Current Myths about LNG

Since the startup of the first baseload LNG plant (Camel) in 1964, there have been several generations of LNG plant designs.  Each generation can be defined by a noticeable step change in elements of the overall plant configuration.  These steps may include developments in equipment, changes in cooling media, breakthroughs in train throughput, or combinations of changes leading to new industry standards or benchmarks.  Since the first LNG projects with train capacities of less than 1 Mt/a, generations of technical innovations have led to operating trains of nearly 8 Mt/a, and front end engineering designs (FEED) exceeding this current benchmark.

Regardless of the state of the LNG industry, there are often misconceptions regarding the application of new technologies, determination of process configurations, or implementation of project execution strategies to reduce project costs and shorten schedules.  These misconceptions or innocent mistakes, if perpetuated at conferences or reflected in FEED, can be perceived as reality.  These “design and execution myths” will result in less accurate cost estimates or increased technical and execution risk for new projects.

This paper will review LNG technology and project execution myths that could derail the innovation necessary to develop the next generation of LNG projects.  By openly discussing these myths, we can stimulate constructive debate on the challenges facing today’s projects.