(7d) Cold Box Optimization Program

Cold Box Optimization Program (CBOP) represents the migration of standard high-value strategic technologies and services in the petrochemical process industries to the world of LNG Peakshaving. The program enables the owners and operators to modify the process variables such as the pressure and composition of the refrigerant in order to maximize their LNG production rate within the system constraints. Increased LNG production of 5% to 10% without increasing energy consumption have been proven.

Two major factors contribute to the decline in the production rate of the peakshaving facilities as they age. First is the decrease in the equipment efficiencies over time. Most peakshavers are at least 20 years old, some almost 40, and the consequent drop in the efficiencies of the key equipment such as the refrigerant compressors is inevitable and will result in production losses. Second is that almost every plant has a different feed gas today than it did when it was originally designed and operated. Since the design of the refrigeration loop is directly based on the feed gas composition, any variation in the feed gas condition can negatively impact the production rate.

Realizing the demand in the peakshaving industry to maintain their LNG production rates, CH?IV has launched the Cold Box Optimization Program, whereby owners and operators of natural gas liquefaction facilities can realize substantial benefits during the liquefaction season. The first activity in CBOP is to perform an independent diagnostic of the entire liquefaction section. Once the Diagnostic Phase has been completed the owner/operator can implement the recommendations put forth by the CBOP software. CBOP then moves to the Monitoring Phase where regular rigorous model-based performance monitoring and off-line optimization is performed to assure that the liquefaction plant continues to operate at peak efficiencies and production rates. Operating at the optimum set points and mixed refrigerant compositions can also prolong the life of equipment.