(30g) Floating Lng Liquefaction Facilities Using the Optimized Cascade Process

For several years, there has been a lot of discussion about the possibility of a Floating LNG Facility which in certain situations may provide a feasible economic option for the development of natural gas resources. In selecting the most economic configuration for a given development, several factors need to be considered. Important factors include cost, plant availability, safety, weight and space requirements, process efficiency, size and the impact of met ocean conditions on the facilities. ConocoPhillips has considered various configurations for Floating LNG and have evaluated a design based on the Optimized Cascade LNG Process. ConocoPhillips has determined that many of the same considerations that make the Optimized Cascade LNG Process a good choice for an onshore LNG facility also make it a good choice for Floating LNG. The Two-Trains-in-One configuration improves process efficiency and lends itself to the use of aero-derivative gas turbine drivers which are uniquely suited to the offshore environment. The low profile plate fin exchangers employed in the liquefaction system are well suited to the floating environment. The experience that ConocoPhillips has with the building and operating of their floating liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) processing facility at the Belanak field in Indonesia can also be applied to Floating LNG developments.