Abstract: A system and method for liquefying a natural gas stream, the method including the steps of providing a dehydrated natural gas stream for liquefaction, pre-cooling the dehydrated natural gas stream in a pre-cooling apparatus, where the pre-cooling is performed by using a pre-coolant that consists essentially of a hydroflorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant, further cooling the pre-cooled dehydrated natural gas stream in a main heat exchanger through indirect heat exchange against a vaporized hydrocarbon mixed refrigerant coolant to produce a liquefied natural gas product stream, where the mixed refrigerant coolant comprises ethane, methane, nitrogen, and less than or equal to 3 mol % of propane.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for liquefying natural gas. In another aspect, the invention concerns an improved liquefied natural gas facility employing a closed loop methane refrigeration cycle. In another aspect, the invention concerns the utilization of lean boil-off gas.

Abstract: A method for cooling natural gas with a refrigerant, one non-limiting embodiment which includes: (A) compressing and cooling the refrigerant to a first pressure to form a compressed refrigerant; (B) splitting the compressed refrigerant into a first stream and a second stream both at the first pressure, wherein the second stream comprises more of the compressed refrigerant than the first stream; (C) cooling the first stream to form a cooled first stream; (D) expanding the cooled first stream to a first expansion pressure to form an expanded first stream; (E) compressing the second stream to a second pressure higher than the first pressure, forming a higher pressure second stream; (F) cooling the higher pressure second stream to form a cooled second stream; (G) expanding the cooled second stream to a second expansion pressure to form an expanded second stream; and, (H) Cooling the natural gas with the expanded first stream and expanded second stream, forming a cooled natural gas stream.

Abstract: A method for cooling natural gas with a refrigerant, one non-limiting embodiment which includes: (A) compressing and cooling the refrigerant to a first pressure to form a compressed refrigerant; (B) splitting the compressed refrigerant into a first stream and a second stream both at the first pressure; (C) cooling the first stream to form a cooled first stream; (D) expanding the cooled first stream to a first expansion pressure to form an expanded first stream; (E) compressing the second stream to a second pressure higher than the first pressure, forming a higher pressure second stream; (F) cooling the higher pressure second stream to form a cooled second stream; (G) expanding the cooled second stream to a second expansion pressure to form an expanded second stream; and, (H) Cooling the natural gas with the expanded first stream and expanded second stream, forming a cooled natural gas stream.

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: A natural gas liquefaction system, the system comprising a first precooling refrigeration system that accepts at least a natural gas feed stream, a second precooling refrigeration system that accepts at least a first refrigerant stream; and a cryogenic heat exchanger fluidly connected to the first precooling refrigeration system and the second precooling refrigeration system that accepts the natural gas feed stream from the first precooling refrigeration system and the first refrigerant stream from the second precooling refrigeration system to liquefy the natural gas feed stream, where the second precooling refrigeration system accepts only stream(s) having a composition different from the stream(s) accepted by the first precooling refrigeration system.

Abstract: A process for the production of a subcooled liquefied natural gas stream from a natural gas feed stream. Passing a first natural gas feed stream through a first heat exchanger for precooling by heat exchange with a first stream of gaseous refrigerant produced in a first refrigeration cycle comprising a first dynamic expansion turbine. Passing the precooled feed stream through a second heat exchanger for liquefying by heat exchange with a second stream of gaseous refrigerant produced in a second refrigeration cycle comprising a second dynamic expansion turbine. Passing the liquefied natural gas stream through a third heat exchanger for subcooling the liquefied gas by heat exchange with a third refrigerant stream produced in a third refrigeration cycle comprising a third dynamic expansion turbine separate from the first turbine and the second turbine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for liquefying a hydrocarbon-rich stream, in particular a natural gas stream, by indirectly exchanging hear with the coolant mixture of a coolant mixture circuit. In said method, the coolant mixture is condensed in two or more stages, is divided into at least one lower-boiling and at least one higher-boiling coolant mixture fraction, and the coolant mixture fractions are evaporated at different temperature levels against the hydrocarbon-rich stream that is to be cooled and liquefied and are then combined before being condensed once again. The coolant mixture fractions are not entirely evaporated during normal operation and are preferably not superheated. Preferably, at least 1 to 10 percent by weight of the total amount of the coolant mixture are not evaporated.

