Abstract: A semi-closed loop system for producing liquefied natural gas (LNG) that combines certain advantages of closed-loop systems with certain advantages of open-loop systems to provide a more efficient and effective hybrid system. In the semi-closed loop system, the final methane refrigeration cycle provides significant cooling of the natural gas stream via indirect heat transfer, as opposed to expansion-type cooling. A minor portion of the LNG product from the methane refrigeration cycle is used as make-up refrigerant in the methane refrigeration cycle. A pressurized portion of the refrigerant from the methane refrigeration cycle is employed as fuel gas. Excess refrigerant from the methane refrigeration cycle can be recombined with the processed natural gas stream, rather than flared.

Abstract: A semi-closed loop system for producing liquefied natural gas (LNG) that combines certain advantages of closed-loop systems with certain advantages of open-loop systems to provide a more efficient and effective hybrid system. In the semi-closed loop system, the final methane refrigeration cycle provides significant cooling of the natural gas stream via indirect heat transfer, as opposed to expansion-type cooling. A minor portion of the LNG product from the methane refrigeration cycle is used as make-up refrigerant in the methane refrigeration cycle. A pressurized portion of the refrigerant from the methane refrigeration cycle is employed as fuel gas. Excess refrigerant from the methane refrigeration cycle can be recombined with the processed natural gas stream, rather than flared.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for providing reflux to a refluxed heavies removal column of a LNG facility. The system withdraws a fraction of a predominately methane refrigerant from a methane refrigeration cycle of the LNG facility. The withdrawn methane refrigerant is then cooled in an auxiliary heat exchange system by indirect heat exchange with a refrigerant that is also used to cool the natural gas feed stream upstream of the heavies removal column. The resulting cooled predominately methane steam is then employed as reflux to the heavies removal column.

Abstract: A semi-closed loop system for producing liquefied natural gas (LNG) that combines certain advantages of closed-loop systems with certain advantages of open-loop systems to provide a more efficient and effective hybrid system. In the semi-closed loop system, the final methane refrigeration cycle provides significant cooling of the natural gas stream via indirect heat transfer, as opposed to expansion-type cooling. A minor portion of the LNG product from the methane refrigeration cycle is used as make-up refrigerant in the methane refrigeration cycle. A pressurized portion of the refrigerant from the methane refrigeration cycle is employed as fuel gas. Excess refrigerant from the methane refrigeration cycle can be recombined with the processed natural gas stream, rather than flared.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for liquefying a hydrocarbon-rich gas stream such as natural gas by indirect heat exchange with refrigerants in a cascade of three closed loop refrigeration cycles, namely pre-cooling, liquefaction and subcooling. Each of the closed loop refrigeration cycles utilizes a different refrigerant composition. The pre-cooling cycle utilizes a first mixed refrigerant; the liquefaction cycle utilizes a pure refrigerant; and the subcooling cycle utilizes a second next refrigerant. The refrigerants closely match the enthalpy curve of the hydrocarbon-rich gas, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the liquefaction process.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer. This invention also provides compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer, wherein said composition comprises a post-contacted organometal compound, a post-contacted organoaluminum compound, and a post-contacted treated solid oxide compound. The post-contacted organometal compound includes metallocenes. The post-contacted treated solid oxide compound contains fluorine, boron, and a solid oxide compound.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the liquefaction of natural gas including an improved heavy hydrocarbon removal column with overhead condensing and refluxing. Particularly, a methane-rich stream exiting a propane refrigerant cycle is delivered to a heavies removal column, and the heavies depleted vapor from the column is at least partially condensed and the liquid portion provided as reflux to the heavies removal column.

Abstract: This invention provides catalyst compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer. This invention also provides catalyst compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer, wherein said catalyst composition comprises contacting an organometal compound, an organoaluminum compound, and a treated solid oxide compound.

