INTEGRATED PROCESS FOR CONVERTING NATURAL GAS FROM AN OFFSHORE FIELD SITE TO LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS AND LIQUID FUEL

摘要

An integrated process and an apparatus for converting natural gas from an offshore field site to liquefied natural gas and to liquid fuel at an onshore site are disclosed. The process includes liquefying the natural gas and producing natural gas liquids using heat exchange at the offshore site. The liquefied natural gas can be transported to a market distribution location, and the natural gas liquids can be transported to the onshore site for further processing to liquid fuels. An air separation unit at the onshore site provides both liquefied nitrogen for use as coolant in the offshore heat exchange process as well as oxygen for use in an autothermal reformer at the onshore site. The natural gas liquids produced offshore can be fed to the autothermal reformer to generate synthesis gas which can be converted to liquid fuels.