Offshore LNG Jetty with Segregated Regasification Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction and operation of conventional offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating storage and regasification units face challenges such as high costs, extended construction periods, and instability due to tidal currents and wind, leading to risks of high-pressure natural gas leaks and explosions.
Innovation Solution
A facilities design featuring a steel or iron concrete jetty unit with a separable regasification unit and storage unit, utilizing an open rack vaporizer with sea water as a heat exchanger, and a utility unit providing power and sea water, which reduces the risk of gas leaks by stabilizing the operation and allowing for flexible LNG storage and regasification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If floating regasification units (FSRU/LNG RV) are used offshore, then mobility and avoidance of onshore construction constraints are improved, but operational stability deteriorates due to tidal currents and wind causing directional and rotational motions
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two segments: a fixed jetty structure that provides stable mounting for regasification equipment, and a movable LNG carrier that can be positioned as needed. This segmentation allows the regasification unit to remain stationary and stable while the storage unit provides mobility through repositioning of the LNG carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
A fixed jetty structure serves as an intermediary between the LNG carrier and the onshore gas distribution network. The jetty provides a stable platform for regasification equipment, eliminating the instability caused by using floating units while maintaining the mobility advantage by allowing the LNG carrier to be repositioned and replenished from other sources.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional floating regasification units are used, then installation cost and construction time are reduced compared to onshore facilities, but the risk of high-pressure natural gas leaks and explosions increases due to instability
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a fixed jetty for regasification and a movable LNG carrier for storage, the critical high-pressure gas handling equipment is placed on a stable fixed structure, eliminating the safety risks associated with floating units while maintaining the cost and time advantages of avoiding onshore facility construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed jetty acts as an intermediary that provides a stable, safe platform for regasification equipment, thereby reducing the risk of gas leaks and explosions while still allowing the system to benefit from offshore location advantages and avoiding the need for extensive onshore construction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If regasification unit is installed on floating structure, then mobility is improved, but construction period and capital costs expand
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the mobile LNG carrier function from the fixed jetty regasification function. The jetty can be constructed using standard fixed structure methods with established timelines, while the LNG carrier can be independently positioned and replenished, avoiding the extended construction periods associated with converting or building specialized floating regasification units.
4Ease of operation
If loading arm and high pressure gas arm are used with floating facilities, then connectivity is maintained, but device complexity increases due to large number of components needed to absorb impact from motions
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the LNG transfer function (using flexible hoses between LNG carrier and jetty) from the high-pressure gas supply function (using rigid piping fixed to the stable jetty structure). This segmentation eliminates the need for complex motion-absorbing components in the high-pressure gas arm, as the regasification unit remains stationary on the fixed jetty.
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 design significantly reduces the risk of high-pressure natural gas leaks and enhances operational stability, enabling safer and more efficient LNG regasification offshore, while minimizing construction time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing an open rack vaporizer with sea water as a heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Facilities for offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating storage with jetty regasification unit, the facilities including: a jetty unit of a steel structure or an iron concrete structure installed in offshore; a storage unit moored at the jetty 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 jetty unit and is separable from the jetty 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.