Liquefaction apparatus, methods, and systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for liquefying natural gas in deep-water reserves are inefficient and require large, ocean-going vessels, which are not suitable for shallow waters, necessitating the development of a water-based liquefaction system for at-shore use.
Innovation Solution
A water-based liquefaction system comprising an air-cooled electric refrigeration module (AER Module) and LNG storage tanks, powered by a high-voltage electricity source, which converts preprocessed feed gas into liquefied natural gas (LNG) and stores it for transport, with a closed-loop ballast system for stability and sensors for safety, allowing operation in shallow waters without discharging ballast fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large oceangoing vessels are used for water-based liquefaction, then liquefaction capability is achieved, but the vessels cannot operate in shallow waters
Solution Approach 1:
The liquefaction system is divided into separate functional modules: a water-based apparatus for liquefaction and a land-based facility for gas supply and electricity generation. This segmentation allows the water-based apparatus to be smaller and suitable for shallow waters while the complex preprocessing functions remain on land.
Solution Approach 2:
Preprocessed natural gas is used as an intermediary substance, supplied from land-based facilities to the water-based apparatus. This intermediary approach allows the water-based system to focus only on liquefaction, reducing its complexity and size requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If land-based liquefaction facilities are used, then efficient processing is achieved, but they cannot be deployed in deep-water or remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates preprocessing functions (land-based) from liquefaction functions (water-based). The water-based apparatus contains only the essential liquefaction equipment, enabling deployment in remote locations while maintaining efficient liquefaction through optimized modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-based apparatus uses an air-cooled electric refrigeration module instead of traditional mechanical refrigeration systems, eliminating the need for large cooling infrastructure and enabling flexible water-based deployment while maintaining liquefaction efficiency.
3Productivity
If traditional refrigeration systems are used in water-based apparatus, then liquefaction is achieved, but environmental impact increases due to ballast fluid discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The air-cooled refrigeration system converts the previously harmful ballast fluid discharge into a beneficial air cooling process. The system uses ambient air as a heat sink, eliminating water contamination while maintaining effective refrigeration for liquefaction.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional water-based cooling systems are replaced with air-cooled heat exchangers and electric refrigeration cycles. This substitution eliminates the need for ballast fluid discharge while maintaining the thermodynamic efficiency required for natural gas liquefaction.
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
Enables efficient liquefaction and storage of natural gas in shallow waters, reducing environmental impact and operational costs by utilizing existing infrastructure, while ensuring stability and safety through closed-loop systems and sensor monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an air-cooled electric refrigeration module ('AER Module') configured to input electricity and preprocessed feed gas from the source, convert the preprocessed feed gas into a liquefied natural gas
Implementation Method 2
convert the preprocessed feed gas into a liquefied natural gas ('LNG')
Implementation Method 3
a closed loop ballast system operable with a ballast fluid to stabilize the water-based apparatus without discharging the ballast fluid
Implementation Method 4
air-cooled electric refrigeration module
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to at-shore liquefaction of natural gas. One exemplary aspect includes an apparatus comprising: (i) an air-cooled electric refrigeration module (“AER Module”) configured to input electricity and preprocessed feed gas from a source, convert the preprocessed feed gas into a liquefied natural gas (“LNG”), and output the LNG; and (ii) a plurality of LNG storage tanks configured to input the LNG from the AER Module and output the LNG to an LNG transport vessel. According to this aspect, the AER Module may be on an upper deck of a water-based apparatus, and the plurality of LNG tanks may be in a hull of the apparatus. Numerous additional exemplary aspects of the apparatus and related kits, methods, and systems are disclosed.