Abstract: A natural gas liquid plant includes a separator (103) that receives a cooled low pressure feed gas (4), wherein the separator (103) is coupled to an absorber (108) and a demethanizer (110). Refrigeration duty of the absorber (108) and demethanizer (110) are provided at least in part by expansion of a liquid portion of the cooled low pressure feed gas (4) and an expansion of a liquid absorber bottom product (19), wherein ethane recovery is at least 85 mol % and propane recovery is at least 99 mol %. Contemplated configurations are especially advantageous as upgrades to existing plants with low pressure feed gas where high ethane recovery is desirable.

Abstract: A system is set forth to increase the capacity of an LNG-based liquefier in a cryogenic air separation unit wherein, in a low production mode, the nitrogen that is fed to the LNG-based liquefier consists only of at least a portion of the high pressure nitrogen from the distillation column system while in a high production mode, a supplemental compressor is used to boost the pressure of at least a portion of the low pressure nitrogen from the distillation column system to create additional (or replacement) feed to the LNG-based liquefier. A key to the present invention is the supplemental compressor and the associated heat exchange equipment is separate and distinct from the LNG-based liquefier. This allows its purchase to be delayed until a capacity increase is actually needed and thus avoid building an oversized liquefier based on a speculative increase in liquid product demand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for liquefying a hydrocarbon stream (10) such as natural gas. The method comprises the steps of: (a) compressing the hydrocarbon stream (10) using one or more compressors (12) driven by one or more steam turbines (14) to provide a compressed hydrocarbon stream (20); (b) heat exchanging the compressed hydrocarbon stream (20) against one or more refrigerant streams (40) to fully condense the compressed hydrocarbon stream (20) and provide a liquefied hydrocarbon stream (30) and one or more warmed refrigerant streams (50); (c) compressing at least one of the warmed refrigerant stream(s) (50) of step (b) using one or more compressors (18) driven by one or more gas turbines (22); and (d) at least partly driving one or more of the steam turbines (14) of step (a) using steam provided by one or more of the gas turbines (22) of step (c).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process plant and method for cooling and optionally liquefaction of a product gas, particularly for liquefaction of natural gas, based on a closed loop of multi-component refrigerant in heat exchange with the gas to be cooled and optionally condensed.

Abstract: A liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility that employs a system to remove incondensable material from one or more refrigeration cycles within the facility. One or more embodiments of the present invention can be advantageously employed in an open-loop refrigeration cycle to remove at least a portion of one or more high vapor pressure components that have accumulated in the refrigerant cycle over time. In addition, several embodiments can be advantageously employed to stabilize facility operation in the event of drastic changes to the concentration of the natural gas feed stream introduced into the facility.

Abstract: A natural gas liquefaction system with a turbine expander is provided that can improve the efficiency of the whole refrigeration cycle by using the turbine expander, instead of the throttling process that uses the conventional Joule-Thomson throttling valve that is used as a final throttling means in a conventional natural gas liquefaction system, and a liquefaction method thereof. The natural gas liquefaction cycle provided with the turbine expander of the present invention comprises a compressor 100, at least one vapor-liquid separator 300 or 310, a plurality of heat exchangers 200, 210, 220, 230 and 240, at least one Joule-Thomson throttling valves (below to be called JT valve) 400 and 410, a turbine expander 500, and connecting lines composed of plurality of pipes P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6 and P7 to connect these components.

