Abstract: Systems and methods for storing liquid natural gas is provided. In one embodiment, the natural gas vapor in the storage tank containing the liquefied natural gas may be directed a heat exchange unit attached to the storage tank, cooled by a refrigerant in the heat exchange unit, and then returned to the storage tank.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing liquid natural gas from heat exchange with liquid nitrogen or air is provided. The produced liquid natural gas may be used as vehicle fuel. After heat exchange, the vaporized liquid nitrogen or air may be routed in the system to regenerate a heat exchange unit and/or a natural gas pretreatment unit. After assisting with the regeneration, the vaporized nitrogen or air may be safely vented to atmosphere. In one embodiment, a system for liquefying natural gas using a refrigerant includes a first treating unit configured to remove a contaminant from the natural gas; a first exchanger unit for liquefying the natural gas using the refrigerant; a second exchanger unit configured to receive the refrigerant from the first exchanger unit, wherein the first exchanger unit and the second exchanger unit operate on alternating cycles; a second treating unit configured to receive the refrigerant from the second exchanger unit; and a storage unit for the receiving the liquid natural gas.

Abstract: An aluminum plate heat exchanger which may include a first core and a second core defining a piping space therebetween. The exchanger also may include at least one inlet manifold and at least one outlet manifold, each manifold in fluid communication with the first core and the second core. The exchanger may also include inlet piping in fluid communication with the inlet manifold; and, outlet piping in fluid communication with the outlet manifold. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the inlet piping or at least a portion of the outlet piping is positioned in the piping space.

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: Methods and systems for transportation of a cryogenic fluid. The system includes a floating liquefaction unit receiving a gas from a source, a shuttle vessel for carrying liquefied gas away from the liquefaction unit, and a floating regasification unit for receiving the liquefied gas from the vessel, regassifying the liquefied gas and providing the gas to a distribution system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transportation of a cryogenic fluid. The system includes a floating liquefaction unit receiving a gas from a source, a shuttle vessel for carrying liquefied gas away from the liquefaction unit, and a floating regasification unit for receiving the liquefied gas from the vessel, regassifying the liquefied gas and providing the gas to a distribution system.

Abstract: An apparatus for and process for recovering LNG from reservoir natural gas which includes circulating a portion of the natural gas thru a gas cooling loop that includes heat exchanges, an expansion zone and compression zone. The process also includes removing liquids from the gas cooling loop, distilling those liquids to recover a distilled gas. The process also includes compressing and expanding various portions of the distilled gas and passing those portions thru heat exchangers shared with the gas cooling loop to effect heating/cooling as desired. The process also includes removing a portion of the LNG cooling loop as LNG product.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for vaporizing cryogenic fluids in which an intermediate heat transfer fluid is first heated across a heat transfer surface with ambient air, and then the heat transfer surface provides heat to vaporize the cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid storage/processing system which includes a cement box in which is positioned a multiplicity of tanks arranged parallel in one or more layers and surrounded by perlite insulation, and in which is positioned a pump for filling/emptying the tanks. A vaporizer the vaporizing the tank contents is mounted on or adjacent to the box.

Abstract: The subject invention involves an apparatus and method for chilling and scrubbing air to be used in a gas turbine. The apparatus includes at least one spray scrubbing area, where the water is collected, recirculated, and filtered. Cooling is accomplished with at least one evaporative cooling media, such as a packed bed. Optionally the water sprayed into contact with the air may be chilled. At least one drift eliminator is employed prior to the air leaving the apparatus to at least partially dehumidify it prior to use by the gas turbine. The turbine inlet air may be cleaned of solid contaminants, such as sand, dirt, and ash, and of entrained liquid contaminants such as seawater. Under high ambient temperature and relative humidity conditions, this system will also recover fresh water from the air by condensation. The power available from gas turbine refrigeration compressor drivers may be increased by this direct contact cooling of the turbine inlet air.

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 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: 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.

Abstract: The subject invention involves a compressor starting torque converter (CSTC) to enable starting up single-shaft gas turbine driven compressor sets, such as in a liquified natural gas (LNG) plant. The system includes a single-shaft gas turbine with an output shaft coaxially connected to the input shaft of the CSTC's torque converter, in turn whose output shaft drives the process load centrifugal compressor. The CSTC operates as a fluid coupling whereby the gas turbine and the compressor shafts are coupled via the working fluid (oil). Once the process load compressor is up to speed, a lock up device is engaged to mechanically couple the gas turbine directly to the compressor and then the torque converter is drained. The impeller and turbine wheel of the CSTC are undersized with regard to the maximum shaft power requirement of the compressor.

Abstract: The subject invention involves an apparatus and method for chilling and scrubbing air to be used in a gas turbine. The apparatus includes at least one spray scrubbing area, where the water is collected, recirculated, and filtered. Cooling is accomplished with at least one evaporative cooling media, such as a packed bed. Optionally the water sprayed into contact with the air may be chilled. At least one drift eliminator is employed prior to the air leaving the apparatus to at least partially dehumidify it prior to use by the gas turbine. The turbine inlet air may be cleaned of solid contaminants, such as sand, dirt, and ash, and of entrained liquid contaminants such as seawater. Under high ambient temperature and relative humidity conditions, this system will also recover fresh water from the air by condensation. The power available from gas turbine refrigeration compressor drivers may be increased by this direct contact cooling of the turbine inlet air.

Abstract: A bottom entry pumping system for liquids, particularly cryogenic liquids, is described which includes a container with an outer wall, which may be concrete and/or metal, and an optional inner metal liner. A line is provided for transporting liquid from a liquid storage tank into the container via a pump connected to the line. The line may be optionally vacuum-jacketed. There is also provided at least one cryogenic valve in the line which can be controlled from outside the container. While pumping liquified natural gas (LNG) is an expected use of the invention, pumping other cryogenic liquids and even other non-cryogenic liquids may be performed with the invention. It is anticipated that the bottom entry pumping system of the invention will meet NFPA 59A requirements in the full containment embodiment.