gas production facility.
- the facility typically comprises one or more production trains for the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
- LNG liquefied natural gas
- Natural gas (“NG”) is routinely transported from one location to another location in its liquid state as “Liquefied Natural Gas” (LNG). Liquefaction of the natural gas makes it more economical to transport as LNG occupies only about 1/600 of the volume that the same amount of natural gas does in its gaseous state.
- LNG is typically stored in cryogenic containers, typically either at or slightly above atmospheric pressure. LNG can be regasified before distribution to end users through a pipeline or other distribution network at a temperature and pressure that meets the delivery requirements of the end users.
- Wellhead gas is subjected to gas pre-treatment to remove contaminants prior to liquefaction.
- the hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide can be removed using a suitable process such as amine absorption. Removal of water can be achieved using conventional methods, for example, a molecular sieve.
- the inlet gas stream may be subjected to further pre-treatment to remove other contaminants, such as mercury and heavy hydrocarbons prior to liquefaction.
- Liquefaction is achieved using processes which typically involve compression, expansion and cooling. Such processes are applied in technologies such as APCI C3/MRTM or AP-XTM processes, the Phillips Optimized Cascade Process, the Linde Mixed Fluid Cascade process or the Shell Double Mixed Refrigerant or Parallel Mixed Refrigerant process.
- refrigerants are used to reduce the temperature of the treated gas to a temperature of around -l60°C to form LNG, resulting in warming of the refrigerant which must be compressed for recycle to the liquefaction process.
- the compressors used for this duty are traditionally gas turbines or electric motors depending on the power requirements and layout issues of a particular LNG production train.
- the coolers required for the various compression and heat exchanger operations associated with an LNG plant may be air coolers or water coolers arranged in a heat exchanger bank.
- Prior art modularized LNG production trains have been closely based upon the design and layout of the more traditional stick-built LNG production trains. Until now, modularization has been conducted by slicing up an existing stick built LNG train design into transportable sections, leading to some compromises regarding the placement of the module boundaries. Prior art examples of modularization of a traditional air-cooled LNG train have relied on dividing the air-cooled heat exchanger bank into the smallest number of modules possible for a given size of air cooler within the air-cooled heat exchanger bank.
- the overall footprint of such modularized LNG production plants is large because sufficient plot space needs to be allocated to allow for covered modules incorporating the air-cooled heat exchanger bank to be positioned in a straight line mnning along the central longitudinal axis of the LNG production train with the uncovered modules being offset from the central longitudinal axis and located on one side or the other side of the centrally located air-cooled heat exchanger bank.
- This prior art design has several disadvantages. A high number of interconnections are required across the modules between the air-cooled heat exchanger bank covered modules and the associated equipment located on an adjacent uncovered module.
- a subset of the plurality of heat exchangers is arranged on a first level vertically offset from the base of at least one module to form a partially covered module, and wherein the major axis of the partially covered module is arranged to lie perpendicular to the major axis of the train when the partially covered module is installed at the production location.
- the heat exchanger bank has a footprint and the base of the partially covered module projects transversely outwardly beyond the footprint of the heat exchanger bank to provide an uncovered section of the module base on a first side of the heat exchanger bank.
- the uncovered section of the module base is sized for mounting a selected piece of process equipment.
- LNG project costs for instance when expressed in project costs per tonne per annum
- Typical Capex is currently in the range of USD l000-2000/tpa (or about 50 to 100 USD/tonne of LNG produced for a 20 years lifetime of the facility).
- Reasons for these increased costs of constmction are, for instance, one or more of the following.
- the time schedule for constmction is on average about 50% longer when compared to historic projects (e.g. constmcted before 1990). Costs of equipment (for instance compressors and heat exchangers) and raw material, such as steel and nickel, have doubled over time.
- LNG production trains typically have a significant impact on capital expenditure and plot space of an LNG production plant. Consequently, there remains a need to explore alternative designs for an LNG production train to improve on one or more of the disadvantages referenced above.
- the first operating period and the second operating period are displaced in time with respect to each other.
- the facility comprising only a single set of spare compact building blocks. The method only involves providing a single set of spare compact building blocks.
- the first operating period and/or the second operating period can be at least in the order of a year.
- the maintenance period may be in the order of one or two weeks.
- the step of shutting down the first LNG production train comprising:
- the at least one vacuum system may be connected to a gravitationally lower end of a respective process section.
