Jack-Up Platform LNG Regasification Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction and operation of conventional offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating storage and regasification units, such as FSRU and LNG RV, face challenges including high costs, lengthy construction periods, and risks of high-pressure natural gas leaks due to instability and mobility issues under offshore conditions.
Innovation Solution
A jack-up platform-based offshore LNG floating storage and regasification unit system, featuring a movable jack-up unit with a fixable leg, a separable storage unit, a regasification unit with an open rack vaporizer, and a utility unit for power and sea water supply, which reduces the risk of high-pressure gas leaks and enhances operational stability by utilizing sea water for vaporization and providing a flexible, safer regasification process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional FSRU or LNG RV is used for offshore regasification, then regasification capacity is provided, but construction time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separable modules: storage unit, regasification unit, and jack-up platform. These modular components can be constructed independently and assembled quickly, dramatically reducing construction time while maintaining full regasification capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The jack-up platform serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling mobility to different locations, and facilitating regasification operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized vessels, reducing both construction time and cost.
2Reliability
If conventional FSRU or LNG RV is used for offshore regasification, then regasification capacity is provided, but construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into standardizable modules (storage tanks, regasification equipment, jack-up structure), each component can be manufactured using conventional techniques and assembled on-site, reducing overall construction cost while maintaining regasification capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows for replication of proven components from existing offshore platforms and LNG facilities, leveraging existing manufacturing capabilities and reducing development costs.
3Productivity
If floating FSRU or LNG RV is used under offshore conditions, then regasification operations are conducted, but high-pressure natural gas leaks occur due to instability and motion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the entire regasification facility to float and move with waves, the invention fixes the regasification unit to the jack-up platform legs that extend to the seabed. This inverts the conventional floating approach, providing stability while maintaining offshore operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The regasification unit is extracted from the floating storage vessel and placed on a separate stabilized jack-up platform. This separation allows the storage unit to remain mobile while the regasification unit operates on a stable, fixed platform, eliminating motion-induced gas leaks.
4Reliability
If onshore LNG terminal is constructed, then regasification facility is established, but large site area and complex civil appeals are required
Solution Approach 1:
The regasification facility is moved from the horizontal plane (onshore land) to the vertical dimension (offshore water column). The jack-up platform extends vertically from the seabed to support the regasification unit above water, eliminating the need for large horizontal site area while providing stable operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution significantly reduces construction time and costs, enhances operational stability, and minimizes the risk of high-pressure natural gas leaks, allowing for safer and more efficient regasification of LNG, even under varying offshore conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a regasification unit as a module which regasifies the LNG supplied from the storage unit, installed on a top portion of the jack-up unit
Implementation Method 2
an open rack vaporizer as a heat exchanger configured to vaporize liquefied natural gas
Data Source
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AI summary
Facilities for offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating storage with jack-up platform regasification unit, the facilities including: a jack-up unit comprising legs which have bottom part to be fixable to a sea bed and top part to be exposed to a surface of water, and a hull to be movable up and down with respect to the legs; a storage unit moored at the jack-up unit providing a space for storing LNG; a regasification unit as a module which regasifies the LNG supplied from the storage unit, installed on a top portion of the jack-up unit, separable from the jack-up unit; a utility unit comprising a power source and a sea water pump to supply power and sea water to the regasification unit; and a piping unit comprising unloading pipe for connecting the regasification unit and the storage unit and supplying pipe for carrying natural gas gasified by the regasification unit.