(60d) Precooling Concepts for Large Base Load LNG Plants

All relevant LNG processes for large capacities are based on two or more refrigeration cycles. The precooling cycle seems to be the technologically least challenging one, as the temperature level is still moderate. In reality, however, the precooling cycle has to reject almost the entire excess heat from natural gas and the cold refrigeration cycle(s). This paper will discuss main conceptual elements of precooling cycles in modern LNG processes with special focus on the Mixed Fluid Cascade (MFC®): ? Mixed refrigerant versus propane ? Load balancing between the refrigerant compressors ? Type of heat exchanger (plate-fin, coil wound, kettle)