- the step of mnning the first LNG production train during the first operating period comprises monitoring and controlling the first LNG production train from a monitoring location remote from a production location of the LNG production facility;
- the step of mnning the second LNG production train during the second operating period comprises monitoring and controlling the second LNG production train from the monitoring location.
- the step of mnning the first LNG production train during a first operating period comprising automatic startup of the first LNG production train; and the step of running the second LNG production train during a second operating period comprising automatic startup of the second LNG production train.
- the step of running the first LNG production train during a first operating period comprising automatic operation of the first LNG production train
- step of mnning the second LNG production train during a second operating period comprising automatic operation of the second LNG production train
- the steps of mnning the first LNG production train and mnning the second LNG production train comprising:
- the step of detecting undesired conditions may comprise one or more of:
- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a conventional stick-built LNG production train
- Figure 2 shows a top view of a conventional modular built LNG production train
- Figure 3 shows a perspective front view of an embodiment of an LNG production train according to the disclosure
- Figure 4 shows a perspective rear view of the embodiment of Figure 3 ;
- Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an LNG production train according to the disclosure
- Figure 6 shows a diagram of a method of operating at least two LNG production trains
- Figures 7-9 show respective side, top and front views of a method of operating an LNG production train
- Figure 10 shows a diagram of a method of operating an LNG production train
- Figure 12 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a process section according to the disclosure
- Figure 14 shows a diagram of another embodiment of a process section according to the disclosure.
- Figure 15 shows a diagram of a conventional valve section in a conventional LNG production train
- Figure 16 shows an embodiment of a valve section according to the disclosure
- Figure 17 shows a diagram of a conventional pressure vessel section
- Figure 18 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a pressure vessel section according to the disclosure
- Figure 19 shows a diagram of a conventional column type process equipment section
- Figure 20 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a column type process equipment section according to the disclosure
- LNG refers to liquefied natural gas
- plant may refer to the LNG production plant including one or more LNG production trains.
- facility may typically refer to an LNG production plant, but may alternatively refer to an assembly in general.
- building block or “compact building block” refers to a part of a section of an LNG production train or plant that can be replaced relatively easily and with minimal interference with other parts or blocks of the production train or respective process section. This method of replacement may be referred to as plug- and-play.
- the building block may be assembled on the production location, or may be preassembled at a construction or assembly location remote from the production location. At the production location, the plant may be constructed by connecting building blocks to each other and to other process equipment in a predetermined manner.
- the production train 1 shown in Figure 1 has typical dimensions indicated by length Ll and width Wl, the length being significantly longer (for instance at least twice as long) than the width. Said length and width define a substantially longitudinal area, which may be referred to as the area inside the battery limit (ISBL).
- An LNG plant typically comprises other sections in addition to the LNG production train 1, which are located outside the battery limit (OSBL). Examples are the one or more LNG storage tanks 24 for storing the produced LNG 20. Also, the plant typically comprises sections for supply of natural gas and for offloading of the LNG, for instance a jetty for transferring LNG to an LNG carrier vessel.
- a first refrigerant compression module (42), in this example, a propane compression module;
- Respective modules have covered sections covered by the air cooled heat exchangers 26, and uncovered sections 50.
- Process equipment is arranged on the uncovered sections of the respective modules.
- the covered sections do not comprise process equipment.
- the first refrigerant may be propane while the second refrigerant may be a mixed refrigerant hydrocarbon mixture.
- This type of process is known as the propane pre-cooled mixed refrigerant, or C3MR process.
- propane pre-cooled mixed refrigerant or C3MR process.
- Other processes, as mentioned in the introduction above, are equally conceivable.
- propane, or another hydrocarbon or mixture of hydrocarbons, as the first refrigerant care is to be taken to ensure that the propane or mixture of hydrocarbons does not leak, because these are highly flammable.
- the process equipment required for propane compression is grouped together within a propane compression module to facilitate the pre-commissioning and commissioning of that module having all of the accessories that are needed to circulate fluid through the compressor at the production location.
- the main rotating equipment associated with the propane compression circuit is placed on an uncovered section 50 of one of the plurality of modules, i.e. on a section of the modules not covered by air cooled heat exchangers 26, rather than underneath a plurality of air-cooled heat exchangers 26 arranged on an elevated level.
- the width of the modularized LNG production train 2 may be a bit smaller than the width W 1 of the stick-built train 1 shown in Fig. 1, the length L2 of the train 2 (Fig. 2) is substantially similar to the length Ll of train 1 (Fig. 1).
