Challenges of Small and Medium Scale LNG Projects
Presenter: Dr. Chen-Hwa Chiu
Research Consultant - Engineer, Texaco
摘要：
The needs for the small-scale (less than 1 million metric tons per year) and medium-scale (1 to 2.5 million metric tons per year) LNG projects will be arising in the near future. We face many challenges in both the design and project considerations in these LNG projects.
This paper first examines how these kinds of projects are developing. It then presents the challenges of these projects and how we must prepare to meet them. It concludes by emphasizing the need of optimizing the overall LNG chain in making these LNG projects more viable and competitive.
In the past baseload LNG projects have been mega-scale projects that required capital spending over several billion dollars long-term commitments between dedicated sellers and buyers. The LNG business has been undergoing subtle but definitive changes. Not only are capital and operating costs being reduced but also the demands and sizes of supply are being varied. Stranded and marginal fields and associated gases are also gaining attentions in project consideration and development. Various companies are seeking means to monetize these stranded gas resources.
In order to meet these demands, what are the recent and future technology challenges and developments? First, there are many versions of liquefaction processes that would cater to small-scale and medium-scale LNG projects. The traditional baseload LNG process such as the Air Products Propane-Precooled Mixed Refrigerant (C3-MR) process, the Phillips Optimized Cascade process and the Black & Vitch Prico all mixed refrigerant process are all being modified or improved to adapt to the small and medium size LNG projects. The offshore versions are also being developed. These would require more compact equipment, modular construction, less weight, more safety considerations, and even special equipment types and designs that are less susceptible to motions. In general, unit costs for LNG manufacture are under very strong downward pressure.
LNG shipping and the LNG receiving and regasification terminals are also undergoing new developments. For instance, older and smaller size ships are being considered instead of newer and larger LNG ships. The LNG receiving terminals could also be built on a smaller scale first, and expanded in a gradual fashion to save cost and overcome financial hurdles. These terminals could also be built on offshore locations to avoid costly land and harbour investments.
Finally, strategies for the optimisations of an integrated chain of LNG for the end user, such as independent power producer (IPP) will be discussed from the vantagepoint of financing, scheduling, new project considerations, and the overall matches of supply and demand.