Two-Phase Expander Potentialfor Reduced Power Requirementsin LNG Production PlantsThe 2nd International Conference onSmall Scale LNG in EuropeEginhard Berger & Manfred Boelt, Linde AG - LindeEngineering Division, GermanyDr. Hans Kimmel, Ebara, USA

Content:

Basis of Comparison Options Current State of the Art and Development in FluidExpansion for Refrigeration Expansion Options for the Linde Single MixedRefrigerant Cycle Thermophysical Illustration of the LNG End Flash Options Heat Temperature Diagram (Pinch Analysis) Economic Comparison of the Options TPE (Two-Phase Expander) Technology

LNG Process Comparison Basis: LiMuM (Linde Multi Stage Mixed Refrigerant) LNG Process Typical Natural Gas Composition Feed Gas: Pressure 60 bar, Temperature 30 C, Feed Gas Flow: equal for all 3 OptionsComparison Options: JTE (Joule-Thomson Expansion) HE + JTE(Hydraulic Expander) + (Joule-Thomson Expansion) TPE (Two-Phase Expander)Results: Different thermo-physical data for the entry and outlet flash stream Different flash (=fuel) gas flows according to power requirement Consequently different LNG production rates

Linde forms Global Alliance with SBM to build floating LNG liquefaction plants for offshore natural gas fields"

Munich, 20 September 2007 Linde has formed a Global Alliance with Single Buoying Mooring Inc. ("SBM") to develop and market Floating Production, Storage and Offloading units ("FPSO") for the growing Liquid Natural Gas ("LNG") industry, based on Linde's proprietary natural gas liquefaction technology.

SBM is a public listed Company, based in the Netherlands and a market leader in the field of FPSOs for the offshore oil & gas industry, currently owning and operating 16 world scale and own-build F(P)SO-units for crude oil and LPG production worldwide.

After having finalized a generic concept for a LNG FPSO with a yearly capacity off app.2.5 million metric tonnes of LNG, global marketing efforts will start as of today. The FPSO is designed for any conventional natural gas composition and aims at offshore natural gas fields with recoverable reserves of 1 trillion cubic feet or more.

Under the Global Alliance Linde contributes the FPSO topsides including gas pretreatment, C3+ fractionation and natural gas liquefaction based on Linde's proprietary Multi-Stage-Mixed-Refrigerant process (LiMuM). SBM among other things contributes marine technology including hull and LNG storage tanks system, power generation system, mooring system, cryogenic offloading systems and FPSO operational experience.

Whilst all process units of a LNG FPSO are proven on-shore technology, the integration of multiple large and heavy process modules with the hull structure and on a limited deck space requires innovative solutions. LNG processing, utility supply, cryogenic offloading and mooring systems are designed to reliably operate under severe marine conditions and with minimal maintenance. The design also incorporates Linde's experience with Europe's first base load LNG plant (4.2 million metric tonnes of LNG per year) for Statoils Snohvit project, which Linde erected on a small island in the Norwegian Arctic Circle utilizing a unique 35,000 tonnes, barge mounted process unit.

Conclusion:

Efficient LNG Plants are Mandatory for Environmental andEconomical Reasons TPE is a Contribution to this Requirement TPE Provides Sensible Reduction in Specific PowerRequirements in LNG Plants TPE: Hydraulic and Gas Expansion: Logic furtherDevelopment of the Expansion Technology TPE is Applicable in Small LNG Baseload Plants TPE will become Beneficial in Particular with LargeCapacity LNG Plants (Economy of Scale)