- respective modules 40-48 may be arranged side- by-side rather than in subsequent order. Despite the potential advantages this may provide, the total footprint of the train remains the same as the footprint of the production train 2 shown in Fig. 2.
- the overall footprint (ISBL) of the modularized train 2 (Fig. 2) may be a bit smaller than the footprint of the stick-built train 1 (Fig. 1)
- the capital expenditure turns out to be almost the same or even higher than the capital expenditure for a conventional stick-built train 1.
- capital expenditure is - eventually - one of the most important deciding factors to indicate if and when an LNG production plant will break even, a plant with stick built LNG production trains is often more cost effective.
- Overruns of the construction schedule may lead to additional costs or delayed income due to, for instance, costs of equipment rental, labor costs, hiring of contractors, reduced net present value of the project due to delayed commencement of sales and/or potential claims for damages in supply contracts.
- these costs may be one of the most important causes of the increased capital expenditures of LNG production plants compared to older plants constructed prior to 1990.
- the applicant proposes a combination of unconventional and bold measures.
- the measures and features described below are mutually beneficial, one or more thereof in combination may enable to dramatically bring down capital expenditure.
- the LNG production train of the disclosure can be built faster and at lower cost.
- the LNG production train 3 comprises, for example, two integrated process units 100, 110.
- the first integrated process unit 100 may have multiple levels or process equipment floors 101, 102, 103 respectively, arranged on top of each other.
- the second integrated process unit 110 may have multiple levels 111, 112, 113 respectively, arranged on top of each other.
- the phrase multiple levels herein may imply at least two levels.
- the production units 100, 110 may have at least three or four levels, or more.
- the integrated process units 100, 110 of the LNG production train of the present disclosure may provide a stacked constmction.
- selected pieces of equipment may be arranged not only side by side, but potentially also vertically separated at a different vertical level in the same integrated process unit, thus limiting the area of the base of said unit.
- the plot size of the train will be limited accordingly.
- the integrated process units 100, 110 of the LNG production train 3 thus extend both in horizontal, longitudinal but also in vertical direction.
- the integrated process units form generally three dimensional structures.
- the train may, for instance, comprise a scrub column 118 to remove heavy hydrocarbons from the natural gas before liquefaction thereof in the main cryogenic heat exchanger 116. Removal of heavy hydrocarbons, such as C6+ from natural gas is done prior to cryogenic liquefaction in order to prevent freeze-out of these components in the cryogenic heat exchanger 116.
- cryogenic methods such as passing feed gas through a scrub column 118 or a front-end NGL extraction unit (not shown) have been employed for this purpose.
- Adsorption-based separation processes are an alternative method to strip trace heavy hydrocarbons from natural gas. Adsorption may be a good alternative for the scrub column for certain feed gas streams such as lean natural gas containing relatively low amounts of C2-C4, yet significant amounts of C6+.
- an adsorption-unit or a front-end NGL extraction unit may be included in one of units 100 or 110.
- the units each have a mechanical support stmcture 122, to support the plurality of levels or process equipment floors 101-103, 111-113 respectively.
- the mechanical support structure, or stmctural frame 122 may comprise a number of columns 126 extending in vertical direction interconnected by beams 128 extending in horizontal direction.
- the beams 128 and columns 126 support the respective process equipment floors.
- the 110 may be arranged on supports 115.
- the supports may be, for instance, blocks, column beams, or pillars.
- the supports 115 lift a lower process floor 101, 111 of the respective process unit 100, 110 a predetermined distance above ground 119. This may create a space 117 between the ground and the lower process floor.
- the predetermined distance may be in the order of 0.5 to 5 meters or more. In practice, the predetermined distance may be in the order of 1 to 3 meters.
- the integrated process units 100, 110 may be connected to one or more pieces of process equipment arranged on the ground 119 adjacent to the respective integrated process unit, such as the pre-cooler 114 and/or the cryogenic heat exchanger 116.
- FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of an TNG production train 4 for the production of LNG, comprising three integrated process units 100, 110, and 120.
- the third integrated process unit 120 may comprise one or more compressor units.
- the third integrated process unit 120 may comprise, at least, a first compressor unit for compressing a first refrigerant stream.
- the third process unit 120 may comprise at least a second compressor unit for compressing a second refrigerant stream.
