Equipment and process for liquefaction of LNG boiloff gas
US7614241B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2270/16
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A design for equipment and process for reliquefaction of LNG boiloff gas, primarily for shipboard installation, has high thermodynamic efficiency and lower capital cost, smaller size (volume, footprint), lower weight, and less need for maintenance than systems utilizing the prior art. The main refrigerant gas compressor is reduced to a single stage turbocompressor. Optional elements include: compression of boiloff gas at ambient temperature; compression of boiloff gas in one or two stages; turboexpansion of refrigerant gas incorporating one or two turboexpanders; turboexpander energy recovery by mechanical loading, compressor drive, or electric generator; refrigerant sidestream for cooling at the lowest temperatures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.