White Papers

Fluor: LNG Regasification and Utilization

There are numerous environmental challenges and opportunities in today's LNG receiving terminals. LNG receiving terminals, onshore and offshore, are typically designed for standalone LNG regasification, and have not taken advantages of the inherent cold energy from LNG. There are synergies between LNG regasification and power generation [1],[6]. LNG can be used as a cold heat sink in power generation, which would increase power production efficiency and replace the conventional regasification processes. There are also economic benefits of extracting the heavier hydrocarbons from LNG as the liquid components can be sold at a premium price over natural gas. In the ever competitive energy markets, LNG importers must also be ready to accept LNG with heating values higher than North American gas pipeline specifications. This paper describes two patent pending technologies, in power generation using LNG cold and in LPG extraction from LNG. In addition to improving efficiencies and enhancing project economics, these technologies will reduce environmental impacts, and produce quality pipeline gas and liquid products for sales. The hydrocarbons content in the import LNG can also be used to supplement the North American liquid fuel markets.