Apparatus for the liquefaction of natural gas and methods relating to same
US7594414B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2006 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 14, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28F19/01
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus and method for producing liquefied natural gas. A liquefaction plant may be coupled to a source of unpurified natural gas, such as a natural gas pipeline at a pressure letdown station. A portion of the gas is drawn off and split into a process stream and a cooling stream. The cooling stream passes through an expander creating work output. A compressor may be driven by the work output and compresses the process stream. The compressed process stream is cooled, such as by the expanded cooling stream. The cooled, compressed process stream is divided into first and second portions with the first portion being expanded to liquefy the natural gas. A gas-liquid separator separates the vapor from the liquid natural gas. The second portion of the cooled, compressed process stream is also expanded and used to cool the compressed process stream.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.