Natural gas is one of the world’s most important sources of energy, meeting over 20% of the world's energy demand. It is the most readily available hydrocarbon source with the potential as a clean energy source. The majority of natural gas is delivered by pipeline in gaseous form, however, in the past two decades, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) have become much more important in the world's energy market. Natural gas and LNG, in particular, is expected to play an essential role in the world’s transition to cleaner sources of energy.Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
LNG is natural gas in its liquid form and a secure and eco-friendly energy source. In order to liquefy natural gas, it must be cryogenically cooled to approximately -250°F ( -160°C). As a liquid, natural gas occupies only 1/600 of the gaseous volume at atmospheric pressure, allowing for economical and practical transportation or storage. This gives LNG the advantage of flexibility because it can be transported anywhere without a fixed pipeline infrastructure.
Linde Engineering combines process and engineering expertise to offer a wide range of LNG plant solutions that support the whole range of applications and capacities.
Natural gas typically contains a mixture of methane and other heavier hydrocarbon gases, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water and a range of other unwanted components. The unwanted components must be partly removed and the heavier hydrocarbons separated prior to liquefying and transporting natural gas. Linde achieves the desired mixture through a proven combination of adsorptive and cryogenic processes.
LNG must not contain more than 1% nitrogen to avoid storage problems, so many LNG base load plants also feature a nitrogen rejection unit (NRU) for safe and economical removal. Our portfolio for nitrogen rejection from natural gas includes single columns, single partitioned columns, double columns, and double columns with enrichment processes. We deliver a broad portfolio of proprietary technologies for optimum recovery and gas composition results.
- Reduce transportation volumes
- Increase heating value
- Allows for liquefaction in low-BTU (British Transfer Unit) gas
- Avoid unnecessary flaring and associated air pollution
Nitrogen removal is typically combined with the recovery of helium if it is also present. Helium is a rare gas and highly valued in the market, making its recovery and liquefaction from natural gas an attractive option even in small amounts. It is used, for example, in the space industry, MRI and NMR equipment (superconducting magnets), welding and shielding processes, lasers and optical fiber manufacturing. We offer field-proven processes and plants for the cryogenic recovery, purification, liquefaction and storage of high-purity helium.