(94d) NGL Recovery Process Synergies with the LNG Value Chain

Successful integration of NGL recovery into the LNG value chain has a significant effect on both process design and overall project profitability. Several decisions must be taken fairly early in project development to define the process. Firstly, should NGL be recovered in the project? This is primarily a function of feed gas composition and required product specifications in the destination LNG market. Assuming that a project supports NGL recovery; the next question is where should the NGL be extracted? The choice is either at the point of production or the receiving terminal. Integration into the chilling and liquefaction process may take advantage of synergies and result in a decrease in equipment and CAPEX and OPEX. Alternatively NGL products can be extracted at the receiving terminal particularly where lower BTU gas is required, as in the US and there is an end-user market.

This paper discusses insights Foster Wheeler has gained designing NGL recovery facilities upfront of liquefaction facilities and at receiving terminals during the past two years. Potential integration of NGL recovery into the liquefaction process is also discussed from a fundamental perspective. Options for C2 and C3 recovery at the receiving terminal will also be presented.