阅读说明：本技术 液化设备、方法和系统 (Liquefaction plant, method and system ) 是由 A·布里格登 A·伦弗莱 G·库尼亚尔 T·博古斯劳斯基 于 2018-06-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开的方面涉及天然气的岸边液化。一个示例性方面包括一种设备,其包括：(i)风冷电动制冷模块(“AER模块”),其配置为从源输入电力和预处理的进料气体、将预处理的进料气体转换成液化天然气(“LNG”)、并输出LNG；(ii)多个LNG储箱,其配置为从AER模块输入LNG并将LNG输出到LNG运输船。根据该方面,AER模块可位于水上设备的上甲板上,并且所述多个LNG储箱可位于设备的船体中。公开了设备以及相关套件、方法和系统的许多其他示例性方面。(Aspects of the present disclosure relate to shore liquefaction of natural gas. One exemplary aspect includes an apparatus, comprising: (i) an air-cooled electrically-driven refrigeration module ("AER module") configured to import power and a pre-processed feed gas from a source, convert the pre-processed feed gas to liquefied natural gas ("LNG"), and export the LNG; (ii) a plurality of LNG tanks configured to import LNG from the AER module and export the LNG to the LNG carrier. According to this aspect, the AER module may be located on an upper deck of the marine device and the plurality of LNG tanks may be located in a hull of the device. Numerous other exemplary aspects of devices and related kits, methods, and systems are disclosed.)

1. A system for shore liquefaction, the system comprising:

a source of electricity and pretreated feed gas; and

a marine apparatus, comprising:

an air-cooled electrically-powered refrigeration module ("AER module") configured to import power and a pre-processed feed gas from the source, convert the pre-processed feed gas to liquefied natural gas ("LNG"), and export the liquefied natural gas; and

a plurality of liquefied natural gas storage tanks configured to input liquefied natural gas from the air-cooled electrically powered refrigeration module and output the liquefied natural gas to an liquefied natural gas carrier.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the source produces the pretreated feed gas by removing unwanted elements.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the undesirable elements include at least heavy hydrocarbons.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air-cooled electrically-powered refrigeration module converts a portion of the pre-treated feed gas to a fuel gas and outputs the fuel gas to the source.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the source generates a portion of the electrical power.

6. The system of claims 4 and 5, wherein the source comprises a gas generator configured to generate the portion of the electrical power using the fuel gas.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one of a port side and a starboard side of the marine installation is moorable to a shore anchoring structure.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein one of the port side and the starboard side is engageable with a walkway structure.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the marine installation comprises a containment system configured to direct cryogenic effluent onto the other of the port side and the starboard side.

10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the power input from the source is equal to or greater than about 100kV and about 220 MW.

11. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the power is input from the source using a line comprising one or more conductors, the system further comprising a transport bridge extendable between the marine apparatus and the source to support the line.

12. The system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the above-water plant comprises a closed-loop ballast system operable with ballast fluid to stabilize the above-water plant without draining ballast fluid.

13. The system of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the air-cooled electrically-powered refrigeration module comprises one or more refrigeration units comprising an electrically-powered compressor, an air cooler, and a knock-out pot.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more refrigeration units are configured to perform a dual hybrid refrigeration process.

15. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a controller operable with the source and the marine apparatus.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of sensors including a sensor of the source and a sensor of the watercraft.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the controller operates the air-cooled electric refrigeration module and at least the power supply at the source based on data output from sensors of the marine installation and sensors of the source.

18. A system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the controller comprises one or more devices remote from the marine device and the source.

19. The system of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the plurality of liquefied natural gas tanks comprises a single row of a plurality of tanks spaced along a centerline axis of the hull.

20. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the marine installation does not comprise a main power generation system or a gas pre-treatment system.

21. A marine apparatus for shore liquefaction, the apparatus comprising:

an air-cooled electrically powered refrigeration module ("AER module") located on or above an upper deck of the marine facility and configured to input power and a pre-processed feed gas from a source, convert the pre-processed feed gas to liquefied natural gas ("LNG"), and export the liquefied natural gas; and

a plurality of liquefied natural gas storage tanks located in a hull of the marine facility and configured to input the liquefied natural gas from the air-cooled electric refrigeration module and output the liquefied natural gas to an liquefied natural gas carrier.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the pretreated gas does not include at least heavy hydrocarbons.

23. The apparatus of claim 21 or 22, wherein the electrical power is equal to or greater than about 100kV and about 220 MW.

24. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein all of said liquefied natural gas is directed into said hull from said air-cooled electric refrigeration module and out of said hull from said plurality of liquefied natural gas tanks.

25. The plant defined in any one of claims 21 to 24 further comprises an output port in a central section of the plant for outputting the liquefied natural gas to the liquefied natural gas carrier.

26. The plant defined in any one of claims 21 to 25 wherein the plurality of liquefied natural gas tanks comprises a single bank of a plurality of tanks.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the single row of the plurality of tanks is spaced along a centerline axis of the hull.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the storage volume of each of the plurality of tanks in the single row is approximately centered on the centerline axis.

29. The plant of claim 28 wherein each tank of the plurality of liquefied natural gas tanks is a membrane tank and the storage volume of each membrane tank comprises an irregular cross-sectional shape defined by the interior of the hull and centered on the centerline axis.

30. The apparatus of any one of claims 21 to 29, further comprising a gas collection and distribution system on the marine apparatus to:

inputting a first gas from the air-cooled electric refrigeration module and inputting a second gas from the plurality of liquefied natural gas storage tanks; and

outputting the first gas and the second gas to a compressor.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the first gas is different from the second gas.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the fuel gas distribution system is configured to import a third gas from the lng carrier.

33. The apparatus of any one of claims 21 to 32, further comprising a plurality of sensors configured to detect leakage of cryogenic effluent and combustible gas.

34. The apparatus of any of claims 33, further comprising:

a channel above the hull for collecting the cryogenic effluent;

a downcomer in communication with the channel to direct cryogenic fluid to and from a side of the hull; and

a nozzle for spraying an outer surface of the one side of the hull with a protective fluid in response to the plurality of sensors.

35. The apparatus of any one of claims 21 to 34, further comprising a closed-loop ballast water system comprising:

a plurality of ballast tanks below the upper deck; and

one or more pumps configured to move ballast fluid between the plurality of ballast tanks without discharging any ballast fluid to the environment.

36. The apparatus of any one of claims 21 to 35, wherein the air-cooled electrically-powered refrigeration module comprises one or more refrigeration units, the refrigeration units comprising an electrically-powered compressor and an air cooler.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the one or more refrigeration units comprise:

a first refrigeration unit configured to receive a first portion of the pretreated feed gas and output a first portion of the liquefied natural gas; and

a second refrigeration unit configured to receive a second portion of the pre-treated feed gas and output a second portion of the liquefied natural gas,

wherein the first refrigeration unit is independent of the second refrigeration unit.

38. The plant defined in claim 37 or claim 38 wherein each of the one or more refrigeration units includes a pre-cooling heat exchanger, a main cryogenic heat exchanger, a hot mix refrigeration circuit, a cold mix refrigeration circuit, an expander and an end flash vessel.

