Rigorous simulation, energy and environmental analysis of an actual baseload LNG supply chain

Abstract The liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chain utilizes significant amounts of resources due to its stringent processing requirements. Reducing such resources is economically and environmentally desirable. However, no rigorous, fully validated simulation model exists for the entire chain to serve as a powerful and cost-effective tool for optimization and other reliable analyses. In this work, we used actual data to construct a full chain rigorous simulation model spanning all units from the wellhead to transportation and regasification. In addition to key simulation results, we presented an effective systematic approach for the simulation while discussing essential operating envelopes and constraints that must be respected to obtain reliable predictions. Using the model, we performed an energy and environmental analysis to thoroughly quantify chain losses, emissions and wastes. This model will serve as the basis for a series of publications on the optimization and analysis of the LNG chain.

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