LNG FPSO : TURBOEXPANDER PROCESS ECONOMICSMONETIZING THE “GAS PROBLEM”

摘要

Three years ago, here at the GPA, ABB Lummus Global Inc. presented theTurboexpander Dual Refrigeration Cycle Process for LNG onshore/offshore, an idealtechnology to capture and provide solutions to the “gas problem” of remote associatedgas production.In this paper I propose to present the results of the ABB program of technologydevelopment (NicheLNG Offshore SM ) aimed at the offshore application of NicheLNG SM .NicheLNG SM is LNG process technology for small scale and mid-scale gas applications,developed by ABB Lummus Global’s Randall Gas Technologies Division.The paper reviews the application of the technology to associated gas offshore the WestAfrican coast and the delivery of LNG to markets in Europe and the US.After a brief review of the technology and processing facilities required, the paperfocuses on the marine aspects of the LNG FPSO solution (Storage, Off- Loading,Marine/Cargo Systems, Structural, Hull Definition, Mooring Systems) and the safetyaspects.To conclude, a discussion on delivered LNG economics, highlighting Cost of Service(COS) is presented, which includes analysis of different export scenarios and capital andoperating cost sensitivities. The results of the study clearly show that this solution isable to deliver LNG at COS of 3 to 4 $/MMBTU LNG. With the current trends of gasprices, this represents an attractive opportunity to monetize stranded gas.