39. The apparatus of claims 24 and 37 wherein a majority of the first refrigeration unit is rearward of a midship axis of the apparatus, a majority of the second refrigeration unit is forward of the midship axis, and the weight of the first refrigeration unit and the weight of the second refrigeration unit are balanced about the midship axis to stabilize the marine apparatus.

40. The apparatus of any one of claims 21 to 39, wherein the marine apparatus does not comprise a main power generation system or a gas pre-treatment system.

41. A method of shore liquefaction, the method comprising:

inputting power and a pretreated feed gas from a source to a marine facility;

converting the pre-treated feed gas to liquefied natural gas ("LNG") with an air-cooled electric refrigeration module ("AER module") of the marine facility;

outputting the liquefied natural gas from the air-cooled electric refrigeration module to a plurality of liquefied natural gas storage tanks of the marine facility; and

outputting the liquefied natural gas from the plurality of liquefied natural gas tanks to an liquefied natural gas carrier.

42. The method of claim 41, further comprising producing the pretreated feed gas by removing at least heavy hydrocarbons at the source.

43. The method of claim 41 or 42, further comprising directing the liquefied natural gas through the upper deck while outputting liquefied natural gas from the air-cooled electrically powered refrigeration module and the plurality of liquefied natural gas tanks.

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising directing the liquefied natural gas via an output port at or near a midship axis of the facility as the liquefied natural gas is output from the plurality of liquefied natural gas tanks to the liquefied natural gas carrier.

45. The method of any of claims 41 to 44, further comprising: collecting a first gas from the air-cooled electrically powered refrigeration module and a second gas from the plurality of liquefied natural gas tanks, and outputting the first gas and the second gas to at least one compressor.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising importing a third gas from the LNG carrier and exporting the third gas to the at least one compressor.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the second gas and the third gas are boil-off gases.

48. The method of any one of claims 41 to 47, further comprising operating a sensor system comprising a plurality of sensors positioned around the marine installation to detect release of cryogenic effluent and combustible gas.

49. A method according to any one of claims 41 to 48, further comprising moving a hydraulic carrier fluid within a closed loop ballast system of the marine installation to stabilise the installation without discharging any ballast fluid.

50. The method of any one of claims 41 to 49, wherein converting the pretreated feed gas to the liquefied natural gas comprises: and executing a double mixed refrigeration process by utilizing the air-cooled electric refrigeration module.

51. The method of any of claims 41 to 50, further comprising generating at least a portion of the electrical power with a generator at the source.

52. The method of claims 41 and 51, further comprising: operating and controlling the watercraft and the source with a controller in communication with both the source and the watercraft.

53. A method of manufacturing a marine apparatus for shore liquefaction, the method comprising:

receiving a hull assembled at a first location;

assembling an air-cooled electric refrigeration module ("AER module") at a second location different from the first location;

attaching the air-cooled electric refrigeration module to the hull at the second location;

testing a system consisting of the air-cooled electric refrigeration module and the ship body at the second position; and

moving the hull to a different shore location than the first location and the second location.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the received hull comprises a plurality of liquefied natural gas tanks assembled in the hull at the first location.

55. The method of claim 54, further comprising placing a ballast fluid in a void space above the plurality of liquefied natural gas tanks at the second location to achieve hull deflection.

56. The method of claim 55 further maintaining hull deflection by: by gradually releasing the ballast fluid when the air-cooled electric refrigeration module is attached at the second location, the weight exerted by the ballast fluid is reduced in proportion to the weight exerted by the air-cooled electric refrigeration module.

57. A method of shore liquefaction using a marine facility, the method comprising:

moving the marine facility to a shore location comprising a source of electricity and pretreated feed gas;

inputting power and pretreated feed gas from the source to an air cooled refrigeration module ("AER module") of the marine installation;

outputting liquefied natural gas ("LNG") from the air cooled refrigeration module to a plurality of LNG tanks of the marine facility.

58. The method of claim 57, further comprising outputting fuel gas from the marine facility to the source, and utilizing the fuel gas to generate at least a portion of the electrical power.

59. The method of claim 57, further comprising exporting the liquefied natural gas from the plurality of liquefied natural gas tanks to an liquefied natural gas carrier.

60. The method of claim 59, further comprising importing additional fuel gas from the LNG carrier.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to liquefaction apparatuses, methods, and systems.

Background

Natural gas reservoirs are located throughout the world. Some reservoir locations are far from high demand markets, such as the united states, requiring specialized vessels to transport the natural gas from the reservoir to the market. Transporting natural gas in liquid form may be cheaper and easier. For example, natural gas is typically liquefied on land near a reservoir and liquefied natural gas (or "LNG") is transported over long distances on water using LNG carriers. Liquefaction on land is not always possible. For example, deep water reservoirs located below remote waters have large amounts of natural gas in them without any land in their vicinity. In these cases, water-based liquefaction is desirable. Floating lng facilities have been used to liquefy natural gas from deep water reservoirs. One example is Prelue FLNG, which is currently the largest ship in the world. There is also a large amount of natural gas in shallow water areas that are inaccessible to large ocean-going vessels such as Prelude. Improvements are needed to use water-based liquefaction technology in these water zones.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the present disclosure is a system for shore liquefaction. The system may include: power and pre-treated feed gas sources and topside facilities. The aquatic equipment may include: an air-cooled electrically-powered refrigeration module ("AER module") configured to import power and a pre-processed feed gas from a source, convert the pre-processed feed gas to liquefied natural gas ("LNG"), and export the LNG; a plurality of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) tanks configured to import and export LNG from and to the AER module to an LNG carrier.

In some aspects, the source may produce a pretreated feed gas by removing unwanted elements. For example, the undesirable elements may include at least heavy hydrocarbons. The AER module may convert a portion of the pre-treated feed gas to a fuel gas and output the fuel gas to a source. For example, the source may generate a portion of the power; and may include a gas generator configured to generate the portion of electrical power using the fuel gas. One of the port side or the starboard side of the marine installation may be moored to a shore anchoring device. For example, one of the port side or the starboard side may be engaged with the walkway structure. The marine installation may include a containment system configured to direct the cryogenic effluent onto the other of the port side or the starboard side.

The power input from the source may be equal to or greater than about 100kV and about 220 MW. For example, power may be input from the source using a line comprising one or more conductors, and the system may further comprise a transport bridge extendable between the marine facility and the source to support the line. The marine facility may include a closed-loop ballast system operable with the ballast fluid to stabilize the marine facility without the need to discharge the ballast fluid. In some aspects, the AER module can include one or more refrigeration units including a motor-driven compressor, an air cooler, and a separation tank. For example, one or more refrigeration units may be configured to perform a dual hybrid refrigeration process.

The system may include a controller operable with the source and the marine device and/or a plurality of sensors including a sensor of the source and a sensor of the marine device. For example, the controller may operate the AER module and at least the power supply means at the source based on data output from sensors of the marine installation and sensors of the source. As another example, the controller may include one or more devices disposed remotely from the marine facility and the source. The plurality of LNG tanks includes a single row of a plurality of tanks spaced along the centerline axis of the hull. In some aspects, the marine facility may not include a main power generation system or a gas pretreatment system.

Another aspect is a marine facility for shore liquefaction. The apparatus may include: an air-cooled electric refrigeration module ("AER module") located on or above an upper deck of the marine facility and configured to import power and a pre-processed feed gas from a source, convert the pre-processed feed gas to liquefied natural gas ("LNG"), and export the LNG; a plurality of LNG tanks located in a hull of the marine facility and configured to import the LNG from the AER module and export the LNG to an LNG carrier.

