Advanced method of heavy hydrocarbon removal and natural gas liquefaction using closed-loop refrigeration system
US12366407B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2023 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2290/32
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A natural gas liquefaction system and method for effectively and efficiently removing heavy hydrocarbons and converting natural gas into liquefied natural gas. Natural gas streams entering the system may consist of varied gas compositions, pressures, and temperatures. In embodiments the system may comprise a natural gas (NG)-to-liquefied natural gas (LNG) portion and a closed-loop refrigeration portion comprising a closed-loop single mixed refrigerant system. In other embodiments the system may comprise an NG-to-LNG portion and a closed-loop refrigeration portion comprising a closed-loop gaseous nitrogen expansion refrigeration system. All embodiments utilize an integrated heat exchanger with cold-end and warm-end sections and integrated multi-stage compressor and expander configurations (e.g. compander) in order to increase overall operation flexibility and efficiency. This optimized method and system is capable of more efficiently producing a liquefied natural gas product at a desired capacity using a minimum amount of equipment and a modularized design to reduce construction costs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.