Liquefaction Technology Selection for Mid-Scale LNG Plants

Saeid Mokhatab
Gas Processing Consultant, Halifax, NS, Canada
s.mokhatab@yahoo.com
Yoshitsugi Kikkawa,
Kikkawa Giken, Yokohama Japan,
yoshikikkawa@yahoo.co.jp
Abstract
Mid-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects are forecasted to be the preferred solution for niche LNG markets as well as for the monetization of smaller gas volumes at reduced investment cost. As such, there is great interest in developing successful solutions for mid-scale LNG projects that may have advantages over competing baseload projects. The key step in addressing an economical solution to the mid-scale LNG project development is selecting a less complex and lower cost liquefaction technology, which best fits the size range of the project. Mid-scale LNG plants may be located onshore or offshore. Although technical requirements are different in each case, simplicity and modularization are main targets in both. This paper discusses various natural gas liquefaction technologies to allow a selection that best fits the needs of land-based mid-scale LNG applications.