Christophe Thomas and Denis Chrétien TOTAL E&P, Paris. France
Plant owners have historically preferred robust and dependable facilities rather than highly efficient process with stringent operating constraints. Improving energy efficiency is a major focus for Operators due to higher price of feed / sales gas; reduction of feed gas supply in some LNG Plants; worldwide pressure to reduce the GHG footprint and CO2 taxes.
The paper reviews options to increase the energy efficiency for a new plant for a given liquefaction process. Options scrutinized include heat recovery (combined cycle and others); Large frame or aero-derivative drivers for refrigerant compressors or power generators; electric drivers for refrigerant compressors or E –LNG; heat absorption systems / chilled water loop duty; cooling of gas turbine air inlets or combination. A 30 % energy improvement compared to robust and simple LNG facilities can be achieved. For existing facilities practical efficiency improvements can be implemented.
The second part of the paper presents a revamp of an existing LNG facility, using heat absorption systems. The criteria for selection and the expected improvement will be summarised together with some project implementation and operating aspects.
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