LNG TURBOMACHINERY
Date
2011
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Turbomachinery Laboratory, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station
Abstract
The International Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) trade is
expanding rapidly. Projects are being proposed worldwide to
meet the industry forecasted growth rate of 12% by the end of
the decade. LNG train designs in the coming years appear to
fall within three classes, having nominal capacities of
approximately 3.5, 5.0 and 8.0 MTPA (Million Tons Per
Annum). These designs may co-exist in the coming years, as
individual projects choose designs, which closely match their
gas supplies, sales, and other logistical and economic
constraints.
The most critical components of a LNG liquefaction
facility are the refrigeration compressors and their drivers
which represent a significant expense and strongly influence
overall plant performance and production efficiency. The
refrigeration compressors themselves are challenging to
design due to high Mach numbers, large volume flows, low
inlet temperatures and complex sidestream flows. Drivers for
these plants include gas turbines that range in size from 30
MW units to large Frame 9E gas turbines. Aeroderivative
engines have also been recently introduced. This paper covers
the design, application and implementation considerations
pertaining to LNG plant drivers and compressors. The paper
does not focus on any particular LNG process but addresses
turbomachinery design and application aspects that are
common to all processes. Topics cover key technical design
issues and complexities involved in the turbomachinery
selection, aeromechanical design, testing and implementation.
The paper attempts to highlight the practical design
compromises that have to be made to obtain a robust solution
from a mechanical and aerodynamic standpoint.
Description
Tutorial