LNG reliquifaction

Traditionally, LNG carriers have used the boil off from cargo as fuel for the propulsion. This led to the use
of steam plant as the preferred method as the combustion of this gas is simpler. In addition the steam
plant gives the option to safely deal wih excess boil off of gas during pasage or arrival in port without the
need to resort to venting.
The use of duel fuel burning diesel engines is becoming more in favour thus requiring
alternative methods to deal with the excess boil off.
ne method is reliquifaction commonlu seen in L!G shps but previously not sen in LNG due to
the very low saturation temperatures of LNG
Reliquifaction process
This generally ta"es the form of seperate reliquifaction and refrigeration units. The system uses Nitrogen
as the refrigerant in the reverse #rayton cycle$ a version of the cascae system in which several stages
% normally &' operate in series with the LNG. The final stage is a turbo expander in which the energy of
the Nitrogen is used to power the expander stage. Thus with the removal of energy from the nitrogen in
the form of wor" the temperature is low enough to liquify the LNG.
The entire asembly my be either totally enclosed in insulation with repairs only to be carried
out at predetermined times. r it may be enclosed in an insulated wor" house
It should be noted that hgh levels of nitrogen in the cargo can have a serious effect on the
viability of reliquifaction
The power absorbed by this unit is high thus ony recent increases in cargo prices has made it
economically viable. ( high voltage distribution system is required