AERODERIVATIVE GAS TURBINE DRIVERS FOR THE CONOCOPHILLIPS OPTIMIZED CASCADE~(SM) LNG PROCESS- WORLD'S FIRST APPLICATION AND FUTURE POTENTIAL

摘要

Market pressures for new thermally efficient and environmentally friendly LNG plants coupled with the need for high plant availability have resulted in the world's first application of high performance PGT2500+ aeroderivative gas turbines for the 3.7 MTPA Darwin LNG plant. The plant was operational several months ahead of contract schedule and has exceeded its production target for 2006. This paper will describe the philosophy leading to the world's first aeroderivative based gas turbine plant and future potential for the application of larger aeroderivative drivers which are an excellent fit for the ConocoPhillips Optimized Cascade~(SM) LNG Process.rnAeroderivative engines fit the Optimized Cascade process because of the two trains in one design concept that facilitates the use of available aeroderivative engines. The plant is able to operate at reduced rates of 50-70% in the event that one refrigeration compressor is down. The application of a range of larger aeroderivative engines that are now available allow a flexible design fit for the Optimized Cascade process. Benefits of aeroderivative engines over large heavy duty single and two shaft engines include significantly higher thermal efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions, the ability to startup without the use of large helper motors, and improved production efficiency due to modular engine change outs.rnThis paper covers several practical aspects of the application of aeroderivative gas turbines as refrigeration drivers and discusses design and implementation considerations. The selection of aeroderivative engines and their configurations for various train sizes, and evaluation of emission considerations are covered.