Abstract: Method of cooling a hydrocarbon stream (10) such as natural gas, the method at least comprising the steps of (a) heat exchanging the hydrocarbon stream (10) against a first refrigerant stream (20) to provide a cooled hydrocarbon stream (30) and an at least partly evaporated refrigerant stream (40); (b) compressing the at least partly evaporated refrigerant stream (40) using one or more compressors (14, 16, 18) to provide a compressed refrigerant stream (50, 60, 70); (c) cooling the compressed refrigerant stream (50, 60, 70) after one or more of the compressors against ambient to provide a cooled compressed refrigerant stream (70a); (d) dynamically expanding the cooled compressed gaseous refrigerant stream (70a) to provide an expanded refrigerant stream (80); and (e) further cooling the expanded refrigerant stream (80) to provide an at least partially condensed refrigerant stream.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for liquefying natural gas wherein an available methane-rich feed, i.e., natural gas, at an excess pressure is initially expanded to provide expansion work which may be utilized in a number of novel ways, such as to provide refrigeration in a refrigerant cycle used to cool the feed or in one or more refrigerant cycles used in a liquefaction zone to liquefy the feed, or to generate electrical power for use in the liquefaction process or for export. In one embodiment, the expansion work is obtained by use of an expander/compressor device (turboexpander) which expands the feed to (1) drive the compressor of the device and thereby provide compression for a closed loop propane refrigeration cycle to pre-cool the natural gas stream, and (2) produce an expanded, chilled natural gas feed for a liquefaction process.

Abstract: Method of liquefying a hydrocarbon stream such as natural gas from a feed stream (10), the method at least comprising the steps of: (a) passing the feed stream (10) through a first cooling stage (100a, 100b) having at least two heat exchangers (112) and against a first single component refrigerant in a first refrigerant circuit (110a, 110b), to provide a cooled hydrocarbon stream (30); (b) passing the cooled hydrocarbon stream (30) through a second cooling stage (200) against a second refrigerant in a second refrigerant circuit (210a, 210b), to provide a liquefied hydrocarbon stream (40); (c) passing the second refrigerant through one or more of the heat exchangers (112) of the first cooling stage (100a, 110b); wherein the heat exchangers of the first cooling stage (100a, 100b) are shell and tube heat exchangers (112) having two or more tube circuits, the feed stream (10) passing through the tube circuit in each shell and tube heat exchanger (112) and the second refrigerant passing through another tube circui

Abstract: An LNG facility employing an enhanced nitrogen removal system that concentrates the amount of nitrogen in the feed stream to a nitrogen removal unit (NRU) to thereby increase the separation efficiency of the NRU. In one embodiment, the nitrogen removal system comprises a multistage separation vessel operable to separate nitrogen from a cooled natural gas stream. At least a portion of the resulting nitrogen-containing stream exiting the multistage separation vessel can be used as a refrigerant, processed to a nitrogen removal unit, and/or utilized as fuel gas for the LNG facility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of liquefying a hydrocarbon stream such as a natural gas stream, the method at least comprising the steps of: supplying a partly condensed hydrocarbon feed stream (10) to a first gas/liquid separator (2); separating the feed stream (10) in the first gas/liquid separator (2) into a gaseous stream (20) and a liquid stream (30); expanding the gaseous stream (20) thereby obtaining an expanded stream (40) and feeding it (40) into a second gas/liquid separator (3); feeding the liquid stream (30) into the second gas/liquid separator (3); removing from the bottom of the second gas/liquid separator a liquid stream (60) and feeding it into a fractionation column (5); removing from the top of the second gas/liquid separator (3) a gaseous stream (50) and passing it to a compressor (6) thereby obtaining a compressed stream (70); cooling the compressed stream (70) thereby obtaining a cooled compressed stream (80); heat exchanging the cooled compressed stream (80) against a stream b

Abstract: A design for equipment and process for reliquefaction of LNG boiloff gas, primarily for shipboard installation, has high thermodynamic efficiency and lower capital cost, smaller size (volume, footprint), lower weight, and less need for maintenance than systems utilizing the prior art. The main refrigerant gas compressor is reduced to a single stage turbocompressor. Optional elements include: compression of boiloff gas at ambient temperature; compression of boiloff gas in one or two stages; turboexpansion of refrigerant gas incorporating one or two turboexpanders; turboexpander energy recovery by mechanical loading, compressor drive, or electric generator; refrigerant sidestream for cooling at the lowest temperatures.

