3 replies to this topic

[ekar]

Dear All,

 

It is generally know that gas liquefaction is an option to process raw gas and to recover flare gas. In a recent discussion with a colleague, we discussed an idea of liquefying raw gas / recovered flare gas from a remote well or flare to be transported to a processing plant. The idea is to avoid using pipeline in case it is not viable economically etc. It seems to me that the idea is not feasible, since first of all the typical raw / flare gas would ostensibly contain impurities and heavies that would create all kinds of problem (freezing, corrosion, etc) when liquefied. Secondly, the tank on the truck would have to be either insulated or designed with high pressure. It seems to me the gas will need to be treated and have the heavies & the lights separated.

 

I wonder if anyone could share your thoughts on the above idea, whether you think it is actually feasible or not. If you think it is, I appreciate if you could elaborate more on how to do that. Otherwise, is there any alternative method?

 

Thank you !

 

 

=ekar

 

[Bobby Strain]

Almost anything is feasible. But the costs are often prohibitive. There are lots of liquifaction facilities. And some use landfill gas.

 

Bobby

[Art Montemayor]

The idea of liquefying gases has been feasible for over a century.  That is how old the actual, working technology is.

 

As Bobby Strain states, it isn't a problem of technology; it's a problem of justifying the investment.  So far, no one has succeeded in doing that.

[ekar]

Bobby, Art,

 

Thank you for your feedback. I suppose it is feasible as long as the composition is suitable and the impurities are removed sufficiently? All of the on-skid liquefaction units I found in the internet so far need / include pretreatment.

 

Could you kindly provide some insight on the investment part of it, i.e. what makes it prohibitive? Is it still better using pipeline? If we can produce LNG or LPG out of say a 10 MMscfd of gas, wouldn't it be profitable especially with the current feed gas price. LNG in particular is becoming more attractive in US & China from what I understand.

 

Appreciate your input on the above.

 

Thanks,

=ekar