FLNG:Technological Breakthrough and Innovative Application of Existing Technologies

摘要

Shell,with a history in LNG spanning 50 years,has become the world’s largest international oil company by equity LNG production with ownership in many liquefaction projects currently in operation or under construction.We believe that floating liquefied natural gas(FLNG)will write the next chapter in the history of the industry.Our FLNG journey started in the 1990s with early stage project development followed by further design work.FLNG technology allows for the production,liquefaction,storage and transfer of LNG at sea,as well as the ability to process and export liquefied petroleum gas(LPG)and condensate.This opens up new business opportunities for countries looking to develop their gas resources and bring more natural gas to market. Shell’s FLNG uses a range of proven technologies in innovative combinations.Examples include the internal turret–selected for its suitability to tie-back complex subsea systems and harsh meteocean conditions,a double wall substructure hosting the product storage tanks,processing equipment such as the absorption columns and main cryogenic heat exchangers that have been modified to allow them to operate efficiently under marine conditions and a system of specially designed cryogenic loading arms.The safety of the FLNG facility has been paramount during its design.The layout of the facility for example has been developed using rigorous process safety standards and evaluation through Quantative Risk Assessments. The layout includes open 20 meter safety gaps across the full width of the barge between the main processing modules and escape routes at both starboard and port side,as well as through the central alley. Shell’s final investment decision(FID)for Prelude in May 2011 was the world’s first FID for a FLNG project.Shell is the operator of Prelude FLNG in a joint venture with INPEX(17.5%),KOGAS(10%) and OPIC(5%).The facility is built by a consortium of Technip and Samsung Heavy Industries(SHI), with the Goeje yard in South Korea being a key construction location. Looking forward,Shell’s FLNG philosophy is pursuing standardisation so that subsequent develop- ments can become quicker and more cost effective.Shell has also developed a FLNG solution for leaner gas fields.The so called‘FLNG Lean’can be applied on fields with lean compositions and by optimizing liquid handling and storage facilities,FLNG Lean is able to achieve higher LNG production capacities.