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: Embodiments of this invention relate to a process for liquefaction of natural gas and other methane-rich gas streams, and more particularly to a process for producing liquefied natural gas (LNG). In a first step of the process, a first fraction of the feed gas is withdrawn, compressed to a pressure greater than or equal to 1500 psia, cooled and expanded to a lower pressure to cool the withdrawn first fraction. The remaining fraction of the feed stream is cooled by indirect heat exchange with the expanded first fraction in a first heat exchange process. In a second step a separate stream comprising flash vapor is compressed, cooled and expanded to a lower pressure providing another cold stream. This cold stream is used to cool the remaining feed gas stream in a second indirect heat exchange process. The expanded stream exiting from the second heat exchange process is used for supplemental cooling in the first indirect heat exchange step.

Abstract: A method for liquefying a hydrocarbon-rich stream is disclosed. In an embodiment, the hydrocarbon-rich stream is liquefied in a heat exchanger countercurrent to a three component refrigerant mixture. The refrigerant mixture is compressed in a two stage compressor. The refrigerant mixture is separated into a higher boiling fraction and a lower boiling fraction. A fluid fraction is recovered from a partial stream of the lower boiling fraction. The fluid fraction is supercooled and expanded to a pressure of the higher boiling fraction and the fluid fraction is provided to a compressor stage to which the higher boiling fraction is taken.

Abstract: A method and system for the separation of a synthesis gas and methane mixture which contains carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane with the process producing synthesis gas and liquid natural gas (LNG).

Abstract: A process for treating a crude containing natural gas comprising supplying the crude to a stabilization unit to obtain a gaseous stream and crude oil; supplying a compressed, gaseous stream at a low temperature to the bottom of a first column; partly condensing the first gaseous overhead stream, returning the liquid phase to the first column and supplying the methane-rich stream to a liquefaction plant; supplying an expanded bottom stream at a low temperature to the top of a second column; removing from the top of the second column a second gaseous overhead stream, and removing from the bottom of the second column a liquid bottom stream; vaporizing part of the bottom stream and introducing the vapor into the bottom of the second column; and introducing the remainder of the bottom stream into a crude oil stream at an appropriate point in or upstream of the stabilization unit, wherein the amount of heat removed from the first gaseous overhead stream is so adjusted that the concentration of C5+ in the first gase

Abstract: A refrigerant stream is passed through at least one heat exchanger to provide a first at least partially evaporated stream and a second at least partially evaporated stream. A first compressor feed stream is provided from the first partially evaporated stream, and a second compressor feed stream is provided from the second partially evaporated stream. The first compressor feed stream is passed through a first refrigerant compressor and the second compressor feed stream through a second compressor, to provide first and second compressed streams, which are combined at a common pressure. The first refrigerant compressor is controlled by heating the second at least partially evaporated stream or the second compressor feed stream, or vice versa.

Abstract: In this process, the LNG stream is sub-cooled with a refrigerating fluid in a first heat exchanger. This refrigerating fluid undergoes a closed second refrigeration cycle which is independent of the first cycle. The closed cycle comprises a phase of heating the refrigerating fluid in a second heat exchanger, and a phase of compressing the refrigerating fluid in a compression apparatus to a pressure greater than its critical pressure. It further comprises a phase of cooling the refrigerating fluid originating from the compression apparatus in the second heat exchanger and a phase of dynamically expanding of a proportion of the refrigerating fluid issuing from the second heat exchanger in a turbine. The refrigerating fluid is formed by a mixture of nitrogen-containing fluids.

