What is included in low-tonnage LNG chain?

The essence of low-tonnage LNG production technology is in the maximally efficient use of existing sufficiently divided main gas pipeline networks At all stages of pressure reduction in the pipeline, the gas expands and, accordingly, is cooled to very low temperatures. Until now, this cold has not been used at all and it just “chilled atmosphere”. Now we take this chill out of the reduction equipment and use it to obtain low-tonnage liquefied natural gas.

The main advantage of LNG produced by new technology is its cost. It is several times cheaper than the traditionally produced, which is liquefied by consuming significant volume of external electric power.

For delivery to consumer, we use cryogenic transport vessels: tanks, semitrailers-tanks. LNG from the transport tank can be fed to the regasification units, to cryogenic fuel tanks of motor vehicles or be transferred to the stationary storage. For its storage, double-walled tanks with walls isolated from each other to keep cold are used.

For regasification of liquefied natural gas, there is used technology, in which power consumption is reduced to almost zero in all processes, starting with gas transportation from cryogenic tank into the complex header. Three cryogenic hoses, one of which – receiving and two others of smaller diameter - for pressurization of the tank, maintain pressure, under which the LNG is sent to the distribution network. The technology does not require any energy inputs from outside – all the work on the gas delivery to the network is performed using the atmosphere pressure.

The main part of complex also operates without electricity: atmospheric evaporator that heats liquefied natural gas, facilitating its transition from liquid aggregate state to gaseous state that is in the commercial gas state suitable for transportation to consumer. This transition is carried out due to the temperature difference inside the system and outside – of the gas and the environment.

The LNG regasification stations operating on the basis of this decision, after construction of gas pipeline networks, are capable to provide gas fuel both to large industrial consumers and individual private clients, distributing gas in various volumes depending on the seasonal or daily load.

To provide consumers with gas fuel, the LNG regasification complexes may be constructed selectively without tying in to the energy sources, what is the only solution for remote industrial facilities under conditions of low fuel cost protection.

Joint experience gained by “GlobalGasGroup” LLP and “Gazprom transgaz Yekaterinburg” LLC in the area of production, regasification and low-tonnage LNG technology application shows that it has huge prospects for gasification of the territory. As the technology is cost-effective at transportation of gas to long distances, remote villages and gas stations network may be successfully and economically reasonably provided with gas.

In all cases of LNG use, the following advantages were proven in practice: lower cost (up to 2 times) in comparison with diesel fuel; much lower emission of harmful substances into the environment at its combustion (up to 70% compared to petroleum fuels); and higher environmental compatibility of LNG production and storage facilities (because of isolation and integrity of technological cycles, as well as absence of aggressive and harmful substances in technological processes).