Small-Scale LNG Production System for Variable Natural Gas Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from a wide variety of natural gas sources is hindered by the variability in properties such as temperature, pressure, and purity, making it cost-prohibitive and impractical for small-scale LNG plants, especially for remotely located customers who require large storage tanks and frequent deliveries.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a liquefaction module, precompression module, conditioning module, power generation module, and storage tank, where natural gas is compressed, purified, and cooled using a process fluid to produce LNG, with the power generation module utilizing non-hydrocarbons to generate electrical energy for the cooling process, enabling efficient production from diverse natural gas sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If natural gas is converted to LNG at centralized LNG plants and transported via tankers, then natural gas can be stored and transported efficiently, but customers remotely located from LNG plants face increased costs and logistical challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized LNG production system into distributed small-scale LNG production units that can be located near remote customers. Each unit independently processes natural gas to LNG, eliminating the need for long-distance tanker transportation and large centralized storage facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces small-scale LNG production units as intermediary facilities between natural gas sources and remote customers. These units serve as local conversion points, transforming natural gas to LNG on-site and eliminating the need for complex transportation logistics.
2Ease of operation
If small scale LNG plants are developed to produce LNG at pressure letdown stations, then remote customers can access LNG locally, but the variability in natural gas properties makes designing and manufacturing cost-prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal small-scale LNG production system that can handle various natural gas sources with different properties (pressure, temperature, composition). The system incorporates adaptable components including pressure regulation devices, temperature control systems, and composition analysis instruments that automatically adjust to accommodate different gas inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter adjustment mechanisms including pressure regulators, temperature control systems, and flow rate modifiers that allow the LNG production system to adapt to varying natural gas input conditions. These parameter changes enable the system to maintain efficient operation across different gas sources without requiring custom-designed plants.
3Loss of time
If remote customers maintain larger storage tanks to reduce delivery frequency, then dependence on tankers is reduced, but the cost of storage tanks becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables remote customers to produce LNG on-site through small-scale production units, eliminating the need for large storage tanks and frequent tanker deliveries. The system continuously converts natural gas to LNG as needed, providing self-sufficient local production that reduces both time loss and storage costs.
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 system allows for the efficient production of LNG from various natural gas sources, reducing costs and logistical challenges by stabilizing the production process and enabling remote locations to access LNG without the need for large storage tanks.
Implementation Method 1
a compression module configured to compress the natural gas
Implementation Method 2
a liquefaction module configured to cool the compressed natural gas to produce the liquefied natural gas
Implementation Method 3
The power generation module may be configured to receive and combust at least a portion of the non-hydrocarbon from the conditioning module to generate electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for producing liquefied natural gas from a natural gas source is provided. The method may include feeding natural gas provided by the natural gas source to a liquefaction module. The method may also include flowing the natural gas through a product stream of the liquefaction module. The method may further include flowing a process fluid through a liquefaction stream of the liquefaction module to cool at least a portion of the natural gas flowing through the product stream to produce the liquefied natural gas.