The pretreated gas may not contain at least heavy hydrocarbons and/or the power may be equal to or greater than about 100kV and about 220 MW. All LNG may be led from the AER module to the hull and from the plurality of LNG tanks out of the hull. The plant may also include an output port in a central portion of the plant to export LNG to the LNG carrier. For example, the plurality of LNG tanks may comprise a single row of a plurality of tanks spaced along the centerline axis of the hull; the storage volume of each tank in the single row of tanks is approximately centered on the centerline axis. As a further example, each tank of the plurality of LNG tanks may be a membrane tank, and the storage volume of each membrane tank may comprise an irregular cross-sectional shape that may be defined by the interior of the hull and/or centered on the centerline axis.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the marine facility can further include a gas collection and distribution system on the marine facility to: importing a first gas from an AER module and a second gas from a plurality of LNG tanks; and outputting the first gas and the second gas to a compressor. The first gas may be different from the second gas. In some aspects, the fuel gas distribution system may be configured to import a third gas from the LNG carrier. The second gas and the third gas may be boil-off gases. The apparatus may also include a plurality of sensors configured to detect leaks of the cryogenic effluent and the combustible gas. As another example, the apparatus may include: a channel above the hull for collecting cryogenic effluent; a downcomer communicating with the channel to direct cryogenic fluid to and from one side of the hull; and a nozzle for spraying an outer surface of the one side of the hull with a protective fluid in response to the plurality of sensors.

For stability, the marine installation may comprise a closed-loop ballast water system comprising: a plurality of ballast tanks below the upper deck; and one or more pumps configured to move ballast fluid between the plurality of ballast tanks without discharging any ballast fluid to the environment. The AER module can include one or more refrigeration units including an electric compressor and an air cooler. For example, one or more refrigeration units include: a first refrigeration unit configured to receive a first portion of the pretreated feed gas and export a first portion of the LNG; and a second refrigeration unit configured to receive a second portion of the pre-treated feed gas and output a second portion of the liquefied natural gas, wherein the first refrigeration unit is independent of the second refrigeration unit. Each of the one or more refrigeration units may include a pre-cooling heat exchanger, a main cryogenic heat exchanger, a hot mix refrigeration loop, a cold mix refrigeration loop, an expander, and an end flash vessel. In some aspects, a majority of the first refrigeration unit may be rearward of a midship axis of the apparatus, a majority of the second refrigeration unit may be forward of the midship axis, and a weight of the first refrigeration unit and a weight of the second refrigeration unit may be balanced about the midship axis to stabilize the marine apparatus. According to these aspects, the marine facility may not include a main power generation system or a gas pretreatment system.

Another aspect is a method of shore liquefaction. The method can comprise the following steps: inputting power and a pretreated feed gas from a source to a marine facility; converting the pre-treated feed gas to liquefied natural gas ("LNG") using an air-cooled electric refrigeration module ("AER module") of the marine facility; a plurality of LNG tanks that export the LNG from the AER module to the topside facility; and exporting LNG from the plurality of LNG tanks to an LNG carrier.

In some aspects, the method may include generating a pretreated feed gas by removing at least heavy hydrocarbons at the source and/or directing LNG through the upper deck while exporting LNG from the AER module and the plurality of LNG tanks. For example, the method may comprise directing LNG via an output port at or near a midship axis of the apparatus when exporting LNG from the plurality of LNG tanks to the LNG carrier. The method may include collecting a first gas from an AER module and collecting a second gas from a plurality of LNG tanks, and outputting the first gas and the second gas to at least one compressor. The method may further include importing a third gas from the LNG carrier and exporting the third gas to the at least one compressor.

For safety, the method may include detecting the release of the cryogenic effluent and the combustible gas with a plurality of sensors of the marine installation. And for stability purposes, the method may include moving the ballast fluid within a closed loop ballast system of the marine facility to stabilize the facility without discharging any ballast fluid. In some aspects, converting the pre-treated feed gas to LNG may include performing a dual hybrid refrigeration process with an AER module. The method may include generating at least a portion of the electrical power with a generator at the source. In some aspects, the method may further comprise operating and controlling the marine device and the source with a controller in communication with both the source and the marine device.

Yet another aspect is a method of making a marine apparatus for shore liquefaction. The method can comprise the following steps: receiving a hull assembled at a first location; assembling an air-cooled electric refrigeration module ("AER module") at a second location different from the first location; attaching the AER module to the hull at a second location; testing the system of AER modules and hull at a second location; and moving the hull to a shore position different from the first position and the second position.

The received hull may comprise a plurality of LNG tanks assembled in the hull at the first location. In some aspects, the method may comprise placing a ballast fluid in void spaces above the plurality of LNG tanks at a second location to obtain hull deflection. For example, the method may include further maintaining hull deflection by: by gradually releasing the ballast fluid when the AER module is attached at the second location, the weight exerted by the ballast fluid is reduced in proportion to the weight exerted by the AER module.

Yet another aspect is a method of shore liquefaction using a marine facility. The method can comprise the following steps: moving the marine facility to a shore location comprising a source of electricity and pretreated feed gas; inputting power and a pretreated feed gas from a source to an air cooled refrigeration module ("AER module") of a marine facility; exporting liquefied natural gas ("LNG") from the AER module to a plurality of LNG tanks of the marine facility.

The method may include outputting fuel gas from the marine device to a source and generating at least a portion of the electrical power using the fuel gas. Some aspects may include exporting LNG from the plurality of LNG tanks to an LNG carrier and/or importing additional fuel gas from the LNG carrier.

Related kits are also disclosed. Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings form a part of the present disclosure. Each of the figures illustrates an exemplary aspect of the disclosure, which together with the description serves to explain the principles described herein.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary liquefaction system;

FIG. 1A illustrates another exemplary liquefaction system;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary water device;

FIG. 3A shows an exemplary hull of the apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of the hull of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary refrigeration module;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary controller;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary liquefaction process;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary method of manufacture; and

fig. 8 illustrates an exemplary method of use.

Detailed Description

Aspects of the present disclosure are now described with reference to exemplary liquefaction plants, methods, and systems. Some aspects are described with reference to a water plant comprising a refrigeration module and a plurality of LNG tanks. The refrigeration module may be described as air-cooled, electrically powered and located on a marine device; and each LNG tank may be described as a membrane tank located in the hull of the plant. Unless otherwise indicated, these exemplary descriptions are provided for convenience and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Thus, the described aspects may be applicable to any liquefaction apparatus, method, or system.

Marine terminology is used in this disclosure. For example, nautical terms such as "stern," "forward," "starboard," and "port" may be used to describe relative directions and orientations; and their respective initials "a", "F", "S", and "P" may be appended to the arrow to describe a direction or orientation. In this disclosure, forward refers to toward the front (or "bow") of the device; and stern refers to the rear (or "tail") of the device; port means toward the left side of the apparatus; and starboard means toward the right of the apparatus. As shown in fig. 2-4, these terms may be used with respect to one or more axes, such as a midship axis X-X extending from starboard to port at the middle of the apparatus, and a centerline axis Y-Y extending from bow to stern along the length of the apparatus. Other navigational terms such as: "bulkhead," which means a vertical structure or wall within the equipment hull; "deck" refers to a horizontal structure or floor in an installation; and "hull" refers to the housing and frame of the floating directional component of the apparatus.

