(53ag) Facility Layout Optimization of LNG-FSRU System

Chenxi Ji, Monir Ahammad and Sam Mannan

Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center

Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering

Texas A&M University

College Station, Texas 77843-3122, USA

+1(281)684-9178, chenxiji@tamu.edu

ABSTRACT

This research presents a quantitative assessment of layout optimization of liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) system.

Compared to other loading/unloading facilities, the LNG-FSRU system has advantages on both building and operation phases such as cost-effectiveness and time efficiency, minimal impacts to the surrounding environment. Thus a quantitative study on the optimal facility sitting has been performed on the LNG-FSRU system involving simultaneously safe and economic objectives based on the Multi- Attribute Decision Analysis (MADA). Hazards are identified by Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) study, and then fault tree analysis and event tree analysis are adopted in order to monitor and control the safety performance of the LNG-FSRU system and to assess probabilities of the outcomes and overall system analysis, respectively. Three factors, i.e., operational safety index, transportation safety index and cost index are evaluated to establish utility function. In addition, sub-factors such as cryogenic risk, fire and explosion risk, ship collision risk and stranding risk were analyzed. The proposed approach was applied to a case study for the LNG-FSRU infrastructure layout parameters to optimize the construction location.

To conclude, R and AgenaRisk were applied to simulate the outputs of different scenarios so that the decision can be made by maximum utility value.