Plate fin exchangers The key of LNG Process Innovation

The large expansion of LNG trade has pushed to increase the train capacities and minimise the costs while improving safety and reducing environment impact. In order to achieve these goals, IFP has developed a new LNG process now named LiquefinTM (CII-2 during the development stage). Studies in co-operation with operators and engineering companies specialised in the field have shown the benefits of using this new process compared to conventional ones, specially in terms of reduced cost and increased LNG capacity. The main innovation of this new DMR process is the use of a single assembly of plate-fin heat exchangers from ambient down to cryogenic temperatures. The selection of the optimal configuration, combining low cost, good distribution, and minimal stress has been made by IFP internal research as well as by common work with heat exchangers vendors. This poster describes IFP efforts to optimise the design of the heat exchange line: minimise the number and size of the cold boxes, ensure a proper distribution for the large number of parallel cores necessary for the 6+ MTPA capacities while keeping very low pressure drops, check the stress level for normal and abnormal situations.

GASTECH 2002 - ABSTRACT