These navigational terms and axes are provided for convenience and ease of description, and are not intended to limit aspects of the present disclosure to a particular direction or orientation, unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise indicated, any other technical terms used herein are similarly non-limiting. As used herein, terms such as "comprises," "comprising," or any variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an aspect of a method or apparatus that comprises the listed elements does not include only those elements; but may also include other elements not expressly listed and/or inherent to such aspect. In addition, the term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "exemplary" rather than in the sense of "ideal".

An exemplary marine installation 10 for onshore liquefaction shown in fig. 1 is positioned onshore in a shallow water region 1 for importing pre-treated natural gas (or "pre-treated feed gas") and exporting liquefied natural gas (or "LNG") with minimal environmental impact on the shallow water region 1. The marine facility 10 can perform any number of liquefaction methods or processes onshore. For example, the apparatus 10 may include: an air-cooled electrically-driven refrigeration module 20 ("AER module") that inputs power from the source 2 and the pre-treated feed gas, converts the pre-treated feed gas to LNG by liquefaction, and exports the LNG for storage or transport. The AER module can include one or more refrigeration units utilizing any combination of electric compressors, air coolers, and/or knock-out drums configured to liquefy the pretreated feed gas without discharging significant amounts of contaminants or energy to shallow water 1. To further reduce the impact on the environment, the device 10 may: is stabilized without discharging the ballast fluid to the shallow water 1; inputting excess boil-off gas from other containers; and a flat bottom hull to minimize contact with the natural structure when traversing the water zone 1.

Aspects of the water plant 10 may be utilized within a system 100 for shore liquefaction. As shown in fig. 1-4, the system 100 may include: a source 2 of electricity and pretreated feed gas; and a watercraft 10. To accommodate the shoreside use of the system 100 in shallow water 1, the water craft 10 may include: (i) an AER module 20 configured to input power from source 2 and the pretreated feed gas, convert it to LNG; and exporting the LNG; and (ii) a plurality of LNG tanks 60 configured to import LNG from the AER module 20 and export the LNG to an LNG carrier or transport vessel 8. Many examples of modules 20 and tanks 60 are described.

Source 2 may include a single or combined source of electricity and pretreated feed gas. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the source 2 may include one or more onshore facilities including a pretreatment facility 5, a fuel gas mixing vessel 6, a power generation facility 7, and a control room 9. One of the port side or starboard side of the marine apparatus 10 may be moored to a shore anchor 4 (e.g., a breakwater or quay) to fix the position of the apparatus 10 relative to the source 2. For example, in fig. 1, the starboard side of the apparatus 10 is moored to the shore anchor 4 and engaged with a walkway structure (e.g., a portion of the anchor 4) that provides a walkway from the source 2 or adjacent land to the apparatus 10.

As also shown in fig. 1, the pretreatment facility 5 may: (i) untreated natural gas is input from natural gas source 3 via line 3L; (ii) generating a pretreated feed gas by removing undesirable elements from untreated natural gas; and (iii) outputting the pretreated feed gas to the topside facility 10 via a line 5L extending between the pretreatment apparatus 5 and the facility 10. The natural gas source 3, shown conceptually in fig. 1, includes any natural or artificial natural gas source, including any natural gas field located below the shallow water 1 and/or on land near the source 2. The pretreatment facility 5 may use any known method or process to remove undesirable elements such as heavy hydrocarbons; and compresses the pre-treated gas for delivery to the marine facility 10 via line 5L. Exemplary specifications for the pretreated feed gas output from the facility 5 are as follows:

(in connection with the foregoing)

Parameter(s)	Unit of	Description of the object
			N-hexane	ppmv	<300
N-heptane	ppmv	<20
			N-octane	ppmv	<1
N-nonane	ppmv	<1
			Sunflower alkane	ppmv	<1
Water (W)	ppmv	<1
			Mercury	Ng/Nm3	<10

The power generation facility 7 may output electrical power to the marine equipment via a line 7L which may include a plurality of electrical conductors. For example, the power may be equal to or greater than about 100kV and about 220MW, and the plurality of conductors may be configured to transmit the power. The line 7L may be supported by a cable transmission bridge extending between the marine installation 10 and the power generation facility 7. For example, the cable transport bridge may be attached to the shore anchoring device 4, for example, below the walkway construction shown in fig. 1. All or a portion of the power may be obtained from the grid.

Alternatively, the power generation facility 7 may use a generator to generate all or a portion of the power. For example, the marine facility 10 may output various types of fuel gas (e.g., boil-off gas) to the fuel gas mixing vessel 6 via the line 6L; also, the power generation facility 7 may include a gas generator that inputs fuel gas from the vessel 6 and outputs electrical power to the equipment 10 via line 7L. The system 100 may be a closed loop system. For example, the power generation facility 7 may use a gas generator to utilize fuel gas from the vessel 6 to generate all or substantially all of the power required by the marine facility 10. To ensure continuous operation without sacrificing environmental performance, the system 100 may also include other sources of clean energy such as batteries, solar panels, wave turbines, wind turbines, and the like.

As shown in fig. 1, the marine facility 10 may export LNG to the LNG carrier 8 via line 8L, allowing for continuous operation of the facility 10. In accordance with the present disclosure, the water plant 10 may operate in the shallow water 1, while the LNG carrier 8 may be an ocean-going vessel such as an LNG carrier that is not capable of operating in the shallow water 1. Thus, the LNG carrier 8 may be remote from the topside facility 10, a line 8L may extend between the vessel 8 and the facility 10, and the facility 10 may pump LNG to the vessel 8 via the line 8L. The line 8L may additionally feed fuel gas from the LNG carrier 8. For example, line 8L may include an export pipeline for exporting LNG from facility 10 to transport vessel 8 and an import pipeline for importing fuel gas (e.g., boil-off gas) from vessel 8 to facility 10, thereby allowing for simultaneous import and export.

A control room 9 is schematically shown in fig. 1 at the source 2. The chamber 9 may include any technology for monitoring and controlling the system 100. As shown in fig. 5, for example, the control room 9 may include a controller 120 operable with the source 2 and the water craft 10. Controller 120 may control any operable element of apparatus 10 and/or source 2 based on data 130 input from any sensory feedback device within system 100, including any such device located on apparatus 10 and/or source 2 or in communication with apparatus 10 and/or source 2. For example, the controller 120 of fig. 5 includes a processing unit 122, a memory 124, and a transceiver 126 configured to: (i) inputting data 130 from any sensory feedback device within system 100, including any dedicated sensor, operating device having a feedback output, and the like located on device 10 and/or source 2 or in communication with device 10 and/or source 2; (ii) inputting or generating a control signal 140 based on the data 130; and (iii) any operable elements that output control signals 140 into system 100, including any electrical and/or mechanical elements on or in communication with device 10 and/or source 2, such as any actuators, compressors, motors, pumps, and similarly operable elements.