- the fan driven air coolers 26 can be arranged on top of one or more of the integrated process units.
- the train 4 comprises a number of integrated process units 100, 110, 120.
- Each unit comprises a mechanical support structure 122 comprising a plurality of process equipment floors or levels 101-103, 111-113. At least part of the process equipment for the cooling of a natural gas feed stream, or process gas stream, is arranged on the plurality of process equipment floors.
- the process equipment and the air coolers 26 can all be shop built into the integrated process unit.
- the process equipment does not have to be connected to the air coolers 26 on site.
- the air coolers 26 cause a current of relatively cool air around
- the air coolers 26 are arranged at the uppermost process equipment floor, covering the respective process unit 100, 110, 120.
- the required total area covered by the air coolers may be in the order of 1900 m2 for an LNG production capacity of about 2 MTPA. This may be within the available bay area on top of the Gas Processing unit 100 and the Liquefaction unit 110. Part of the air coolers 26 may have to be fitter on top of the compressor unit 120. The area covered by air coolers 26 on top of the compressor unit 120 may be in the order of 550 m2, leaving scope for further capacity increase of LNG production.
- a reduction in the area required for air coolers could involve fans providing relatively high air velocity - for instance using Whizz-Wheel® fans by Bronswerk Heat Transfer (The Netherlands).
- a reduction in aircooler area could be obtained by applying fans with groovy fins as supplied by GEA Group
- the production train 3 of the disclosure is also suitable for larger capacities, up to 4 to 5 mtpa or more per LNG production train. Cost savings may be even larger, as test runs and modelling have indicated that economies of scale apply to provide additional benefit. An optimal cost versus efficiency is achieved in the 4 to 5 mtpa capacity range.
- the plot size (length L3 x width W3) of the LNG production train of the disclosure, inside the battery limit, may be about two times smaller than the plot size required for a conventional stick-built train (LI x Wl) having the same capacity (expressed in mtpa).
- the required plot size may be even smaller, for instance at least three times smaller.
- plot size of the LNG production train of the disclosure may be up to three to four times smaller than the plot size of a conventional LNG production train having the same capacity.
- the smaller plot size reduces capital expenditure. For instance, it provides savings associated with corresponding reductions in time required to prepare the production site, time to arrange appropriate foundations and base structures for the integrated process units. Also, the overshoot of the preparations will be reduced or substantially obviated entirely.
- each integrated process unit 100, 110, 120 is comprised of a number of compact building blocks 150.
- the sizes of respective building blocks may differ, depending on the size of respective pieces of equipment.
- the compact building blocks have a size which can be relatively easily transported.
- Fig. 6 shows a first LNG production train 3A and a second TNG production train 3B, each comprising two integrated process units 100, 110 in accordance with the embodiments shown in, for instance, Figures 3-4 or 5.
- the integrated process units may be assembled using a number of interconnected building blocks 150.
- One of the building blocks, a scrub column block 160 may comprise the scrub column 118 and some associated pieces of equipment.
- the building block may be provided with a protective support frame 162.
- the support frame 162 typically comprises a number of interconnected stmctural beams, for instance made of steel or a corresponding high strength material, to form a substantially box shaped block 160.
- the support frame of a building block may be provided with suitable connectors for lifting, such as hoisting or rigging hooks 164.
- the support frame 162 of one particular building block can be linked to corresponding support frames of adjacent building blocks 150 of the respective integrated process unit. Combined, the support frames of the building blocks 150 of the integrated unit form the support structure 122 of the integrated unit.
- Figs. 7, 8 and 9 show respective side, top and front views of an embodiment of integrated compressor unit 120, comprising at least one compressor 170.
- the compressor for instance a compressor for a (mixed) refrigerant, may be powered by an electrical generator 172, which in turn is driven by the output shaft of a gas turbine 174.
- the gas turbine 174 may be included in a dedicated compact building block, indicated as gas turbine block 180. Tike the scrub column block 160 (Fig. 6), the gas turbine block 180 may include some additional pieces of equipment associated with the functioning of the gas turbine 174.
- the gas turbine block 180 may be provided with a support frame 162, typically at least enclosing the outer sides of the gas turbine block. Figs.
- 7-9 show exemplary steps Sl to S5 for removing a compact building block, such as gas turbine block 180.
- Placing a compact building block 150 in an integrated process unit may follow substantially the same steps, but in reverse order.
