Advancing export terminal technology: An optimized process for the refrigeration of cryogenic hydrocarbons

摘要

Ethane production in North America (NA) has expanded dramatically with the onset of shale production and associated hydraulic fracking. Ethane concentrations in fracked shale gas are typically 10% or higher vs. a traditional range of 4%-7% in associated gas. FIG. 1 shows the increase in US ethane production, which corresponds with the rapid increase in shale exploration that started around 2007.