To perform these and related functions, processing unit 122 and memory 124 may include any combination of local and/or remote processors and/or storage devices. Any combination of wired and/or wireless communication may be used to transmit the input data 130 and control signals 140 within the system 100. Accordingly, the transceiver 126 may include any wired and/or wireless data communication technology (e.g., bluetooth, mesh network, optical network, WiFi, etc.). The transceiver 126 may also be configured to establish and maintain communications within the system 100 using related techniques. Accordingly, all or part of the controller 120 may be located anywhere such as in the control room 9 (e.g., a computer) and/or in any network accessible device in communication with the room 9 (e.g., a smartphone in communication with a computer).

Due to the capabilities described herein, the controller 120 may perform any number of coordination functions within the shore liquefaction system 100. One example is an energy management function. For example, the controller 120 of FIG. 5 may perform the demand response function by: (i) analyzing data 130 regarding the power demand of the marine facility 10 (e.g., from the AER module 20) and the supply of power from the onshore source 2 (e.g., from the power generation facility 5); and (ii) output control signals 140 to the AER module 20 and/or the operable elements of the source 2 based on the analysis to modify various aspects of the power demand or power supply according to the energy demand program. Another example is overflow/outflow and leak detection. Continuing with the previous example, the controller 120 of FIG. 5 may also perform the bleed and leak detection functions by: (i) analyzing data 130 output from sensors located on or near device 10 and/or source 2 to identify outflow and leaks; and (ii) output a control signal 140 to the AER module 20 and/or an operable element of the source 2 based on the analysis to inhibit outflow and leakage according to the envelope.

As shown in fig. 1A, the system 100 may alternatively include a source 2 'of pretreated feed gas and electricity, which includes one or more marine facilities such as a pretreatment facility 5', a fuel gas mixing vessel 6', and a power generation facility 7'. Each of the marine facilities 5', 6' and 7' of figure 1A may perform the same functions as the respective onshore facilities 5, 6, 7 of figure 1, but on a floating platform or barge operable in shallow water 1 or deeper. In the description that follows, each reference to elements of the source 2 may be interchanged with elements of the source 2', regardless of the apostrophe, meaning that certain aspects may be described interchangeably with reference to 5 or 5', 6 or 6', or 7'. Certain aspects of the system 100 may be modified to accommodate the aquatic aspects of the source 2'. For example, the natural gas source 3 ' of fig. 1A may be located below the shallow water region 1, and the pretreatment facility 5' may extract the feed gas from the source 3 ' using any known method. As shown in fig. 1A, one of the port side or starboard side of the marine apparatus 10 may be moored to a shore anchor 4 (e.g., a breakwater or quay) to fix the position of the apparatus 10 relative to the shoreline Z. In fig. 1, for example, the starboard side of the plant 10 is coupled to the pretreatment facility 5', the mixing vessel 6', the power generation facility 7', and the LNG carrier 8 via the same lines 5L, 6L, 7L, and 8L; and the port side of the apparatus 10 is moored to the shore anchoring device 4 and engaged with a walkway structure (e.g. the walkway structure of the anchoring device 4) that provides a walkway from the shoreline Z to the apparatus 10.

The system 100 may include a mobile unit 9' shown in fig. 1A as a personal ferry. The mobile unit 9 'can be moved independently with respect to the water plant 10, the pre-treatment facility 5', the mixing vessel 6', and the power generation facility 7'. For example, the unit 9' is operable within the system 100 so that personnel, instruments and/or data can be shuttled between the facility 5', the container 6', the facility 7', the vessel 8', the apparatus 10 and/or the shoreline Z. As described above, a portion of the controller 120 and sensors in communication with the controller may be located anywhere in the system 100, including on the facility 5', the container 6', the facility 7', the vessel 8', the ferry 9', and the equipment 10.

The water device 10 can be greatly simplified within the system 100 to reduce manufacturing costs. For example, the apparatus 10 may rely on the source 2 to provide all of the pre-treated gas and power, which means that the apparatus 10 may not include any of the following: a power generation system, a process heating system, and/or a diesel system. Because the shoreside location and shallow water 1 can provide access to personnel and supplies, the apparatus 10 can operate adequately without many of the systems typically found on ocean-going vessels. Eliminating these systems can reduce manufacturing costs. For example, due to the walkway construction provided by the shore anchoring means 4, the apparatus 10 may not include any one or more of the following elements: an offshore loading arm; a large part of the crew's living quarters; or a helicopter deck. Also, since the apparatus 10 may be towed to the shallow water 1 and moored on the shore anchoring means 4 for a longer period of time (e.g. years), it may also not comprise a primary propulsion system suitable for marine travel. As another example, due to the pre-treatment facility 5 (or 5') and the power generation facility 7 (or 7'), the apparatus 10 may also not include a substantial/large gas pre-treatment system, thereby allowing any process heating and related elements otherwise provided by the facility 5 to be omitted; or may not include the main power generation system, thereby allowing any non-emergency generators otherwise provided by the facility 7 to be dispensed with.

Further aspects of the water apparatus 10 are now described with reference to fig. 1-4, wherein the exemplary apparatus 10 comprises: (i) an AER module 20 located on the upper deck 12 of the plant 10 and configured to import power and pretreated feed gas from the source 2, convert the pretreated feed gas to LNG, and export the LNG; and (ii) a plurality of LNG tanks 60 located in the hull 11 of the apparatus 10 and configured to import LNG from the AER module 20 and export LNG to the LNG carrier 8.

The AER module 20 can include any refrigeration technology, including any technology that utilizes an air cooler and an electronically driven (or "e-driven") compressor to pre-cool, liquefy, and sub-cool a portion of the pre-treated feed gas. For example, the AER module 20 can include one or more refrigeration units utilizing dual mixed refrigerants, including a first refrigeration unit 22 and a second refrigeration unit 23. More specific aspects of the apparatus 10 will now be described with reference to the refrigeration units 22 and 23. Unless otherwise noted, these aspects are exemplary, meaning that the AER module 20 can still include any number of refrigeration units utilizing any refrigeration technology.

Each refrigeration unit may utilize dual mixed refrigerants. As shown in fig. 4, the first refrigeration unit 22 may include a pre-cool heat exchanger 24, a main cryogenic heat exchanger 26, a hot mix refrigeration loop 28, a cold mix refrigeration loop 30, an expander 32, and an end flash gas (or "EFG") vessel 34; and the second refrigeration unit 23 may include a pre-cool heat exchanger 25, a main cryogenic heat exchanger 27, a hot mix refrigeration circuit 29, a cold mix refrigeration circuit 31, an expander 33, and an EFG tank 35. The pre-cooling heat exchangers 24 and 25 may comprise shell and tube heat exchangers that input the pre-treated feed gas, cool it on hot mix refrigeration loops 28 and 29, and output the first cooled gas. Main low temperature heat exchangers 26 and 27 may comprise shell and tube heat exchangers that input a first cooled gas, cool it on cold hybrid refrigeration loops 30 and 31, and output a second cooled gas. The expanders 32, 33 and the EFG vessels 34, 35 may input the second cooling gas and export LNG and fuel gas.