- a crane 178 for instance a gantry crane, is moved into position above the selected building block.
- the selected building block in the example of Fig. 7 the gas turbine block 180, is hoisted upward (for instance using the hoisting hooks 164 and cables).
- the crane moves the building block in horizontal direction away from the integrated process unit.
- the building block 150 is lowered to ground level to be transported for maintenance in a fifth step S5.
- the compact building blocks allow more flexibility in the operation of the LNG train of the disclosure.
- a compact building block 150 (comprising certain process equipment, for instance scrub column block 160 or gas turbine block 180) may be removed from the production train 3 for maintenance.
- the maintenance may be done at a remote location.
- Such remote location may include a maintenance shop 202 and/or the factory 204 of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the respective piece of process equipment.
- OEM original equipment manufacturer
- another building block providing the same functionality may be inserted in the respective integrated process unit.
- the production location is provided with at least two production trains, for instance a first production train 3 A and a second production train 3B (Fig. 6), this enables run-or-maintain type operation. This includes periodical maintenance at set time intervals, which if set appropriately will significantly limit downtime of the train by limiting or entirely obviating the tripping of process equipment.
- the periodical maintenance may include, for instance, a set time period for removing one or more pre-selected building blocks 150 from the first production train 3A for maintenance.
- a set of spare compact building blocks may be provided, comprising new or renovated building blocks having the same functionality and process equipment as the building blocks of the respective production train. After removing the building blocks from a production train for maintenance, the building blocks can be replaced with the equivalent spare building blocks.
- the interval for maintenance for each building block 150 By selecting the interval for maintenance for each building block 150 appropriately, the number of spare parts required may be significantly reduced.
- a conventional stick-built train 1 (Fig. 1), typically the operation would include at least one spare part for virtually every piece of process equipment.
- the operation in accordance with the present disclosure allows operating an LNG production train having at least two or more trains 3, with only a single spare piece of process equipment.
- 110 may itself be assembled by connecting the respective building blocks, forming a plug-and-play type integrated stmcture, wherein building blocks can be connected and replaced for maintenance relatively easily.
- the LNG production trains 3 or 4 of the present disclosure allow operation based on the principle of "run or maintain”, as exemplified above. This mode of operation may obviates in the order of thousands of isolations, such as valves, that are traditionally installed to enable "hot” maintenance in a mnning plant (i.e. under the most difficult and hazardous circumstances). Hot maintenance herein refers to a reactive type maintenance, wherein parts and pieces of equipment are only replaced if and when they fail. This requires a multitude of spares on site, while also requiring replacement of equipment in a plant which has not yet fully cooled down from process conditions, hence the term "hot" maintenance.
- the LNG production train of the present disclosure can achieve run-or-maintain type operation by combining one or more of the following elements:
- Fig. 11 shows a detail of a typical conventional train, with consecutive exemplary pieces of process equipment 210, 212, 214.
- Each piece of process equipment is provided with a dedicated relief system 220, 222, 224, connected to a common relief line 226.
- the process equipment is connected via horizontal pipe sections with dedicated valves 234, 236, with valves 230, 232 at the inlet and oulet of the exemplary process.
- Fig. 12 provides a relatively compact, vertically oriented design without segmentation by valves between adjacent pieces of equipment.
- the process equipment is connected via a downward sloping pipe, to allow draining by gravity.
- liquid can be removed under (sub-atmospheric) pressure by the vacuum system 246.
- the TNG production train may be provided with fluid outlets of the vacuum system located substantially at ground level, allowing relatively easy and simple maintenance. Also, the total number of such fluid outlets can be relatively limited.
- hydrocarbons can be removed from the process section by pulling vacuum (by opening valve 252).
- a suitable vacuum herein is, for instance, below 1 bara down to about 0.1 bara. Pulling vacuum multiple times, for instance about three times, can be combined with purging (filling the system and pipes 235, 237) with nitrogen in between.
- the embodiment of Fig. 12 allows to achieve a situation with about 0.1 vol% hydrocarbon or less in the process section shown in a relatively short time period. Short time period herein may be within 6 hours or less. This is far below the lower explosion limit, in other words a safe situation. After the last evacuation, air may be let into the process section.
- spares such as pumps
- spared systems significantly increase complexity, both with respect to hardware and in operating procedures.
- automation of the myriad of possible permutations of spared systems is complex.
- column type process equipment 300 is provided with a reboiler 306 and associated pump 308 (Fig. 19).