Abstract: A method and system for the small-scale production of LNG.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of pre-heating LNG boil-off gas stream flowing from a reservoir in a reliquefaction system, before compression. The method comprises heat exchanging the BOG stream in a first heat exchanger, against a second coolant stream having a higher temperature than the BOG stream, where the second coolant stream is obtained by selectively splitting a first coolant stream into second and third coolant streams, third coolant stream being flowed into a first coolant passage in a reliquefaction system cold box, whereby the BOG has reached near-ambient temperatures prior to compression and the low temperature duty from the BOG is substantially preserved within the reliquefaction system, and thermal stresses in the cold box are reduced. Before the compression step, the BOG is pre-heated to substantially ambient temperatures, by heat exchanging the BOG with said coolant, said coolant prior to the heat exchange having a higher temperature than the BOG.

Abstract: Refrigerant freezeout is prevented, and temperature is controlled, by the use of a controlled bypass flow that causes a warming of the lowest temperature refrigerant in a refrigeration system that achieves very low temperatures by using a mixture of refrigerants comprising at least two refrigerants with boiling points that differ by at least 50° C. This control capability enables reliable operation of the very low temperature system.

Abstract: A gas liquefaction plant includes a pre-cooling exchanger which pre-cools a feed gas by means of indirect heat exchange with a first refrigerant; a first refrigerant compressor which compresses the first refrigerant which has been used for refrigerating the feed gas in the pre-cooling exchanger; a cryogenic heat exchanger which refrigerates and liquefies the feed gas which has been pre-cooled by the pre-cooling exchanger by means of indirect heat exchange with a second refrigerant; a second refrigerant compressor which refrigerates the second refrigerant which has been used for cooling and liquefying the feed gas in the cryogenic heat exchanger; and a piping complex which receives piping used in the gas liquefaction plant, wherein the pre-cooling exchanger, the first refrigerant compressor, the cryogenic heat exchanger, and the second refrigerant compressor are installed at one side of the piping complex.

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: At least one model is associated with one or more manipulated variables and one or more controlled variables, which are associated with a cascade liquefied natural gas facility. Adjustments to the one or more manipulated variables are made using the at least one model to maintain the one or more controlled variables within defined limits. For example, a controlled variable may identify an overall load placed on multiple refrigeration systems in the facility. The one or more manipulated variables may be adjusted to increase the overall load placed on the refrigeration systems. The overall load can be determined by identifying a maximum of: a projected feed gas rate to operate a propane refrigeration system at maximum load, a projected feed gas rate to operate an ethylene or ethane refrigeration system at maximum load, and a projected feed gas rate to operate a methane refrigeration system at maximum load.

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: The present invention relates to a plant (10) for liquefying natural gas (90), the plant (10) at least comprising: a pre-cooling heat exchanger train (1) comprising a final heat exchanger (2a) for cooling the natural gas stream (90); a distributor (4) located upstream of the final heat exchanger for splitting the natural gas stream (90) into at least first and second natural gas substreams; at least first and second main cryogenic systems (200,200?), each system (200,200?) comprising an outlet for liquefied natural gas (95,95?).

Abstract: Plant and method for liquefying natural gas. The plant comprises a common pre-cooling heat exchanger train (1), two natural gas liquids extraction units (100, 100?) and two main heat exchangers (200, 200?) to cool the overhead light fraction from its corresponding natural gas liquids extraction unit to liquefaction.

Abstract: A process to obtain liquefied natural gas (LNG) which comprises the use of air as refrigerant in an open or closed cycle. The invention also refers to a system to carry out said process and uses thereof.

Abstract: An electrical power system that can be used to interconnect a plurality of generators to a plurality to loads while being rated at less than a total power consumed. The system is preferably used to distribute power for a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility. The system broadly comprises a primary bus connected between the generators and the loads, such as electrical compressor motors used in the LNG facility. The generators and the loads are arranged along the primary bus in order to distribute the power from the generators to the loads, without overloading the primary bus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a natural gas liquefaction process and particularly to one suited to use offshore. The invention provides a natural gas liquefaction apparatus wherein a carbon dioxide based pre-cooling circuit is provided in a cascade arrangement with a main cooling circuit. The invention also extends to a natural gas liquefaction apparatus wherein a main cooling circuit uses as a refrigerant a gas stream, at least a portion of which is derived from a raw natural gas source.