Each refrigeration unit may operate independently. For example, the first refrigeration unit 22 may receive a first portion of the pretreated feed gas and export a first portion of the LNG; and a second refrigeration unit 23 can receive a second portion of the feed gas and export a second portion of the LNG. Each refrigeration unit may be fully electric. For example, the hot mix refrigeration circuits 28 and 29 of fig. 4 may include an electric compressor to perform a first closed-loop refrigeration cycle including two-stage compression; the cold hybrid refrigeration circuits 30 and 31 of fig. 4 may include an electrically powered compressor to perform a closed loop refrigeration cycle including three-stage compression. Each refrigeration unit may also be air cooled. For example, each first refrigeration cycle may be performed by a first set of air coolers and knock out pots 42 or 44, and each second refrigeration cycle may be performed by a second set of air coolers and knock out pots 43 or 45.

Various benefits may be realized by the particular arrangement of one or more refrigeration units. For example, the first and second refrigeration units 22, 23 of fig. 4 are disposed on each side of the central portion 16 of the upper deck 12 to further stabilize the water borne equipment 10 and minimize sloshing in the LNG tank 60. As shown in fig. 4, the central portion 16 may be on or near the midship axis X-X of the apparatus 10, a majority (e.g., greater than 50%) of the first refrigeration unit 22 may be rearward of the midship axis, and a majority (e.g., greater than 50%) of the second refrigeration unit 23 may be forward of the midship axis X-X. Thus, the weight of the refrigeration unit 22 and the weight of the refrigeration unit 23 can be balanced about the midship axis X-X, further stabilizing the water craft 10 at the central portion 16 where the shore anchoring means 4 can be attached, as shown in fig. 1.

As shown in fig. 3A and 3B, the hull 11 may be a twin hull design with an inner hull and an outer hull. The main or upper deck 12 is attachable to the hull 1 l. For example, deck 12 of fig. 3A may include a metal plate spanning between the port and starboard sides to seal hull 11 from deck 12. As shown in fig. 3B, the AER module 20 may be supported on the process deck 13 of the upper deck 12 and a plurality of support structures 17 may extend through the upper deck 12 to support the process deck 13. Each support structure 17 may extend from an attachment point on the hull (e.g., from a support beam attached thereto) and through an opening in the upper deck 12 to engage with elements of the AER module 20. For example, each element of the AER module 20 may include a support frame 21A having a plurality of receptacles 21B, and each receptacle 21B may engage one of the support structures 17 to support the weight of the elements of the module 20 and inhibit relative movement. As shown in fig. 3B, for example, elements of the second refrigeration unit 23 may be attached to one of the frames 21A by respective receptacles 21B in a connection that limits the transmission of vibrations from the AER module 20 to the upper deck 12 during operation of the apparatus 10.

Aspects of the connection between the AER module 20 and the structure 17 may allow the module 20 to be manufactured separately from the hull 11. For example, the hull 11 may be manufactured at a first location, such as a shipyard; and the AER module 20 can be manufactured at a second location different from the first location, such as at a shipyard, near a shipyard, or at a dedicated manufacturing facility that can reach a shipyard. As another example, AER module 20 may be attached to hull 11 at the first or second location, or vice versa, depending on the cost and logistics of transporting hull 11 to AER module 20. As shown in dashed lines in fig. 3B, separate manufacturing may be supported by specifying a hull working range to be performed at a first location (e.g., with a first set of contractors) and a topside/on deck (topside) working range to be performed at a second location (e.g., with a second set of contractors).

The topside extent and the hull extent may be defined relative to the upper deck 12. For example, the topside extent may include aspects related to the AER module 20; and the hull extent may include aspects related to the plurality of LNG tanks 60. As a further example, the hull extent may include attaching structure 17 to hull 11 at a first location; also, the top side range may include attaching the AER module 20 to the structure 17 with the frame 21A and the receptacle 21B at the first or second location. Related methods are described further below. As also shown in fig. 3B, the hull ranges may include: attaching a joint 18 under each element of the AER module 20; and to lead to and from each joint 18 the various supply and distribution systems, so that the modules 20 are hooked up immediately once attached to the structure 17 with the connecting ducts 19. For example, in fig. 3, piping from an LNG distribution system 70, described further below, has been directed from the LNG tank 60 to the fitting 18 to simplify attachment of the module 20, the piping of the LNG distribution system 70 from the LNG tank 60 to the fitting 18 being part of the hull span. The connecting duct 19 may also be configured to limit the transmission of vibrations from the AER module 20.

The plurality of LNG tanks 60 may be located in the hull 11. For example, the inner hull may include a plurality of bulkheads 15, and the tanks 60 may be located between the bulkheads 15. As shown in fig. 3A, the tank 60 may comprise a single row of multiple tanks spaced along the centerline axis Y-Y of the apparatus 10. The storage volume of each tank 60 may be substantially centered on the centerline axis Y-Y to reduce unbalanced loads. Each reservoir 60 may be a membrane reservoir. For example, each tank 60 may comprise an irregular cross-sectional shape defined by the inner hull of hull 11 and centered on axis Y-Y. As shown in fig. 3A, each tank 60 may include a lower membrane 61 and an upper membrane 62, the lower membrane defining a storage volume between bulkhead 15 and the interior hull of hull 11; the upper membrane 62 seals the storage volume. The films 61 and 62 may be joined by any means.

As shown in fig. 3A, the top surface of the upper membrane 62 may be spaced from the upper deck 12 to define a void space 64. Bulkhead 15 may include an opening in communication with void space 64, allowing for routing of piping and wiring below deck 12. A variety of different elements may be directed through void space 64. For example, piping and wiring may be routed through void space 64 and membrane 62 to access the LNG. During manufacture of the apparatus 10, the void space 64 may be filled to contain a quantity of heavy fluid (e.g., water) to simulate the weight of the AER module 20 mounted on the upper deck 12 of the hull 11. For example: the outer edges of the upper membrane 62 may be sealed against each other and against the inner surface of the inner hull of the hull 11 by expansion; the seal may be reinforced with an adhesive on the outer edge and/or a sealant on the top surface; and/or an additional sealant layer may be applied to form an irregularly shaped volume of fluid-containing space 64.

As shown in fig. 1 and 4, the IO port 14 may be located in the central portion 16 of the marine apparatus 10 and/or on the mid-ship axis X-X on the starboard side of the apparatus 10 in the illustrated example. Various inputs and outputs may flow through the IO port 14. Consistent with the above example, IO port 14 may include: a pretreated feed gas input port engageable with line 5L; a fuel gas output port engageable with line 6L; a power input port engageable with line 7L; an LNG outlet port engageable with the outlet conduit of line 8L; and a fuel gas input port engageable with the input conduit of line 8L. IO port 14 may include one or more loading arms operable to control lines 5L, 6L, 7L, and/or 8L. For example, IO port 14 may include a high pressure loading arm operable to control line 5L during input of the pretreated feed gas.

Access to the hull 11 from the upper deck 12 may be provided by a main opening extending through the central portion 16. For example, all other openings extending through deck 12 may be auxiliary openings that: (i) are small, incidental openings that may be sealed with a sealant; or (ii) substantially occupied by structural supports. All process piping for moving LNG between the upper deck 12 and the hull 11 may be guided via the central portion 16. For example, IO port 14 may be located near a main opening of central portion 16, and all LNG may be directed through the main opening when imported from AER module 20 to the plurality of LNG tanks 60 and exported from tanks 60 to IO port 14.

