Liquefaction of Natural Gas and Shipping Facilities

Abstract

Natural gas liquefaction plants, initially intended for peak shaving, have developed into large-scale base load liquefaction plants, thanks to recent technological progress, and a large volume of products are being transported by means of refrigerated tankers.Liquefaction plants for base loads now in operation are those at Arzew (Algeria), Kenai (Alaska), Marsa el Brega (Libya) and those under construction are at Lumut (Brunei) Skikda (Algeria).As to the process, there are three types, namely, the Expansion Process, Conventional Cascade Process and MCR Process (Multi Component Refrigerant Process). The Conventional Cascade Process and MCR Process are adopted for base load liquefaction presently in operation or under construction, and it is assumed that the latter will become the leading process.The liquefaction plants are equipped with large-scale ancillary facilities to meet the very large power requirements of the plants.Several tens of million tons per year of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for base loads will be imported by Japan as a practical energy source and as a pollution-free fuel.While the progressWhile the progress of cryogenic techniques has contributed to the success of the above-mentioned projects, further studies and improvements are expected in this new field, with its short historical background. Moreover, in order that LNG may become an inexpensive source of energy, the emergence of larger and better cryogenic equipment, which is extremely costly at present, and the development of larger, improved tanks and tankers are foreseen.