The global use of natural gas is growing quickly. This is primarily attributed to
its favorable characteristics and to the environmental advantages it enjoys over other
fossil fuels such as oil and coal. One of the key challenges in supplying natural gas is the
form (phase) at which it should be delivered. Natural gas may be supplied to the
consumers as a compressed gas through pipelines. Another common form is to be
compressed, refrigerated and supplied as a liquid known as liquefied natural gas (LNG).
When there is a considerable distance involved in transporting natural gas, LNG is
becoming the preferred method of supply because of technical, economic, and political
reasons. Thus, LNG is expected to play a major role in meeting the global energy
demands.
This work addresses the simulation and optimization of an LNG plant. First, the
process flowsheet is constructed based on a common process configuration. Then, the
key units are simulated using ASPEN Plus to determine the characteristics of the various
pieces of equipment and streams in the plant. Next, process integration techniques are
used to optimize the process. Particular emphasis is given to energy objectives through three activities. First, the synthesis and retrofitting of a heat-exchange network are
considered to reduce heating and cooling utilities. Second, the turbo-expander system is
analyzed to reduce the refrigeration consumption in the process. Third, the process
cogeneration is introduced to optimize the combined heat and power of the plant.
These activities are carried out using a combination of graphical, computeraided,
and mathematical programming techniques. A case study on typical LNG
facilities is solved to examine the benefits of simulation and integration of the process.
The technical, economic, and environmental impact of the process modifications are also
discussed.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:tamu.edu/oai:repository.tamu.edu:1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2506 |
| Date | 15 May 2009 |
| Creators | Al-Sobhi, Saad Ali |
| Contributors | El-Halwagi, Mahmoud M |
| Source Sets | Texas A and M University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Book, Thesis, Electronic Thesis, text |
| Format | electronic, application/pdf, born digital |
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