- Typical combinations of reflux drum 306 and associated pump 308 usually involve significant amounts of complexity.
- Overhead vapor is typically condensed in a cooler 304, typically an air cooled heat exchanger.
- the cooled and condensed liquid is supplied from the heat exchanger 304 as a liquid to a condenser vessel 302.
- the liquid is pumped back into the column 300 by pump 310.
- the top vessel might be eliminated as well. If some of the liquid must be removed from the process (for instance water control), a simple draw-off tray might be applied.
- the camara systems may record video data of preselected critical areas, and provide the video data to a monitoring system.
- the monitoring system may be provided with an algorithm to detect aberrations in the video data, which may for instance correspond to a potential leak. If the algorithm detects a potential leak in the video data, the monitoring system raises an alarm.
- the video camera may be coupled to an Analytic Video Monitoring System for Automated Real-Time Detection and Alarm Generation in Industrial Applications, such as marketed by IntelliView Technologies (Calgary, Alberta, Canada).
- An alternative automatic video monitoring system is marketed by FLIR Systems, Inc. (UK);
- Noise detection systems which may trigger zoom-in by the camera system.
- Noise detection systems herein may include sound sensors (microphones) to detect sounds, coupled to a monitoring algorithm to raise an alarm in case unwanted sounds are detected;
- Automatic draining of, for instance, solvent may be done using automatic valves 254 on drain connections 256 from the vessels and low points.
- nitrogen 242 may be admitted into the system or process section 238 to maintain an inert atmosphere. Therefore, in an embodiment the system includes a permanently hooked up nitrogen connection 242.
- the process section can be slightly pressurized with gas to push out liquid. Automatic flushing of the system with demineralized water is an optional additional step.
- the LNG plant may further include optional treatment steps such as product purification steps (for instance helium removal, nitrogen removal, mercury removal) and non-methane product production steps (de-ethanizing, de-propanizing, sulphur recovery) if desired.
- product purification steps for instance helium removal, nitrogen removal, mercury removal
- non-methane product production steps de-ethanizing, de-propanizing, sulphur recovery
- the natural gas feed stream may be produced at and obtained from a natural gas or petroleum reservoir.
- the natural gas feed stream may also be obtained from another source, also including a synthetic source such as a Fischer-Tropsch process wherein methane is produced from synthesis gas.
- Remote operation allows a particular part of the plant (such as the processing units) to be operated from a distance. This in turn allows staff to be located and to work in and from, for instance, an urban area rather than from a remote area. This allows for a cost reduction related to facilities for staff, and in addition reduced operating costs. Also, this may significantly increase job satisfaction for staff while also limiting staff turnover.
- the step out maintenance philosophy may be referred to as run or maintain.
Abstract
Description
Claims
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CA3083603A CA3083603A1 (en) | 2017-12-07 | 2018-12-06 | Method of operating a liquefied natural gas production facility |
RU2020122328A RU2020122328A (en) | 2017-12-07 | 2018-12-06 | METHOD OF OPERATION OF A LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS FACILITY |
AU2018380883A AU2018380883A1 (en) | 2017-12-07 | 2018-12-06 | Method of operating a liquefied natural gas production facility |
AU2022200199A AU2022200199A1 (en) | 2017-12-07 | 2022-01-13 | Method of operating a liquefied natural gas production facility |
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US201762595649P | 2017-12-07 | 2017-12-07 | |
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WO (1) | WO2019110770A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
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US20220074287A1 (en) * | 2018-12-21 | 2022-03-10 | Technip France | Method for constructing and exploiting a hydrocarbons production facility, notably on an expanse of water, and associated exploitation facility |
WO2022089930A2 (en) | 2020-10-26 | 2022-05-05 | Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V. | Compact system and method for the production of liquefied natural gas |
US11761560B2 (en) * | 2020-02-19 | 2023-09-19 | Conxtech, Inc. | Modular pipe rack system |
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- 2018-12-06 CA CA3083603A patent/CA3083603A1/en active Pending
- 2018-12-06 WO PCT/EP2018/083889 patent/WO2019110770A1/en active Application Filing
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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AU2018380883A1 (en) | 2020-05-28 |
CA3083603A1 (en) | 2019-06-13 |
AU2022200199A1 (en) | 2022-02-10 |
RU2020122328A (en) | 2022-01-10 |
RU2020122328A3 (en) | 2022-03-25 |
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