Modular LNG Heat Exchanger Layout to Cut Piping Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional modular LNG production trains have a high number of piping connections between air-cooled heat exchangers and other processing equipment, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for extensive piping at the production location.
Innovation Solution
Designing a modular LNG production process with a plurality of modules, each with a specific function, and an air-cooled heat exchanger bank arranged in a staggered configuration to minimize module interfaces and piping requirements, allowing for pre-assembly and testing before transport, and utilizing uncovered sections for taller or flammable equipment to reduce congestion and improve access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional modular LNG production trains are designed by slicing existing stick-built designs into transportable sections, then the modules can be transported and assembled at production location, but the number of piping connections between air-cooled heat exchangers and other processing equipment increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The air-cooled heat exchanger bank is segmented into multiple independent modules, each containing a portion of the heat exchanger bank. This segmentation allows the large heat exchanger bank to be divided into transportable sections while maintaining functional integrity within each module, reducing the need for extensive external piping connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components (air-cooled heat exchangers, processing equipment, and associated piping) are merged and integrated within each module. This consolidation reduces the number of inter-module piping connections by co-locating equipment that requires fluid transfer, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Area of stationary object
If equipment is placed densely within modules to minimize space, then the footprint is reduced, but maintenance access and operational access become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Equipment is arranged in vertical layers with heat exchangers elevated above the module base and processing equipment positioned underneath. This vertical stacking reduces the horizontal footprint while maintaining adequate clearance and access pathways at ground level for maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the module are designed with different access characteristics. Areas requiring frequent maintenance are positioned with better access, while areas requiring minimal intervention can be more densely packed. The uncovered sections specifically accommodate equipment requiring regular maintenance access.
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 approach reduces the complexity and cost of piping at the production site, enhances maintenance access, and allows for more efficient installation and commissioning by minimizing the number of connections and optimizing equipment placement within modules.
Implementation Method 1
The coolers required for the various compression and heat exchanger operations associated with an LNG plant may be air coolers or water coolers arranged in a heat exchanger bank
Implementation Method 2
air-cooled heat exchanger bank arranged in a staggered configuration
Implementation Method 3
refrigerants are used to reduce the temperature of the treated wellhead gas to a temperature of around −160° C. to form LNG, resulting in warming of the refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
The compressors used for this duty are traditionally steam turbines, gas turbines or electric motors depending on the power requirements and layout issues of a particular LNG production facility
Data Source
AI summary
A liquefied natural gas production plant for producing a product stream of liquefied natural gas installed at a production location and a process for producing liquefied natural gas includes a plurality of modules and an air-cooled heat exchanger bank designed for the installed production train. The heat exchanger bank includes a first row of air-cooled heat exchanger bays, and an adjacent parallel second row of air-cooled heat exchanger bays.