Abstract: Process for the liquefaction of natural gas and the recovery of components heavier than methane wherein natural gas is cooled and separated in a first distillation column into an overhead vapor enriched in methane and a bottoms stream enriched in components heavier than methane, wherein the first distillation column utilizes a liquefied methane-containing reflux stream. This reflux stream may be provided by a condensed portion of the overhead vapor or a portion of totally condensed overhead vapor that is subsequently warmed. The bottoms stream may be separated in one or more additional distillation columns to provide one or more product streams, any of which are partially or totally withdrawn as recovered hydrocarbons. A stream of unrecovered liquid hydrocarbons may be combined with either the condensed portion of the overhead vapor or a portion of totally condensed overhead vapor that is subsequently warmed.

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 present invention provides an active gas regenerative liquefier (AGRL) for efficiently cooling and liquefying a process stream based on the combination of several active gas regenerative refrigerator (AGRR) stages configured to sequentially cool and liquefy the process stream, e.g. natural gas or hydrogen. In specific embodiments, the individual AGRR stages include heat exchangers, dual active regenerators, and a compressor/expander assembly, configured to recover a portion of the work of compression of a refrigerant by simultaneously expanding a refrigerant in one portion of the device while compressing the refrigerant in another portion to effect cooling of a heat transfer fluid, and ultimately the process stream.

Abstract: A method of liquefying a hydrocarbon-rich gas, wherein the gas flows through a cascade of three refrigeration stages, each stage comprising a refrigerant circuit and a compressor, wherein at least part of the flow of refrigerant from the second circuit is used for the pre-cooling of the hydrocarbon rich gas in the first refrigeration stage. This balances the load on each of the compressors. By standardizing the drive units and compressors of the three coolant circuits, it is possible to maximize the attainable liquefaction capacity of the liquefaction process using tried-and-trusted drive units and compressors respectively. This method can be applied to mixed refrigerant cascades and circuits with a carbon dioxide pre-cooling circuit. This latter option has benefits for offshore use where large amounts of hydrocarbons are undesirable.

Abstract: Method gas liquefaction which comprises cooling a feed gas stream successively through at least two heat exchange zones, wherein cooling is provided by respective vaporizing refrigerants, and wherein the refrigerant in the coldest temperature range is only partially vaporized in the coldest heat exchange zone and then is vaporized in a further heat exchange zone at temperatures above the highest temperature of the coldest heat exchange zone to form a totally vaporized refrigerant. The totally vaporized refrigerant is compressed to yield a compressed refrigerant stream, and the entire compressed refrigerant stream is either (i) cooled by indirect heat exchange in the further heat exchange zone, thereby providing self-refrigeration for the recirculating refrigeration process, or (ii) cooled in a heat exchange zone preceding the coldest heat exchange zone by indirect heat exchange with a respective vaporizing refrigerant and then further cooled the in the further heat exchange zone.

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: A design for equipment and process for reliquefaction of LNG boiloff gas, primarily for shipboard installation, has high thermodynamic efficiency and lower capital cost, smaller size (volume, footprint), lower weight, and less need for maintenance than systems utilizing the prior art. The main refrigerant gas compressor is reduced to a single stage turbocompressor. Optional elements include: compression of boiloff gas at ambient temperature; compression of boiloff gas in one or two stages; turboexpansion of refrigerant gas incorporating one or two turboexpanders; turboexpander energy recovery by mechanical loading, compressor drive, or electric generator; refrigerant sidestream for cooling at the lowest temperatures.

Abstract: A liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal is provided, including an extraction column adapted and configured to separate a C1 component from other components in a LNG stream into a C1 rich stream, one of a gas condenser and a heat exchanger adapted and configured to condense the C1 rich stream into a liquid, and a pump adapted and configured to increase a pressure of the liquid C1 rich stream.

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.