Abstract: A compact and modular cryogenic method and apparatus for liquefying natural gas. The liquefaction process is highly efficient and requires no external refrigeration system, and the apparatus is small enough to be transportable from one remote site to another. A compressed natural gas feed stream is cooled and then expanded to form a bi-phase stream comprising a first refrigerated vapor component and a first liquid component. The first liquid component is then separated from the bi-phase stream and expanded to form a second bi-phase stream comprising a second refrigerated vapor component and a second liquid component. The second liquid component is then introduced into a means configured for storage and transport. The remaining feed stream can then be recycled, and at least a substantial portion of the original feed stream can be processed into liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Abstract: A sliding vane compression and expansion device for both cryogenic and normal refrigeration cycles, including the production of liquefied natural gas, is disclosed herein. The device can operate in extreme conditions of pressure and temperature, and incorporates replaceable wear elements as well as functional design elements into a sliding vane device to permit processing of a wide variety of gases (for example, but not limited to, methane, nitrogen, oxygen, argon, etc.), liquids and other media under very extreme conditions, including, but not limited to, super-heated steam, cryogenic liquids, bi-phase gas/liquids (wherein both gaseous and liquid media co-exist or are created in the same area), plasma media, semi-solids and powders.

Abstract: A compact and modular cryogenic method and apparatus for liquefying natural gas. The liquefaction process is highly efficient and requires no external refrigeration system, and the apparatus is small enough to be transportable from one remote site to another. A compressed natural gas feed stream is cooled and then expanded to form a bi-phase stream comprising a first refrigerated vapor component and a first liquid component. The first liquid component is then separated from the bi-phase stream and expanded to form a second bi-phase stream comprising a second refrigerated vapor component and a second liquid component. The second liquid component is then introduced into a means configured for storage and transport. The remaining feed stream can then be recycled, and at least a substantial portion of the original feed stream can be processed into liquefied natural gas (LNG).