To reduce costs, numerous operating systems of the marine facility 10 can also be assembled during the hull range, during the topside range, prior to installation of the AER module 20. An exemplary operating system may include: an LNG distribution system 70; a fuel gas collection and distribution system 74; a sensor system 78; a containment system 80; and a closed loop ballast system 90. As described below, various aspects of the systems 70, 74, 78, 80, and 90 may interface/mate with the AER module 20 and/or be operated by the controller 120.

LNG distribution system 70 may import LNG into a plurality of LNG tanks 60 and export LNG from tanks 60 to IO port 14. As shown in fig. 3A, the dispensing system 70 may include: an input conduit extending between the AER module 20 and the tank 60; and an output conduit extending between tank 60 and IO port 14. In the hull operating envelope, a portion of the input and output piping for the system 70 may be directed through the void space 64. For example, as part of the hull envelope, output piping for the system 70 may be directed through the void space 64 and connected to the IO port 14; and input piping for the system 70 may be directed through the void space 64 to the central portion 16 and/or one of the joints 18 and be ready for subsequent connection (e.g., decapping) to the AER module 20. As also shown in fig. 3A, the LNG distribution system 70 may further include at least one pump 72 located in the lower membrane 61 of each tank 60. Each pump 72 may output LNG from one of the tanks 60 to the IO port 14. The pumps 72 may be operated separately or together. For example, pump 72 may approximately simultaneously export LNG from tank 60, such as when substantially all LNG is exported from tank 60, to avoid unbalanced loads.

The fuel gas collection and distribution system 74 may input fuel gas from multiple sources and output the fuel gas to one of the AER module 20 or IO port 14. Different types of gases can be collected and distributed by the system 74. For example, the system 74 may: (i) inputting low pressure fuel gas as a liquefied byproduct from the AER module 20; (ii) inputting low-pressure fuel gas as boil-off gas from the plurality of LNG tanks 60; and/or (iii) low pressure fuel gas is input as excess boil-off gas from the LNG carrier 8. As shown in FIG. 4, the fuel gas system 74 may include: a fuel gas compressor 76 and a recycle gas compressor 77. The fuel gas compressor 76 may convert a portion of the low pressure fuel gas to a high pressure fuel gas for output to the line 6L. The recycle gas compressor 77 may convert a portion of the low pressure fuel gas for output back to the AER module 20. Compressors 76 and 77 may be located on upper deck 12 adjacent to central portion 16. A portion of the input and output piping of the system 70 may be directed through the void space 64 within the hull operating envelope. For example, as part of the hull's range, the system 74 may include: a conduit passing through void space 64 and connected to IO port 14; and piping directed through void space 64 and ready for later (e.g., de-capping) connection to compressor 76, compressor 77, and AER module 20.

Because metal becomes brittle at low temperatures, various structural elements of the marine installation 10 (e.g., the hull 11 and bulkheads 15) may be damaged by exposure to low temperature effluent, including any unwanted release of cryogenic liquid. Any leakage of combustible gas may pose a similar risk. The sensor system 78 may determine whether an outflow or leak has occurred and the containment system 80 may direct the outflow overboard without damaging the equipment 10. Similar to the above, the first portions of the systems 78 and 80 may be assembled within the hull operating envelope, and the second portions of the systems 78 and 80 may be assembled within the topside operating envelope.

As shown in fig. 3A, the system 78 may include a plurality of sensors 79 positioned around the water plant 10 to detect spills or leaks, including at least the sensor 79 positioned to monitor each LNG tank 60. The sensors 79 may include any combination of liquid and/or gas sensors, including liquid sensors using fiber optic and/or ultrasonic leak detection methods, and gas sensors using air sampling methods. Some sensors 79 may detect any overflow or leakage from sources 2 that are larger than the minimum orifice diameter (e.g., about 2 mm)/detect any overflow or leakage from sources that are larger than the minimum orifice diameter (e.g., about 2 mm). Other sensors 79 may include one or more cameras 79C positioned to detect visual effects, such as atmospheric vapor condensation and/or fog formation resulting from exposure of low temperature effluents or leaks to the ambient environment. As shown in fig. 2, at least one camera 79C may be directed toward central portion 16. For example, each camera 79C may output data including video feeds/video feeds (video feeds) to trained personnel and/or computer operators to detect outflow and leaks by analyzing visual effects captured in the video feeds.

The containment system 80 allows effluent to be directed overboard without damaging the apparatus 10. As shown in fig. 3B, the process deck 13 may include a plurality of drains; and the system 78 may include: a channel 82 below the discharge to collect the low temperature effluent; and a downcomer 86 in communication with the channel 82 to direct the low temperature effluent onto and away from one side of the hull 11. The passageway 82 may comprise a network of open and/or closed conduits (e.g., drip trays) disposed below the elements of the process deck 13 and/or AER modules 20 to reduce the evaporation rate by limiting the overall vapor dispersion area. As shown in fig. 3B, each downcomer 86 may extend outwardly from one side of hull 11; and may include a nozzle operable to protect one side of hull 11 from direct exposure to cryogenic effluent by outputting water in response to sensor 79. The system 80 may also include a plurality of actuators positioned about the apparatus 10 to automatically close the valves, redirect the flow of gas or liquid, and isolate the elements in response to the sensors 79.

Aspects of the closed-loop ballast system 90 are illustrated in fig. 3A. As shown, the ballast system 90 may include: a plurality of ballast tanks 92 including a pump 94, the pump 94 configured to stabilize the marine apparatus 10 by moving ballast fluid between the tanks 92 without discharging any ballast fluid into the environment. Ballast tank 92 and pump 94 may be located anywhere in hull 11. As shown in fig. 3A, a first ballast tank 92A and pump 94A are located aft of hull 11, a second ballast tank 92B and pump 94B are located forward of hull 11, and ballast fluid may be moved between tanks 92A and 92B using pumps 94A and 94B to stabilize marine facility 10. The plurality of sensors 79 may include position sensors (e.g., gyroscopes) to identify a desired orientation of the topside facility 10, calculate the flow rate of ballast fluid required to achieve the desired orientation, and output signals that cause the pump 94 to circulate the flow of ballast fluid between the tanks 92 in a closed loop without venting it to the shallow water region 1.

Exemplary methods of operating, manufacturing, and using the apparatus 10 are now described with reference to a method 200 (e.g., fig. 6) of shore liquefaction, a method 300 (e.g., fig. 7) of making a marine facility, and a method 400 (e.g., fig. 8) of using a marine facility. For ease of description, aspects of the methods 200, 300, and 400 may be described with reference to the water borne device 10. Unless otherwise noted, these references are exemplary and non-limiting, meaning that the methods 200, 300, and 400 can be used with any configuration of the marine installation 10 or similar installation.

As shown in fig. 6, a method 200 of shore liquefaction may include: (i) inputting power and pretreated feed gas from the source 2 to the marine vessel 10 ("input step 210"); (ii) converting the pretreated feed gas to LNG using AER module 20 on upper deck 12 ("conversion step 220"); (iii) exporting LNG from AER module 20 to a plurality of LNG tanks 60 in hull 11 ("first export step 230"); and (iv) exporting LNG from the tank 60 to the LNG carrier 8 ("second export step 240").

