Abstract: An improved system and methodology for starting up a gas-turbine driven multi-stage compressor. The improvement involves isolating individual compression stages and creating positive pressure in each stage prior to initiating rotation of the compressor/driver system. The isolation of individual compression stages allows the turbine to reach normal operating speeds with substantially no supplemental power from an auxiliary source.

Abstract: An anti-bogdown control system monitors and regulates operation of a turbine and a compressor to prevent underspeed trip of the turbine while avoiding surge of the compressor. A turbine speed controller receives a turbine speed signal and a turbine temperature signal, generates a surge margin setpoint, and regulates overfiring of the turbine. A surge margin controller associated with the compressor receives the surge margin setpoint from the turbine speed controller and receives a load signal from one or more sensors and modulates a compressor throttle valve so that the compressor operates at a surge margin that is approximately equal to the surge margin setpoint. In a system with multiple compressors driven by a single turbine, a surge margin controller is associated with each compressor.

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: Cascade-type natural gas liquefaction methods and apparatus are provided, having enhanced thermodynamic efficiencies, through the use of added refrigeration levels in one or both of the ethylene and methane refrigeration systems thereof.

Abstract: A system employing a torque converter and a synchronizing motor to start up a large rotational driver/load combination. The torque converter is employed to increase the rotational speed of the load to the maximum speed permitted by the torque converter. The synchronizing motor is then employed to further increase the rotational speed of the load to substantially match the rotational speed of the driver.

Abstract: An improved system and methodology for starting up a gas-turbine driven multi-stage compressor. The improvement involves isolating individual compression stages and creating positive pressure in each stage prior to initiating rotation of the compressor/driver system. The isolation of individual compression stages allows the turbine to reach normal operating speeds with substantially no supplemental power from an auxiliary source.

Abstract: An anti-bogdown control system monitors and regulates operation of a turbine and a compressor to prevent underspeed trip of the turbine while avoiding surge of the compressor. A turbine speed controller receives a turbine speed signal and a turbine temperature signal, generates a surge margin setpoint, and regulates overfiring of the turbine. A surge margin controller associated with the compressor receives the surge margin setpoint from the turbine speed controller and receives a load signal from one or more sensors and modulates a compressor throttle valve so that the compressor operates at a surge margin that is approximately equal to the surge margin setpoint. In a system with multiple compressors driven by a single turbine, a surge margin controller is associated with each compressor.

Abstract: Cascade-type natural gas liquefaction methods and apparatus are provided, having enhanced thermodynamic efficiencies, through the use of added refrigeration levels in one or both of the ethylene and methane refrigeration systems thereof.

Abstract: The current invention provides a methodology and apparatus for the liquefaction of normally gaseous material, most notably natural gas, which reduces the number of process vessels required and/or reduces space requirements over convention apparatus.

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: A system for liquefying natural gas by cooling the natural gas stream in a first refrigeration cycle employing a non-volatile refrigerant, such as carbon dioxide, and subsequently cooling the natural gas stream in a second refrigeration cycle employing a predominately methane refrigerant.

Abstract: Natural gas liquefaction system having an optimum configuration of mechanical drivers and compressors. A heat recovery system can be employed with the liquefaction system to enhance thermal efficiency. A unique start-up system can also be employed.

Abstract: Natural gas liquefaction system employing electric motors as compressor drivers. A combination of motors and steam turbines can be powered by a cogeneration plant and employed as drivers.