Liquid turbines improve LNG operations

Journal Article · Mon Nov 18 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Oil and Gas Journal

OSTI ID:400892

Johnson, L L ^[1]; Renaudin, G ^[2]

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1. BW/IP International Inc., Long Beach, CA (United States)
2. Technip, Paris (France)

Adding a pair of cryogenic hydraulic turbines, often called liquid expanders, into an LNG processing train can increase plant annual revenues by 3--4%. The cooldown of a vapor phase by expansion through a gas turbine is widely used in such cryogenic processes as NGL and LPG recovery in the cold section of the steam cracking and in air or natural-gas liquefaction. Traditionally, this pressure letdown function has been through use of a Joule-Thomson (JT) valve which wastes the energy and reduces process efficiency by leaving it in the system in the form of heat. Any natural-gas liquefaction process can be improved by expanding the LNG and the liquid phase of the mixed refrigerant through a hydraulic turbine. Described here are the technical requirements for such turbines along with the design developed to meet those requirements. Also reviewed is the testing of the first set of large-scale (800 kw) commercial turbines at full flow and pressure using {minus}160 C. LNG as the test fluid. First installation and operation are also described.

• OSTI ID: 400892
• Journal Information: Oil and Gas Journal, Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal Journal Issue: 47 Vol. 94; ISSN 0030-1388; ISSN OIGJAV
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
CRYOGENICS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
HYDRAULIC TURBINES
LIQUEFACTION
NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS PROCESSING PLANTS
PERFORMANCE