The input step 210 may include an intermediate step for generating a pretreated feed gas. For example, step 210 may include: feeding the feedstock or untreated natural gas to a pre-treatment facility 5; performing various processes to remove unwanted elements (e.g., heavy hydrocarbons); and outputting the pretreated feed gas from facility 5. Any known process may be used to remove at least the heavy hydrocarbons at source 2 in step 210.

The converting step 220 may include an intermediate step based on the configuration of the device 10. For example, step 220 may include performing a dual hybrid refrigeration process with the AER module 20. In this example, the converting step 220 may include: pre-cooling process; a refrigeration process; an expansion process; and a storage process. The pre-cooling process may include: a portion of the pretreated feed gas is cooled by hot mix refrigeration loop 28 or 29 and outputs a first cooled gas. The refrigeration process may include: performing a first closed-loop refrigeration cycle comprising two-stage compression; performing a second closed-loop refrigeration cycle comprising three-stage compression; cooling the first cooled gas by means of a cold hybrid refrigeration loop 30 or 31; and outputting the second cooling gas. The expansion process may include: reducing the pressure of the second cooling gas (e.g., using expander 32) to produce cold natural gas liquid; directing the cold natural gas to an end flash gas vessel (e.g., vessel 34); and exporting the LNG and the fuel gas from the vessel. Also, the storage process may include exporting LNG from the vessel to the LNG distribution system 70 and directing LNG into the tank 60 using the LNG distribution system.

The first export step 230 may comprise an intermediate step for exporting LNG to the vessel 8, for example operating the pump 72 in each LNG tank 60 to export LNG to the LNG carrier 8 via the IO port 14 and line 8L. For example, step 230 may include directing LNG through central portion 16 of upper deck 12 as it is exported from AER module 20 and tank 60. The second output step 240 may also include an intermediate step for outputting the fuel gas. For example, step 240 may include utilizing the fuel gas collection and distribution system 74 to collect low pressure fuel gas from various sources, such as the AER module 20, the plurality of LNG tanks 60, and/or the LNG carrier 8. In summary, additional steps of step 240 may include: the collected low pressure fuel gas is compressed to high pressure fuel gas and high pressure feed gas is output to source 2 via IO port 14 and line 6L.

The method 200 may also include additional steps. For example, the method 200 may further include: detecting any outflow of cryogenic fluid or release of combustible gas with a plurality of sensors 79; moving the ballast fluid within the closed-loop ballast system 90 without discharging any ballast fluid to stabilize the apparatus; generating at least a portion of the electrical power with source 2; and/or operating the apparatus 10 and source 2 with the controller 120 located on the apparatus 10, at the source 2, or on another marine device.

As shown in fig. 7, the manufacturing method 300 may include: (i) receiving the hull 11 at a first location ("receiving step 310"); (ii) assembling the AER module 20 at a second location different from the first location ("assembling step 320"); (iii) attaching the AER module 20 to the upper deck 12 of the hull 11 in the second position ("attaching step 330"); (iv) testing the system of AER module 20 and hull 11 at the second location ("test step 340"); and (v) moving hull 11 and attached AER module 20 to a shore location different from the first and second locations ("move step 350"). As described above, the first location may include a shipyard; the second location may include a dedicated manufacturing facility at the shipyard, near the shipyard, or accessible to the shipyard; and the third location may be shore.

The receiving step 310 may include an intermediate step associated with the hull operating range (e.g., fig. 3B). For example, step 310 may include the following intermediate steps: assembling an LNG tank 60 in the hull 11; the attachment support structure 17; directing the conduit to a fitting 18; and performing similar steps. As another example, step 310 may also include moving hull 11 from the first position to the second position, such as by towing the completed hull 11 to the second position. The assembling step 320 may include intermediate steps associated with the topside working range, such as assembling the AER module 20 and preparing the module 20 for attachment to the upper deck 12 of the hull 11 at the second location. For example, step 310 may include: a kit is assembled that includes the AER module 20 and associated fittings (e.g., connecting tubing 19), tools, and instructions.

The attaching step 330 may include intermediate steps for attaching the AER module 20 and making the module 20 operable. For example, the attaching step 330 may include, after assembling the tank 60: positioning a ballast fluid in void space 64 prior to attachment of AER module 20 to control the deflection of hull 11 by simulating the weight of AER module 20; and gradually releasing the ballast fluid as the AER module 20 is attached to reduce the simulated weight exerted by the ballast fluid in proportion to the actual weight exerted by the AER module 20. As another example, step 330 may further include attaching each receptacle 21B to one of the structures 17 and/or coupling connecting tubing 19 from the AER module 20 to the tubing at each joint 18 after the actual weight of the AER module 20 has been applied.

The testing step 340 may include an intermediate step for operably coupling the AER module 20 with the plurality of tanks 60 and any support systems, including the systems 70, 74, 78, and 80 described above. Each interconnect and system may be tested individually and/or together during step 340, allowing the above-water device 10 to be fully commissioned and substantially ready for use after step 340. The moving step 350 may include an intermediate step for moving the position of the device 10 relative to the source 2. For example, since the apparatus 10 may not include a main propulsion system, step 350 may include attaching the apparatus 10 to another marine apparatus (e.g., a tug boat) and towing the apparatus 10.

As shown in fig. 8, the method of use 400 may include: (i) moving the marine facility 10 to a shore location located near the source 2 ("moving step 410"); (ii) inputting power and pretreated feed gas from AER module 20 to source 2 ("input step 420"); (iii) LNG is exported from the AER module 20 to a plurality of LNG tanks 60 (export step 430). Because the marine apparatus 10 is mobile, the method 400 may further comprise: the apparatus 10 is moved to a second shore location located near the second source 2 and the input and output steps 420 and 430 are repeated.

The moving step 410 may include the following intermediate steps: positioning the marine apparatus relative to the source 2, for example mooring the apparatus 10 to a shore anchoring means 4; and/or engaging one side of the apparatus 10 with the walkway construction of the anchoring device 4. The inputting step 420 may include the following intermediate steps: operably coupling the device 10 and the source 2 such as coupling the IO port 14 with each of the lines 5L, 6L, 7L and 8L; and establishing communication between device 10, source 2, control room 9, and/or controller 120. The export step 430 may include an intermediate step for preparing the tank 60 for import of LNG; and the outputting step 440 may include an intermediate step for preparing the source 2 for input of fuel gas.

The method 400 may also include additional steps. For example, the method 400 may further include: outputting fuel gas from the plant 10 to the source 2; and generating at least a portion of the electrical power with the fuel gas at the source 2; exporting LNG from a plurality of LNG storage tanks 60 to an LNG carrier 8; additional fuel gas is imported from the LNG carrier 8; and/or any other method of using the device 10 and system 100.

According to the improvements described herein, the water plant 10 can be used to deliver untreated natural gas from a shore reservoir to market. Many aspects of the device 10 are described, including those described with reference to the system 100 and methods 200, 300, and 400. Many of these aspects are interchangeable, and each combination and/or iteration is part of the disclosure. For example, aspects of the closed loop system 100 and the controller 120 may operate with any type of equipment 10 utilizing any type of refrigeration technology. As a further example, aspects of methods 200, 300, and 400 may likewise be performed with any variation of device 10 or similar devices.

While the principles of the disclosure are disclosed herein with reference to illustrative aspects of particular applications, the disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art with access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, aspects, and equivalents thereof, which may fall within the scope of the aspects described herein. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description.