Abstract: A semi-closed loop system for producing liquefied natural gas (LNG) that combines certain advantages of closed-loop systems with certain advantages of open-loop systems to provide a more efficient and effective hybrid system. In the semi-closed loop system, the final methane refrigeration cycle provides significant cooling of the natural gas stream via indirect heat transfer, as opposed to expansion-type cooling. A minor portion of the LNG product from the methane refrigeration cycle is used as make-up refrigerant in the methane refrigeration cycle. A pressurized portion of the refrigerant from the methane refrigeration cycle is employed as fuel gas. Excess refrigerant from the methane refrigeration cycle can be recombined with the processed natural gas stream, rather than flared.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating acid gas from a natural gas stream. The method includes the steps of: contacting the natural gas stream with a semi-lean amine solution and a lean amine solution to produce a rich amine solution, separating a first portion of carbon dioxide from the rich amine solution to produce the semi-lean amine solution, and heating a portion of the semi-lean amine solution to separate a second portion of carbon dioxide and produce the lean amine solution. The rich amine solution and semi-lean amine solution are heated from using recovered waste heat derived from one or more of a land based facility or an off-shore facility located on a platform or floating vessel.

Abstract: This invention provides catalyst compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer. This invention also provides catalyst compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer, wherein said catalyst composition comprises contacting an organometal compound, an organoaluminum compound, and a treated solid oxide compound.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the liquefaction of natural gas including at least one liquid expander for providing expansion of a high-pressure stream and powering a generator capable of producing electricity to be used to drive a compressor located elsewhere in the liquefaction apparatus. Particularly, a liquid expander is used to expand a high-pressure refrigerant stream and to power an electrical generator. The electricity provided by the generator can be used to power a compressor located in the same or a different refrigeration cycle as the liquid expander.

Abstract: Natural gas liquefaction system employing an open methane cycle wherein the liquefied natural gas is flashed immediately upstream of the liquefied natural gas storage tank and boil off vapors from the tank are returned to the open methane cycle.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for providing reflux to a refluxed heavies removal column of a LNG facility. The apparatus comprises stacked vertical core-in-kettle heat exchangers and an economizer disposed between the heat exchangers. The reflux stream originates from the methane-rich refrigerant of the methane refrigeration cycle. The liquid reflux stream generated by cooling the methane-rich stream in the vertical heat exchangers via indirect heat exchange with an upstream refrigerant.

Abstract: LNG facility employing one or more vertical core-in-kettle heat exchangers to cool natural gas via indirect heat exchange with a refrigerant. The vertical core-in-kettle heat exchangers save plot space and can be use to reduce the size of cold boxes employed in the LNG facility. In addition, vertical core-in-kettle heat exchangers can exhibit enhanced heat transfer efficiency due to improved refrigerant access to the core, improved refrigerant circulation around the core, and/or improved vapor/liquid disengagement above the core.

Abstract: Natural gas liquefaction system employing an enhanced nitrogen removal system capable of removing nitrogen from a relatively warm natural gas stream.

Abstract: A process to produce a polymer is provided. The process comprising contacting a treated solid oxide compound, an organometal compound, and an organoaluminum compound in the presence of an alpha olefin under polymerization conditions to produce the polymer.

Abstract: Improved methodology for starting up a LNG facility employing a refluxed heavies removal column. The improved methodology involves varying the temperature of the feed to the heavies removal column between start-up and normal operation. This allows a larger amount of the stream produced from the top of the heavies removal column during start-up to be used to more rapidly start up the LNG facility.

Abstract: This invention provides oxide matrix compositions that can be utilized in catalyst compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer. The oxide matrix composition comprises residual mineral components and an oxide precursor. The catalyst composition comprises contacting an organometal compound, an organoaluminum compound, and an oxide matrix composition. Processes for producing the oxide matrix composition and the catalyst composition are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides catalyst compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer. This invention also provides catalyst compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer, wherein said catalyst composition comprises a post-contacted organometal compound, a post-contacted organoaluminum compound, and a post-contacted fluorided solid oxide compound.